Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN Review: Leica Quality for $600 (L-Mount)
This is the second of two Sigma lens reviews I have done recently and this lens is no slouch either. The 90mm f2.8 DG DN Sigma lens is a very well made little prime lens and this particular copy is for the L mount for Leica and Panasonic cameras. I am sure Sigma makes this lens for other lens mounts as well, but I dont have that list with me so I cant speculate past that.
This is the second of two Sigma lens reviews I have done recently and this lens is no slouch either. The 90mm f2.8 DG DN Sigma lens is a very well made little prime lens and this particular copy is for the L mount for Leica and Panasonic cameras. I am sure Sigma makes this lens for other lens mounts as well, but I dont have that list with me so I cant speculate past that.
Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN: Technical Specifications
Before we dive into the hands-on experience, here are the specs:
Optical Design:
Focal length: 90mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Aperture blades: 9 (rounded for smooth bokeh)
Physical Specs:
Mount: L-mount (Leica SL/CL, Panasonic S-series)
Filter size: 55mm
Length: 2.4 inches (61.6mm)
Weight: 10.4 oz (295g)
Minimum focus distance: 19.7 inches (50cm)
Construction:
All-metal barrel
Aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents
AF/MF switch on lens barrel
Weather sealing: No (one downside vs Leica)
Price:
Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN: ~$600
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH: ~$5,395
Yeah, that's not a typo. The Leica costs nine times more than the Sigma. Let's see if that price difference is justified!
What is 90mm Good For? Use Cases and Focal Length
If you're not familiar with 90mm as a focal length, let me explain why this is such a useful lens to have:
Portrait Photography: 90mm is a classic portrait focal length! It gives you nice compression, flattering perspective, and enough working distance that you're not right in your subject's face. The f/2.8 aperture provides good subject separation without going overboard. This is what I'd grab for environmental portraits where I want context but still want the subject to stand out.
Street Photography: At 90mm, you get compressed perspective that makes street scenes feel more intimate. You can shoot from across the street without being obvious, and the focal length picks out details in a way that 35mm or 50mm just can't. It's not a run-and-gun street lens, but for deliberate composition? It's great!
Detail Work: Need to photograph architectural details, signage, or anything where you want isolation without getting too close? 90mm is perfect. I use this focal length all the time for documenting buildings and urban details in Chattanooga.
What 90mm is NOT good for: Wide landscapes (too narrow), group photos in tight spaces (you'll run out of room to back up), and anything requiring fast reaction (it's a slower, more deliberate focal length). Know your lens's strengths!
The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN with its lens hood attached. Notice how the hood is almost as big as the lens itself! This is a genuinely compact 90mm prime lens.
In the photo below you can see how small the lens actually is. The lens hood takes up almost as much space as the lens itself. That is crazy! With the all metal construction and well made optical formula, this lens is also punching up as they say.
Size comparison showing how small this lens actually is. The lens hood takes up almost as much space as the lens itself. That's crazy for a 90mm focal length! With all-metal construction and excellent optics, this little lens is punching way above its weight.
Some notable differences between the Sigma lens and my Leica counterparts are that the Sigma lens actually has an aperture ring on it that also has 1/3 stop detents. This is really nice as it allows manual aperture control to be basically mapped to a control surface that photogs are accustomed to using. If you want the usual camera control for the aperture, then simply turn the aperture ring to the “A” position and your ready to go. Ít couldn’t be simpler.
The aperture ring on the Sigma 90mm with 1/3 stop detents. This is a really nice feature that allows manual aperture control mapped to a control surface photographers are already used to. Turn it to "A" for camera-controlled aperture. Simple and intuitive!
The next thing they did on the lens that I am not so sure I like yet is to put a switch to choose between manual and automatic focus. The Leica lenses use a software control to do this and it is pretty simple to implement and once you get used to doing it that way it really is a good system. There are less openings in the lens to let water in and the control is right they with the various auto focus modes all in one spot. The Sigma system has you choose manual or auto on the lens and then if you choose auto, you have to further goto the software and choose the automatic mode you want. It makes choosing autofocus a two step affair. This is probably just a user issue where I lack practice with the lens, but this seems a little clumsy compared to the Leica process. It is possible that Leica didn’t share all the tech needed to make this happen, I don’t know, but like I said I am on the fence on this one.
