Sigma Sigma Contemporary Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Nikon Z) Review
The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 creates stunning portraits for Nikon Z shooters, but its slow autofocus and lack of versatility mean it's only for specialists.
Overview
The Sigma 56mm f/1.4 for Nikon Z is a one-trick pony, but it's a really, really good trick. This lens is a portrait machine. With an 84mm full-frame equivalent field of view and a bright f/1.4 aperture, it's built to make people look amazing. Just know going in that it's a specialist. If you're shooting portraits or street candids, you'll love it. For anything else, you'll probably leave it in the bag.
Performance
The bokeh is the star here, landing in the 91st percentile. The out-of-focus backgrounds are creamy and smooth, exactly what you want for flattering portraits. The autofocus performance was a bit of a letdown, though, sitting in the 47th percentile. It's fine for posed shots, but it can hunt a little in lower light or with moving subjects. Don't expect sports-level speed.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredible bokeh quality for the price. 91th
- Sharp and fast f/1.4 aperture for great subject separation. 88th
- Lightweight and compact, perfect for a small Z-mount APS-C kit. 87th
- Solid build quality feels better than the price suggests.
Cons
- Autofocus is just okay, not great for fast action.
- No image stabilization, so watch your shutter speed.
- Not versatile at all. It's basically a portrait-only lens.
- Close-focusing ability is weak, so forget about any pseudo-macro work.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 56 |
| Focal Length Max | 56 |
| Elements | 10 |
| Groups | 6 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.7 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 55 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 500 |
| Max Magnification | 1:7.14 |
Value & Pricing
At $559, it's a solid value if you shoot a lot of portraits. You're paying for that excellent f/1.4 bokeh in a small package. If you need a more general-purpose lens, this price feels steep for such a limited tool.
vs Competition
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a cheaper alternative that gives you a more standard 52mm equivalent field of view, which is better for everyday shooting. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro is a direct competitor, offering a similar focal length for full-frame cameras, but the Sigma's optics for APS-C are likely superior for pure portrait rendering. If you own a Nikon Z APS-C body and want the best portrait lens you can get, the Sigma 56mm is the clear pick over these. If you need more flexibility, look at the Viltrox.
Verdict
Buy this lens if you own a Nikon Z50, Z30, or Z fc and want to take your portrait game to the next level. It's lightweight, creates beautiful blur, and is a joy to use for its specific purpose. Skip it if you only have one lens slot and need something for travel or video, where its slow AF and lack of stabilization become real problems.