Launching a full frame 2/65 lens is a very interesting and a brave move. That focal length is a bit longer than 50-58 mm so it cannot be considered a classic standard; on the other hand portrait lenses usually feature a focal length of around 85 mm and if the producers reduce it is never decreased below 70-75 mm. Mind you, 70-75 mm instruments have been lauched only lately (with an exception of Pentax) and we used them while composing our chart in order to compare them with the new Sigma. Additionally, we added the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar to that group but it is a macro lens. The Sigma sticks out with the complexity of optics as it features as much as 12 elements. Still, it is hardly the biggest or the heaviest among other instruments - the chart is dominated by the APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 ASPH.
.In the following photo the Sigma is positioned next to the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM and the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 2/65 Macro, mentioned earlier.
The Sigma C 65 mm f/2 DG DN starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and a matt 28×22 mm frame. Right under that frame you can find an immobile rear element, 29 mm in diameter.
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The proper body of the lens begins with a smooth, metal ring painted black. On that ring there are a lot of features and information – an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, a letter 'C' meaning the lens belongs to the 'Contemporary' series, '020' meaning the model year, a serial number, a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, and a focusing mechanism mode switch (AF/MF)
Another ring, 7.5 mm wide, controls aperture. On both sides of the ring you can find protruding ribbing, added for a firmer grip. The ring has aperture marks from f/2.0 to f/22, with itermediate points every 1/3 EV, and also an A value that allows you automatic control of parameters. Its performance is beyond reproach.
Then you see an immobile part of the casing with an inscription 'MADE IN JAPAN' and the focusing mechanism range:„0.55M/1.8FEET–∞”
The next ring,19 mm wide, is used for manual focusing. It doesn't feature any markings and its main part is covered with ribbing to improve your grip. It is a focus-by-wire construction and it moves quite smoothly. Even if you turn it quickly the focus throw amounts to over 210 degrees, a pretty high value, allowing you very precise settings.
The lens ends with an immobile, metal ring on which you can find a hood mount. The mount is surrounded by a non-rotating filter thread, 62 mm in diameter.
The front element is 33 mm in diameter and it doesn't move. It is surrounded by a black fragment of casing, this time without any inscriptions.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 12 elements positioned in 9 groups. One element is made of low dispersion SLD glass and two others are aspherical. Inside you can also find a round aperture with nine blades which can be closed down to a value of f/22 at the maximum.
Buyers get in the box: a metal hood, a rear cap and two front caps – one classic, made of plastics, the other magnetic and made of metal, a really cool solution. Series C instruments accessory kits don't include any kind of case.
