When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Image: Sigma Sigma has announced a second-generation version of its full-frame 35mm F1. 2 'Art' lens, after teasing that it was coming earlier this year.
The company says the 35mm F1. 2 DG II Art, coming for Sony E and L mount, is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, while offering better optical and autofocus performance.
The lens has 17 elements in 13 groups, with four aspheric lenses and one SLD element. The original 35mm F1. 2 DG DN Art, meanwhile, had 17 elements in 12 groups, with three SLD and aspherical elements. Sigma says the new optical formula will reduce color fringing and coma. The II's extra group is thanks to a floating focus design, where there are now two focusing groups that can move independently.
Sigma says it has less focus breathing, making it more useful for video shooters
Speaking of focus, the II now has dual linear autofocus motors, versus the original's ring-type ultrasonic design. The minimum focusing distance is ever so slightly improved, now at 28cm (11. 1") instead of 30cm (11. 8"). Additionally, Sigma says it has less focus breathing, making it more useful for video shooters.
The II is also substantially smaller than its predecessor, coming in at 20% shorter and 30% lighter. In fact, it's roughly the same length as Sigma's 35mm F1. 4 lens, though it's still around 100g (3. 5oz) heavier and has a 5mm (0. 2") larger diameter. While older F1. 2 took 82mm filters, the new version now uses 72mm ones, which can sometimes be significantly cheaper.
The lens keeps its predecessor's aperture ring, which can be set as clicked or de-clicked, and adds an aperture ring lock switch. It also retains an AF-L button.
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II Art will cost $TK – TK from the $1499 MSRP of its predecessor – and will be available starting TK.
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Press release:
Sigma Announces 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art Lens, a New and Improved Successor to its High-Performance Prime
Ronkonkoma, NY, September 9, 2025 – Sigma Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan), is pleased to introduce the Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, available in late September 2025. It is designed as the successor to the Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG DN | Art released in 2019, and follows in the footsteps of the ultra-fast, high-performance 50mm F1. 2 DG DN | Art lens released last year.
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art, evolving from the original 35mm F1. 2 and following the need for a more compact lens to pair with mirrorless cameras, now features a much smaller footprint, comparable in size to the 35mm F1. 4 DG DN | Art. Autofocusing performance has been upgraded, and overall optical quality has also been improved. With its bright F1. 2 aperture, the lens is ideal for nightscape photography in addition to portraiture, landscapes, street photography, and many other genres that embrace the 35mm focal length.
Thorough correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare contributes not only to the sharpness of the image plane, but also to the bokeh effect. The lens delivers beautiful bokeh without color fringing, double-line bokeh, or any other irregularities from its maximum aperture. The 11-blade rounded diaphragm maintains a circular bokeh shape even when the aperture is stopped down.
As a result of the optical and mechanical design incorporating the latest technology, the new 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art is significantly smaller and lighter than the previous model. The filter diameter has been reduced by two sizes from 82mm to 72mm; the overall length of the lens has been shortened by approximately 20%, and the weight has been reduced by approximately 30%.
Additionally, focusing performance surpasses that of the previous model by adopting a floating focus configuration that moves two focus groups independently. Adopting the dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system, this lens has two focus groups that are each driven with individual linear motors. The floating focus system also minimizes focus breathing, making the lens suitable for video recording.
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art lens will be available in late September at authorized Sigma dealers in the US for Sony E-mount and L-Mount for a retail price of $1,549 USD.
Great made better: the exceptional resolving power and beautiful bokeh of Sigma’s world-leading 35mm F1. 2 in a smaller, lighter body
In 2019, Sigma released the 35mm F1. 2 DG DN | Art, the world's first 35mm mirrorless camera lens with an F1. 2 aperture. Six years later, Sigma is proud to introduce its successor, the 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art.
Designed and engineered with Sigma's latest technology, the 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art offers not only improved optical performance, but also greatly enhanced portability thanks to a significant size reduction of approximately 30%. With its improved design, the lens delivers unparalleled rendering power, high-resolution clarity and large, beautiful bokeh in a more portable form. Focus breathing is also effectively minimized, ensuring outstanding results not only in still photography, but also when shooting video.
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art is an exceptional, uncompromising lens that achieves the perfect balance of optical performance, brightness, compact size, light weight and ease of use.
