The Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary lens steps into a rare corner of the APS-C lineup. Wide primes at this focal length are scarce, and that means fewer choices when you want a compact lens with a dramatic perspective. Sigma’s newest option is designed for those who need strong low-light performance, portability, and a field of view that lets you capture more of a scene without stepping back.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this detailed video highlights the Sigma 12mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary lens and shows how it fills a real gap in Sigma’s APS-C catalog. Previously, the widest in this lineup was the 16mm f/1.4, released years ago. The 12mm pushes further, giving you an 18mm equivalent on Sony and Fujifilm APS-C bodies, or about 19mm on Canon RF mount. That puts it right in the sweet spot for travel, architecture, and vlogging. Abbott points out that Sigma has refined the build, adding full weather-sealing across the lens instead of just a gasket at the mount. For Canon RF users, the aperture ring functions as a control ring, while Fuji and Sony shooters get a traditional aperture ring. Small touches like a higher-quality lens hood and nine-blade aperture design push it slightly more upscale than past “Contemporary” releases.
The video also stresses how compact this lens is compared to Sigma’s other APS-C primes. At just 8.8 oz (250 g), it’s the lightest of the series and about 20 percent shorter than the 16mm f/1.4. That makes it appealing if you’re using it on a gimbal or handheld rig for vlogging. In practice, Abbott demonstrates fast, quiet autofocus thanks to a single focusing element, which keeps focus shifts smooth and silent. He shows how the lens handles low light shooting and how eye-detection AF locked on consistently in both stills and video. Even with a wide angle field of view, shooting at f/1.4 allows for shallow depth of field when you’re up close, though Abbott notes the bokeh can sometimes show a busier “soap bubble” style.
Key Specs
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Focal Length: 12mm
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Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
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Minimum Aperture: f/16
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Lens Mount: Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony E
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Format Coverage: APS-C
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Minimum Focus Distance: 6.8" / 17.2 cm
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Magnification: 0.12x
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Optical Design: 14 elements in 12 groups
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Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
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Focus Type: Autofocus
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Image Stabilization: No
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Filter Size: 62 mm (front)
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Dimensions: ø 69 x L 67.4 mm
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Weight: 8.8 oz / 250 g
Abbott also compares it to alternatives like the Sony 11mm f/1.8 and Samyang 12mm f/2. The Sigma stands out by being a full stop faster than the Samyang and more robust in build than either option. Optically, he shows charts and samples indicating solid sharpness across most of the frame, with only slight softening in the corners that doesn’t fully disappear even when stopped down. Barrel distortion is strong but correctable through profiles, while vignetting is modest for a lens this wide and bright. Chromatic aberrations are present but reasonably controlled, and flare resistance proves stronger than cheaper rivals.
Where this lens shines most is balance. It’s small but doesn’t feel cheap, it offers speed without becoming bulky, and it lands in a price bracket that undercuts first-party options while still offering refinements you’ll notice in everyday use. Abbott demonstrates how it performed during real-world travel, from bright coastal scenes to low-light cityscapes, and the footage shows colors and contrast that look clean and natural. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
Looks like a great lens to add to the Canon APSC lineup.