The AF/MF switch on the lens barrel. This is the one design choice I'm not sold on yet. Leica lenses use software control for focus modes in one step. The Sigma requires you to switch here first, then choose the AF mode in the camera menu. It's a two-step process that feels clumsy compared to Leica's system. Still works fine, just takes getting used to!
Lastly is image quality. The Sigma has it. It produces sharp, distortion free images with good color and exposure. What more can I say here? It really is amazing what you get for the price. These lenses can run with the big boys, in my opinion, just fine. If you pixel peep deep enough you might find fault in them, but only photographers do that. The normal person never digs into the corners or zooms into 500% on a photo so I am not going to rate this lens like that either. The photos look wonderful…just look at the ones below.
Sample Photos: What This Lens Can Do
Let me show you what this lens can actually produce in real-world use. These are all shot with the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 on my Leica SL2:
Sample photo shot with the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 on my Leica SL2. Look at the sharpness, color rendering, and contrast! This lens produces distortion-free images with excellent detail. What more can you ask for at this price point?
Look at the sharpness across the frame! The colors are accurate without being oversaturated, the bokeh is smooth and not distracting, and the compression at 90mm makes these compositions work. The first photo shows how this lens handles contrast and detail in mixed lighting. The second demonstrates subject isolation at f/2.8. The third shows color rendering in challenging light.
This is what you're getting for $600. Not "budget lens performance." This is legitimate high-quality glass that happens to cost less than the Leica equivalent.
One thing to note: these photos weren't babied. I was shooting handheld in various lighting conditions, some shots were wide open at f/2.8, and I didn't do any special post-processing beyond my normal workflow. This is real-world performance, not controlled test charts!
Another example of what this lens can do. The 90mm focal length gives you nice compression and the f/2.8 aperture provides good subject separation. The bokeh is smooth and not distracting. This is Leica-quality glass at a fraction of the cost!
More proof that the Sigma 90mm delivers excellent image quality in real-world use. Colors are accurate without being oversaturated, detail is sharp across the frame, and the lens handles mixed lighting well. These aren't test charts, this is actual photography!
Final sample showing the Sigma 90mm's capabilities. Shot handheld in Chattanooga during a block party. The lens is sharp, colors look great, and the compression at 90mm makes the composition work. If you want great glass at a fraction of Leica's price, this lens is the ticket!
Sigma vs Leica: Is the Price Difference Worth It?
Let's address the elephant in the room: Leica makes a 90mm lens for L-mount. The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH costs about $5,400. The Sigma costs $600. That's a $4,800 difference.
What do you get for that extra $4,800?
The Leica advantages:
One stop faster (f/2 vs f/2.8)
APO designation (apochromatic correction, minimal chromatic aberration)
Legendary Leica color rendering and micro-contrast
Full weather sealing
Leica brand prestige (if that matters to you)
Probably slightly sharper wide open (though the Sigma is already sharp!)
The Sigma advantages:
Costs $600 instead of $5,400
Still produces excellent images (as you can see from my samples!)
Aperture ring with detents (Leica's is clickless)
Compact and lightweight
You save $4,800 that you can spend on other lenses or, you know, food!
My take: If you're a professional portrait photographer who needs f/2 and perfect optical performance for paying clients? Maybe the Leica is worth it. If you're a Leica SL2 shooter who wants excellent 90mm performance without spending a small fortune? The Sigma is absolutely the right choice.
I'd rather have the Sigma 90mm f/2.8 plus a Sigma 35mm and 65mm for the same price as one Leica 90mm. That's three lenses versus one! Unless you're chasing that last 5% of optical perfection, the Sigma is the smart buy.
Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Sigma 90mm f/2.8
Let me break down the good and the not-so-good about this lens:
What I Love (Pros):
Image quality is excellent: Sharp, great color, minimal distortion
Compact size: Fits easily in a bag, lens hood is bigger than the lens!
Aperture ring with detents: Manual aperture control feels great
All-metal construction: Feels solid and well-made
Price: $600 vs $5,400 for the Leica equivalent
Real f/2.8: Not a variable aperture zoom, consistent light gathering
What I Don't Love (Cons):
Two-step focus mode selection: AF/MF switch on lens PLUS software menu selection feels clumsy compared to Leica's one-step software control
Only f/2.8: If you need f/2, you'll have to step up to the Leica (and pay 9x more)
No weather sealing: Leica lenses are weather sealed, this isn't
Learning curve: Takes some getting used to if you're coming from Leica's system
Who Should Buy This Lens:
Leica SL2 or Panasonic S-series shooters on a budget
Portrait photographers who want 90mm without spending $5,000+
Anyone building an L-mount lens kit and prioritizing value
Street photographers who like compressed perspective
Photographers who appreciate manual aperture rings
Who Should Skip This Lens:
People who absolutely need f/2 or faster
Photographers who require weather sealing for their work
Anyone who already owns the Leica 90mm f/2 (obviously!)
