Sigma Sigma Contemporary Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Canon Review
The Sigma 23mm f/1.4 delivers pro-level image quality for portraits, but its weight and autofocus hold it back from being an everyday lens.
Overview
This Sigma 23mm f/1.4 is a fantastic lens for Canon APS-C shooters who want a fast, sharp prime for portraits and low-light work. It's a bit of a one-trick pony, but it does that one trick incredibly well. The one thing you need to know is that it delivers stunning image quality and beautiful bokeh, but it's heavy and not built for a day of walking around.
Performance
The optical performance is what really stands out. It scores in the 91st percentile for bokeh and 88th for aperture, and you can feel that in the images. The f/1.4 aperture gives you creamy background blur and lets in a ton of light. The autofocus, sitting in the 47th percentile, is the only real letdown. It's fine for portraits, but don't expect it to keep up with fast-moving subjects.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Image quality is superb, with gorgeous bokeh. 91th
- The f/1.4 aperture is fantastic for low light and shallow depth of field. 89th
- Solid build quality for the price. 82th
- A perfect 37mm full-frame equivalent focal length for portraits on APS-C. 69th
Cons
- Autofocus is just okay and can feel sluggish.
- It's heavy at 587g, which feels unbalanced on smaller APS-C bodies.
- No weather sealing or image stabilization.
- Not versatile at all; it's strictly for portraits and creative shots.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 23 |
| Focal Length Max | 23 |
| Elements | 13 |
| Groups | 10 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.6 kg / 1.3 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 52 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 250 |
| Max Magnification | 1:7.3 |
Value & Pricing
At around $650, it's a good value if your main goal is portrait quality. You're paying for the optics, not the features. If you need fast AF or a lightweight walk-around lens, look elsewhere.
Price History
vs Competition
The Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a direct, cheaper competitor. It's lighter and has decent optics, but its build and autofocus are a step down. The Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro is another option if you want a slightly longer portrait focal length, and it's built like a tank, but it's also heavy. This Sigma sits in the middle: better optics than the Viltrox, but more specialized and heavier than both.
| Spec | Sigma Sigma Contemporary Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Canon | Sirui Sirui Sniper Series f/1.2 Lens Black 56mm Sony E | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Canon Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 23mm | 16mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm | 18-150mm | 55mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Mount | Canon RF | Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Canon RF | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 587 | 384 | 676 | 544 | 309 | 281 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | Zoom | — | Zoom | Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Verdict
Buy this lens if you shoot a Canon APS-C camera and want the best possible image quality for portraits and low-light work. It's a specialist, not a generalist. Skip it if you need fast autofocus for action, want a lightweight travel lens, or need weather sealing.