Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM "Art"

Bokeh

We'll start our discussion of the Sigma 35mm's image quality by looking at its strongest point: the bokeh.

Bokeh Sample 1 - F1.4

This lens has the unique ability to make almost any subject, no matter how boring, look nice as a result of an extremely smooth background.  While you'll of course get the most dramatic effect at F1.4, the bokeh continues to be pleasing throughout the aperture range.  Even though the 35mm isn't a macro lens, it can still focus very close: its minimum focusing distance is 30cm, where it delivers a 1:5.2 reproduction ratio.

Bokeh Sample 2 - F1.4

Larger versions of both of these samples will be available at the end of this review.  Refer to the test photos below for examples of how the bokeh changes with aperture:

F1.4		F1.4
F2		F2
F2.8		F2.8
F4		F4
F5.6		F5.6
F8
F11
F16

Bokeh Samples - Click to Enlarge and Browse

Although bokeh is without question a highly-subjective matter, we hope that you agree that this lens delivers some stunning out-of-focus backgrounds!  The 35mm's low susceptibility to fringing further strengthens its advantage compared to other lenses. Thanks to its bokeh alone we recommend this lens for portraiture as well as close-ups, as it rivals the Pentax DA* 55mm and in our opinion renders backgrounds much more nicely than the FA 31mm F1.8, which is prone to green fringing in the background.  The DA 35mm F2.4 does come close to the Sigma, however, so we recommend that you take a look at some sample photos from it as well.