Wide-angle shooters (this isn't your lens!)
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Sigma 90mm F2.8 DG DN for L Mount
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Final Thoughts
So in conclusion, if you want great glass at a fraction of the cost of Leica, this lens is just the ticket. Sigma has done a complete 180 from the last time I used one over a decade ago and that makes me happy.
Here's my bottom line: The Sigma 90mm f/2.8 DG DN is the lens Leica SL2 shooters should buy if they can't justify $5,400 for the Leica version. And honestly? Most people can't and shouldn't justify that price difference. The Sigma produces excellent images, feels solid, and costs less than many Leica lens hoods!
The only real downsides are the two-step focus mode selection (which is a user interface annoyance, not a deal-breaker) and the lack of weather sealing. If those don't bother you, this lens is a no-brainer for L-mount shooters.
Sigma has seriously stepped up their game in recent years. I remember using Sigma lenses a decade ago and being underwhelmed. These new DG DN lenses for mirrorless mounts? They're competitive with first-party glass at a fraction of the price. This is exactly what the L-mount system needs—excellent third-party options that don't compromise on quality.
Would I rather have the Leica 90mm f/2? Sure, if someone else is paying for it! But would I rather have the Sigma 90mm plus four other Sigma primes for the same money? Absolutely. That's the math that makes sense for most photographers.
Now get your camera out and go take a picture with it!
Sigma 65mm f/2.0 Review: 98% of Leica Quality for $700 (L-Mount)
The Goldilocks Focal Length: 65mm sits right between the standard 50mm and the classic portrait 75mm. It's not quite as wide as 50mm (which can be too wide for portraits), and it's not quite as tight as 75mm or 85mm (which can feel too compressed for some situations). It's just right!
So a good friend loaned me his lens. One of my subscribers that I have grown to know over the years offered to send me a couple of his Sigma lenses and let me use them for a while as review samples for you guys.
The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 mounted on my Leica SL2. You can see the physical aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents (one of my favorite features!). The lens is compact, well-made, and delivers 98% of Leica glass quality for $699 instead of $5,000!
Technical Specifications and Pricing
Before we dive deeper, here are the specs for the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN:
Optical Design:
Focal length: 65mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.0
Minimum aperture: f/22
Aperture blades: 9 (rounded for smooth bokeh)
Optical design: 14 elements in 11 groups
Physical Specs:
Mount: L-mount (Leica SL/CL, Panasonic S-series)
Filter size: 62mm
Length: 2.8 inches (72mm)
Weight: 14.3 oz (405g)
Minimum focus distance: 21.7 inches (55cm)
Construction:
All-metal barrel
Weather-resistant construction
Aperture ring with 1/3 stop detents
AF/MF switch on lens barrel
Smooth focus ring (encoder design)
Price:
Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN: ~$699
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: ~$4,995
Yeah, you read that right. The Leica costs seven times more than the Sigma. And yet, as I'll explain, the Sigma delivers 98% of the image quality! Let's dig into that comparison.
Why 65mm? The Perfect In-Between Focal Length
If you're not familiar with 65mm as a focal length, let me explain why this is such a sweet spot:
The Goldilocks Focal Length: 65mm sits right between the standard 50mm and the classic portrait 75mm. It's not quite as wide as 50mm (which can be too wide for portraits), and it's not quite as tight as 75mm or 85mm (which can feel too compressed for some situations). It's just right!
Perfect for Portraits: At 65mm, you get flattering compression for portraits without being so tight that you're standing way back from your subject. The working distance is comfortable, and the perspective is naturally flattering for faces. This is actually very close to what the classic 75mm Summilux or 85mm portrait lenses give you, but slightly more versatile.
Great for Street Photography: For street work, 65mm gives you enough reach to pick out details and compress scenes without being so long that you can't work in tighter spaces. I love using this focal length for environmental portraits on the street where I want the subject to stand out but still have context.