KEY FEATURES
Unrivaled rendering power, beautiful bokeh and crystal clear images even at F1. 2
Extreme suppression of chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art offers even better optical performance than its predecessor, with brilliant clarity throughout the image, even at the fully open F1. 2 aperture. The use of SLD glass, highly refractive glass with high anomalous dispersion, and four glass-molded double-sided aspherical elements thoroughly corrects axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, while significantly reducing the lens size.
Brilliant sharpness and the large, beautiful bokeh of an F1. 2 aperture
In designing the 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art, Sigma paid special attention to correcting the various optical aberrations that affect image quality. Thanks to these meticulous efforts, the lens delivers brilliant sharpness of the in-focus plane and beautiful bokeh that suppresses color bleeding and double line bokeh. Photographers will appreciate the rich, expressive rendering qualities and the beautiful interplay between the in-focus and out-of-focus areas, especially when shooting wide open at F1. 2.
Designed to minimize focus breathing
Optimization of the focus group arrangement and aspherical shape significantly suppresses focus breathing. As a result, changes in field of view are effectively suppressed when the focusing distance is changed, making the lens an ideal choice for professional video use.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
Significantly reduced size and weight
Better performance, smaller size and lighter weight thanks to the floating focus system
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art achieves even better optical performance than its predecessor while being approximately 30% lighter and 20% shorter. A key factor behind this is the adoption of a floating focus design: by allowing the lens groups to move independently of each other, the weight of each lens group has been significantly reduced while simultaneously enhancing optical performance. Additionally, the improved optical design features four aspherical lens elements, high refractive index glass, and thinner lens elements, further contributing to its exceptional performance.
Fast and quiet autofocusing with dual HLA system
The dual HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) system drives each of the two focus groups by an individual linear motor. In addition, the use of multiple magnets in each motor allows for a compact focus unit design without sacrificing high thrust. Compared to conventional cam-driven systems, the dual HLA system is not only significantly lighter, but also guarantees fast, reliable and quiet autofocusing.
Designed and engineered for professional use
A long-lasting, reliable tool for photographic expression
Manufactured and assembled in Aizu, Japan, using high-precision parts made of aluminum, TSC*1 and other materials, the 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art is a sophisticated and durable photographic tool designed according to Sigma’s Art line specifications.
1. TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts, which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
A wealth of shooting assist functions
The lens features an AFL button that can be assigned a variety of functions on compatible cameras. In addition, the aperture ring can be locked with the dedicated lock switch and changed from clicked to declicked with the dedicated click switch.
Dust- and splash-resistant structure*2 and water- and oil-repellent coating
In addition to a dust- and splash-resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water- and oil-repellent coating, allowing photographers to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.
2. The structure is designed to be dust- and splash- resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
Petal-type hood with locking mechanism
The Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II | Art comes with a dedicated petal-type hood that shields the front element from stray light to reduce the chance of unwanted flare. The hood attaches securely to the lens with a locking mechanism.
LIST OF FEATURES
HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
Water- and oil-repellent coating
Aperture ring
Aperture ring click switch
Aperture ring lock switch
AFL button (1 location)*1
Focus Mode switch
Dust- and splash- resistant structure
Mount Conversion Service available
Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only*2)
Compatible with Sigma USB Dock UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
Every single lens undergoes Sigma’s proprietary MTF measuring system
1. Assignment of functions is limited to supported cameras and assignable functions vary depending on the camera.
2. Only cameras that are compatible with the system are allowed to use the system.
Sigma 35mm F1. 2 DG II Art specifications:
Principal specificationsLens typePrime lensMax Format size35mm FFFocal length35 mmLens mountL-Mount, Sony E, Sony FEApertureMaximum apertureF1. 2Minimum apertureF16Aperture ringYesNumber of diaphragm blades11OpticsElements17Groups13Special elements / coatings1 SLD, 4 asphericFocusMinimum focus0. 28 m (11. 02″)Maximum magnification0. 19×AutofocusYesMotor typeLinear MotorFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight745 g (1. 64 lb)Diameter81 mm (3. 19″)Length113 mm (4. 45″)SealingYesFilter thread72 mmHood suppliedYesHood product codeLH782-04. dpreview.com
2025-9-9 11:00
