Sigma Art 60mm f2.8 DN Sample Gallery
We took Sigma's Micro Four Thirds lens out for a test drive. Here's what we shot.
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For Micro Four Thirds shooters, there are plenty of awesome lenses to choose from, but many come at a surprising price premium. Despite the MFT system's popular reputation as a smaller, cheaper alternative to bulky DSLRs, you can easily spend as much as you would for a full-frame kit if you want a set of nice wide-aperture primes.
But you're a more budget-minded consumer, spare some thought for Sigma. For years, the company has been undercutting its competition in notable ways, making great glass for much less money, and now it's making some special MFT lenses as well.
Branded as an Art lens, the Sigma 60mm F2.8 DN (MSRP $239) is one of the least expensive portrait primes for MFT cameras. Boasting excellent sharpness, a relatively wide aperture, and a very accessible price, this lens is much more capable than you'd expect.
Samples
Below are some samples shot with an Olympus E-PM2 and the Sigma Art 60mm F2.8 DN lens. Shooting locations were varied in an attempt to really stress the shortcomings of this lens/camera combo, and there are definitely a couple issues worth mentioning. The only edits made to these samples were minor levels adjustments.
No $200 lens is going to be perfect, but in the right hands this lens is a monster value.
This lens is tack sharp.
Location: Boston, MA Download full-res image here The minimum focus distance is 50 centimeters, but you'll get a very narrow depth of field if you use this setting.
A wide aperture separates your subject from the background easily—making this a great portrait lens.
Location: Purgatory Falls, Lyndeborough, NH Download full-res image here
Location: Chicago, IL Download full-res image here
A wider aperture means the ability to use a faster shutter speed in many situations.
Location: Boston, MA Download full-res image here Use a fast-enough shutter speed, and you can freeze water in time.
With Micro Four Thirds' crop factor, it's like you're using a 120mm lens (full-frame equivalent).
Location: Purgatory Falls, Lyndeborough, NH Download full-res image here
Definitely download the full version of this one. It's a shot of the sundew plant, but because it's so small, you'll need to zoom in to see it.
Location: Ponemah Bog, Amherst, NH Download full-res image here
Bokeh—or background blur—is easy to achieve, and free of obvious flaws.
Location: Purgatory Falls, Lyndeborough, NH Download full-res image here
Even the best lenses can flare in direct sunlight, as evidenced here.
Location: Castle Island, South Boston, MA Download full-res image here The sun is hiding behind that cloud, so you can see glare over the whole image—and some chromatic aberration on the edge of the airplane. Considering this is what I had to do to make an image unusable, that's not too bad.
Detail is very well-preserved.
Location: Castle Island, South Boston, MA Download full-res image here
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