Comparison to Other Focal Lengths:
50mm: Wider, more environmental, great for general use but can be too wide for portraits
65mm: Perfect balance, flattering for portraits, good for street, versatile!
75mm/85mm: Tighter compression, classic portrait lenses but less versatile for general use
90mm: Even tighter, requires more working distance, more specialized
The 65mm focal length is honestly underrated. It's not as common as 50mm or 85mm, but once you use it, you understand why it's special!
I really appreciate your offer Hassan and look forward to the day when we finally get to link up and go out on a photowalk together!
Hassan packed up two of his beautiful Sigma primes and sent them up for a look. He sent his 65mm f2 DG DN and his 90mm f2.8 DG DN. Both of these are in Leica’s L mount as Hassan has a Panasonic Lumix camera that is also in L mount due to the L mount alliance between Leica, Sigma and Panasonic.
The first impression of this lens is the darn thing is tiny. This lens is really small, this is awesome as it means it makes the system really compact. The next thing I noticed right away is how nice the build is, all metal construction for the major parts, including the lens hood from what I can tell. Really nice fitment of the lens components so there really is no play in the mating parts. Parts designed to move, like the aperture ring, move only in the direction they are designed to move in. The machine work and fitment is nicely executed from what I can tell.
The next thing I noticed is how fast the focus works, just understand this…it is fast. How fast? Well, it is fast enough to get the shot for me. it is not as fast as my native Leica glass, but it is plenty fast enough for my personal use. I don’t have a way to measure the focus speed, but it works great and I have no complaints about it.
Sample Photos: What This Lens Can Do
Let me show you what this lens actually produces in real-world use. This is shot with the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 on my Leica SL2 during a photowalk around Chattanooga:
Panning blur shot of bicycle riders at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga. This demonstrates how fast and accurate the Sigma 65mm autofocus is! Catching moving subjects with motion blur requires precise focus while panning, and the lens handled it perfectly.
This photowalk sample shows what I meant by "98% of Leica glass." Look at the sharpness, the rendering, the color! This is what you're getting for $699. Not "budget lens performance." This is legitimate high-quality glass that happens to cost seven times less than the Leica equivalent.
The compact size of this lens means I actually carry it more often than I would a bigger, heavier lens. And the 65mm focal length is just perfect for the kind of environmental portraits and street photography I love to do around Chattanooga.
Sigma vs Leica: 98% of the Quality at 14% of the Price
Let me be really clear about something: I said this lens is 98% of my Leica glass in every conceivable way. That's not marketing speak. That's my honest assessment after using both extensively.
The Price Difference is Staggering:
Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN: $699
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH: $4,995
That's a $4,296 difference. The Sigma costs 14% of what the Leica costs. Let me repeat that: you're paying seven times less for the Sigma!
What Does the Leica Give You?
APO designation (apochromatic correction for minimal chromatic aberration)
10mm longer focal length (75mm vs 65mm)
Probably slightly better micro-contrast and "Leica rendering"
Full weather sealing
Leica red dot (if that matters to you)
Possibly marginally sharper in the absolute corners (maybe?)
What Does the Sigma Give You?
98% of the image quality for $699 instead of $5,000
Still laser sharp with wonderful rendering
Physical aperture ring with detents (Leica's is clickless)
Compact and lightweight
Weather-resistant construction
You save $4,296 that you can spend on other lenses or, you know, rent!
The "You Couldn't Tell" Challenge: I said you wouldn't be able to tell if I showed you two photos and asked which came from which lens. I stand by that! The Sigma produces images that are sharp, well-rendered, with beautiful colors and smooth bokeh. Unless you're pixel-peeping at 500% zoom in the corners, you're not going to see a meaningful difference in real-world photography.
My Take: If you're a professional portrait photographer who needs the absolute best optical performance and has paying clients who justify the expense? Maybe the Leica makes sense. But for 99% of photographers, including serious enthusiasts and working pros, the Sigma 65mm f/2 is the smarter choice. I'd rather have the Sigma 65mm, 35mm, and 90mm for the price of one Leica 75mm!
The Sigma isn't "almost as good as Leica." It's "actually just as good for any practical purpose, and you save $4,300."
The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 mounted on my Leica SL2 with the aperture ring showing the 1/3 stop detents (one of my favorite features!). The lens is compact, well-made, and delivers 98% of Leica glass quality for $699 instead of $5,000!
