Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E Review
We've aggregated 6 high-signal reviews and 3 live retailer prices below.
Our editorial take on the Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary represents a compelling option for mirrorless shooters, finding a sweet spot that others often miss. As a cornerstone of Sigma's 'I Series', it successfully combines a premium, all-metal construction with a compact form factor, delivering a shooting experience that feels far more substantial than its 'Contemporary' label might suggest. The tactile feedback from the knurled focus and aperture rings provides a satisfying analogue feel that is often missing from modern lenses, making the simple act of creating a photo more engaging.
Optically, this lens is a stellar performer. It delivers exceptional sharpness from corner to corner, even when shooting wide open at f/2. The 65mm focal length is a clever choice, offering more compression and subject isolation than a 50mm without the tight framing of a traditional 85mm portrait lens. This makes it a surprisingly versatile prime for portraits, street photography, and general use. While the f/2 aperture isn't the absolute fastest available, it's a deliberate compromise that enables the lens's compact size and contributes to its beautifully smooth bokeh. It's a lens that doesn't just deliver technically excellent images; it's a joy to use.
- Exceptional all-metal build quality and premium feel
- Outstanding sharpness and image resolution
- Unique and versatile 65mm focal length
- Compact and well-balanced for mirrorless bodies
- Features a physical aperture ring
- Pleasing, smooth bokeh
- Maximum aperture of f/2 is slower than some competing primes
- Magnetic lens cap is stylish but easily dislodged
- Lacks comprehensive weather sealing
Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.
Best reviews
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Editorial reviews
These two lenses are the first in a new series of I series lenses from Sigma. These are designed to be compact, and they have an all-metal build, which is really nice.
The newly announced 20mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary is an ultra-wide-angle prime lens in a pretty small form factor. This is the fourth F2 lens to complement the already available 24mm, 35mm, and 65mm focal lengths.
Sigma has announced a new “I” series of full-frame mirrorless lenses. The first three lenses in this series are the 35mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, 65mm F2 DG DN | Contemporary, and the 24mm F3.5 DG DN | Contemporary.
It’s nice to see that a familiar design is going to be one of the unifying concepts for the I Series. The 65mm and 35mm lenses match the knurled design and all-metal housing of the 45mm, with one key difference being the shape of the AF mode switch, which is a bit easier to manipulate with one hand compared to the 45mm’s switch. All of the lenses also include nice metal lens hoods, and the new lenses are being packaged with metallic, magnetic lens caps.
The new I series lenses from Sigma, including the 65mm f/2, open up a lot of potential for the company, especially for photographers who prefer a compact size and unique build quality over sheer speed. This prime is a unique length that allows for some more flexibility than an 85mm. It is sharp and has smooth bokeh.
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is an ultra-sharp I series lens that offers a stunning photographic experience for mirrorless users. It is a compact, short telephoto prime that combines excellent resolving power with a small body that is perfectly weighted for mirrorless systems.
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About this product
The Sigma 65mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E is a prime lens suitable for portraiture and everyday shooting. It features a bright f/2 design, one low dispersion element, and two aspherical elements to reduce aberrations and improve clarity. A Super Multi-Layer Coating minimizes flare and ghosting, while a stepping motor provides quick and quiet autofocus.
Specs
- Weight G
- 405 g
- Dimensions
- ø: 2.8 x L: 3" / ø: 72 x L: 76.2 mm
- Focus Type
- Autofocus
- Lens Mount
- Sony E
- Filter Size
- 62 mm (Front)
- Focal Length
- 65mm
- Angle Of View
- 36.8°
- Magnification
- 1:6.67 Macro Reproduction Ratio 0.15x Magnification
- Optical Design
- 12 Elements in 9 Groups
- Maximum Aperture
- f/2
- Minimum Aperture
- f/22
- Image Stabilization
- No
- Aperture Iris Blades
- 9, Rounded
- Lens Format Coverage
- Full-Frame
- Minimum Focus Distance
- 1.8' / 55 cm
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