Sigma 30mm F2 8 DN A Review | 54 Data compared

The Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN is a sharp and impressively compact prime lens designed for Sony (NEX) and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera systems. Testing reveals exceptional image quality, achieving 2,144 lines per picture height at its widest aperture, which far exceeds standard sharpness requirements and peaks at 2,256 lines when stopped down to f/5.6. The physical build includes a solid metal barrel available in silver or black, a smooth manual focus ring, a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches, and an included reversible lens hood and soft case. Because sensor sizes differ across systems, it provides a 45mm full-frame equivalent field of view on Sony APS-C sensors, but functions like a tighter 60mm lens on Micro Four Thirds bodies. The core advantages of this lens are its low budget-friendly price point, minimal distortion, edge-to-edge sharpness at every aperture, and highly portable form factor weighing only 4.9 ounces. However, it has notable drawbacks, including a relatively modest maximum aperture of f/2.8 for a prime lens, a lack of built-in optical image stabilization, and limited close-up macro capabilities. While Panasonic or...

The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN Art is a highly compact and lightweight prime lens designed for Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, retailing at an affordable $199. This updated "Art" version introduces a significantly improved, all-metal exterior finish and ships with a dedicated polycarbonate lens hood. Optically, the lens delivers excellent center-to-corner sharpness, reaching its sweet spot between f/4 and f/5.6. It exhibits exceptional control over chromatic aberration and distortion compared to its predecessor, alongside near-silent, rapid autofocus driven by an inner-focusing linear motor.

The ePHOTOzine review of the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN A highlights an exceptionally lightweight 130-gram lens featuring robust construction, a metal mount, and a convenient internal focusing system with a 30cm minimum focus distance. It is praised for fast, quiet autofocus, excellent sharpness, and suitability for compact cameras. However, a significant drawback is the disconcerting rattle from loose internal elements when the lens is powered off, which is normal for this design but can be unsettling to users.

The Sigma E-Mount Art series lenses (19mm, 30mm, and 60mm f/2.8 DN) are highly affordable, lightweight APS-C prime lenses that offer significant improvements over previous generations. Tested on a Sony NEX-6 camera body, the trio delivers impressive image quality, contrast, and color definition. A notable highlight is their vastly improved linear autofocus motor, which provides smooth, quiet, and consistent transitions that make them well-suited for video recording. Optically, the 60mm stands out as the sharpest performer and serves as an excellent budget portrait option (equivalent to 90mm), followed in optical quality by the 30mm standard lens and the 19mm wide-angle option. However, the reviewer noted a few structural and performance drawbacks. On the downside, the lenses feature a floating internal lens group that rattles when shaken, which can make the overall build feel somewhat cheap despite the durable brass bayonet mounts. The sleek, black satin finish on the focus rings acts as a major fingerprint magnet. There are also no physical manual switches on the barrel for switching focus modes. At the time of the review, the autofocus only supports...

The PCMag review highlights the Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN as an excellent, budget-friendly prime lens for mirrorless cameras, delivering outstanding optical performance, exceptional sharpness, and low distortion. Retailing for under $200, the compact lens boasts a metal build and includes a hood and case, making it an ideal choice for everyday, edge-to-edge sharp photography. Key drawbacks include the moderate f/2.8 maximum aperture, a complete lack of optical image stabilization, and limited close-focusing capabilities. Despite these limitations, the lens is considered a high-value option for, as it outperforms more expensive rivals in sharpness tests.

The Sigma 19mm, 30mm, and 60mm F2.8 DN lenses are described as compact, budget-friendly options that deliver excellent optical quality, particularly with the 60mm's portrait performance. They are considered highly portable "pocket lenses" suitable for Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds systems, offering great value for money. DPReview However, the lenses suffer from limited phase-detect autofocus coverage on cameras like the Sony a6000, causing focus hunting at the frame edges, and their "Art" designation is debated due to their budget build. Despite these limitations, the review concludes they are a satisfying, capable choice for mirrorless photographers.