Another thing I want to mention here is that the interaction with the lens is different than my Leica glass. Sigma approaches the aperture and the manual focus modes differently that Leica. I will be honest here, I kinda like the Sigma approach to aperture better too. The Leica lens is all software controlled, there are no external controls on Leica L mount glass except for the focus ring, so you use the camera’s controls to adjust everything. On the Sigma, the aperture control is on the lens, which is nice in my opinion. It has aperture choices in 1/3 stop clicks from f2 to f22 and then you can roll the aperture ring around to “A” for auto mode and the camera now has full control of the aperture just like the SL primes.
The manual /. auto focus switch is not one of my favorite features, but it works none the less.
The other thing that Sigma does is something I am on the fence about. The manual focus is a switch selection on the lens itself. I dont know why they chose this way to control this function and to be honest, it is not my favorite way of doing this function. It might be that Leica’s firmware prevents Sigma from exploiting manual focus without it. I really don’t know why, but the focus ring is an encoder design which means it is not mechanically connected to the focus helicoid in the lens. One would think this would be how it would be designed if there was a mechanical switch separating the two modes. All that to say my thoughts of this lens are that it is a great lens, especially for the money and you can get them about anywhere. Well done Sigma, well done.
Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Sigma 65mm
Let me break down the good and the not-so-good about this lens:
What I Love (Pros):
Image quality is 98% of Leica: Laser sharp, wonderful rendering, you couldn't tell the difference
Compact size: "Darn thing is tiny" makes the system really portable
Aperture ring with detents: I prefer this over Leica's all-software control
All-metal construction: Feels solid and well-made
Price: $699 vs $4,995 for the Leica equivalent (seven times less!)
Fast autofocus: Fast enough for real use, no complaints
Build quality: Nice fitment, no play in parts, professional feel
65mm focal length: Perfect sweet spot between 50mm and 75mm
What I Don't Love (Cons):
AF/MF switch on lens: I'm on the fence about this vs Leica's software-only approach
Slightly slower AF than native Leica: Not as fast as Leica glass (but still plenty fast!)
Focus ring is encoder design: Not mechanically connected to focus helicoid
No dedicated "Art" line features: This is the DG DN "Contemporary" line, not Art
Who Should Buy This Lens:
Leica SL2 or Panasonic S-series shooters on a budget
Portrait photographers who want 65mm/75mm without spending $5,000
Street photographers who love the 65mm focal length
Anyone building an L-mount kit and prioritizing value over badge
Photographers who appreciate physical aperture rings
People who want Leica-quality images without Leica prices
Who Should Skip This Lens:
People who absolutely need the fastest autofocus for sports
Photographers who already own the Leica 75mm f/2 (obviously!)
Anyone who values brand prestige over practical performance
People who need weather sealing for extreme conditions (Sigma is weather-resistant, not fully sealed like Leica)
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN
Is the Sigma 65mm f/2.0 really 98% as good as Leica glass?
Yes! I said it in the review and I stand by it: this lens is 98% of my Leica glass in every conceivable way. The images are laser sharp, the rendering is wonderful, and if I showed you two photos (one from Sigma, one from Leica) you would not be able to tell which is which. The Sigma 65mm f/2 costs $699 versus $4,995 for the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2. You're getting 98% of the performance at 14% of the price. Unless you're pixel-peeping at 500% zoom, the practical difference is negligible!
Does the Sigma 65mm work with Leica SL2?
Absolutely! The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is made specifically for L-mount, which includes Leica SL, SL2, SL2-S, CL, and Panasonic S-series cameras. It's a native L-mount lens with full electronic communication, autofocus, and image stabilization support. No adapter needed. I've been using it on my Leica SL2 and it works perfectly. This is one of the best third-party options for Leica shooters who want to save money without compromising image quality!
Why 65mm instead of 50mm or 75mm?
65mm is the perfect in-between focal length! It sits right between the standard 50mm and the classic portrait 75mm. At 65mm, you get flattering compression for portraits without being so tight that you need tons of working distance. For street photography, it gives you enough reach to compress scenes without being too long for tighter spaces. Think of it as a Goldilocks focal length: not too wide like 50mm, not too tight like 85mm, just right! Once you use 65mm, you'll understand why it's special.
How is the Sigma 65mm autofocus speed?
The autofocus is fast! I said in the review "it is fast enough to get the shot for me." It's not quite as fast as my native Leica glass, but it's plenty fast for portraits, street photography, and general use. I was able to shoot panning blur photos of passing bicycle riders at Coolidge Park with no issues. For sports or action where you need the absolute fastest AF, native Leica might be marginally better, but for 95% of photography? The Sigma is more than fast enough!
What's the difference between Sigma Contemporary and Art lenses?
The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is part of Sigma's "Contemporary" line, which focuses on compact size and portability while maintaining excellent optical quality. The "Art" line prioritizes ultimate optical performance over size and weight. For the 65mm, Sigma chose the Contemporary designation, which makes sense because this lens is genuinely tiny and lightweight. You're not giving up meaningful image quality by getting Contemporary instead of Art. This lens punches way above its weight!
Does the Sigma 65mm have an aperture ring?
Yes, and it's one of my favorite features! The aperture ring has 1/3 stop detents from f/2 to f/22, giving you tactile feedback and precise manual control. If you prefer camera-controlled aperture, just turn the ring to "A" for auto mode. I actually prefer Sigma's physical aperture ring approach over Leica's all-software control. It's faster to adjust and you get physical feedback. The Leica SL lenses don't have aperture rings at all, it's all done through camera menus!
Is the Sigma 65mm sharp?
Laser sharp! I said it in the review and the sample photos prove it. The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 is sharp wide open at f/2, and stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 it's incredibly sharp across the entire frame. The rendering is wonderful, colors are accurate, and the 9-blade aperture creates smooth bokeh. If you compare it to the $5,000 Leica 75mm f/2 at pixel-level, you might find minor differences in the absolute corners. But for real-world photography? You won't see a difference. This lens is sharp enough for any professional application!
Should I buy the Sigma 65mm or save up for the Leica 75mm?
Buy the Sigma unless you have $4,300 burning a hole in your pocket! The Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 costs $4,995. The Sigma costs $699. That's a $4,296 difference! With that money saved, you could buy the Sigma 65mm, 35mm, and 90mm, giving you a complete prime lens kit for less than the cost of one Leica lens. The Leica is objectively excellent, but the Sigma is subjectively smarter for most photographers. Only buy the Leica if you're a working pro who needs that last 2% of performance for paid work, or if you just really want that red dot!
How compact is the Sigma 65mm?
It's tiny! I said "the darn thing is tiny" in the review because it genuinely surprised me. At 2.8 inches long and 14.3 ounces, it's significantly more compact than comparable lenses. This makes the system really portable, which is important for Leica SL2 shooters who value compact systems. The all-metal construction means it still feels substantial and well-made despite the small size. It's the perfect travel lens because it doesn't weigh down your bag!
What's the AF/MF switch issue you mentioned?
The Sigma has a physical AF/MF switch on the lens barrel, which means you have to switch the lens to AF mode, then use the camera menu to select which AF mode you want. Leica lenses do everything in software with one step. The Sigma approach works fine, it's just a two-step process that feels slightly clumsy compared to Leica's one-step software control. I said I'm "on the fence" about it because it works, but Leica's approach is more elegant. It's a minor user interface quirk, not a deal-breaker!
Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy the Sigma 65mm
Thank you for reading my thoughts on the Sigma 65mm f2 DG DN lens that Hassan loaned me for my Leica SL2. It has been an adventure for me.
Here's my bottom line: The Sigma 65mm f/2.0 DG DN is 98% of Leica glass quality at 14% of the price. That's not hyperbole. That's my honest assessment after extensive use.
Hassan, thank you for trusting me with your beautiful lenses! This 65mm has honestly made me reconsider my lens buying strategy. Why am I spending $5,000 per Leica lens when Sigma is producing glass this good for $700? The practical performance difference is negligible for the kind of photography I do.
The only real downside is the AF/MF switch on the lens, which feels slightly clumsy compared to Leica's software-only approach. But that's a minor user interface quibble, not a deal breaker. The image quality, build, size, and price make this lens a no brainer for L mount shooters.
If you're shooting Leica SL2 or Panasonic S series and want excellent 65mm performance without spending $5,000, this is your lens. Period. Sigma has seriously stepped up their game with these DG DN mirrorless lenses. They're not just "good for the price." They're genuinely excellent, full stop.
I look forward to the day when Hassan and I can finally link up and go out on a photowalk together! Maybe by then I'll have bought my own copy of this lens because honestly? It's earned a permanent spot in my bag…or should I say “on my shelf” lol.
Now get your camera out and go take a picture with it!
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Sigma 65mm f2.0 DG DN Lens L mount
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