We didn't have any problems with finding lenses that are equivalents of a full frame 35 mm device on mirrorless APS-C sensors and we put them in the following chart.
As you can notice, the new Sigma is optically very complex – only the new Fujinon is able to beat it in this aspect. At the same time the Sigma is a bit smaller and physically lighter than the Fujinon. All other lenses in this group are noticeably lighter than the Sigma – but they are also optically simpler; the Samyang doesn't have an autofocus motor, and the Sony is a bit slower.
In the photo below the Sigma C 23 mm f/1.4 DC DN is positioned between the Fujinon XF 35 mm f/1.4 and the Sigma C 30 mm f/1.4 DC DN.
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The new Sigma lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and an immobile rear element, 20 mm in diameter. The element is set inside a well-blackened, ribbed inner tube and from this side everything seems to be properly weather-sealed.
The next part is an immobile ring made of plastics with the name and parameters of the lens, its serial number, a white dot, making the alignment with a camera easier, and some fine ribbing as well.
The next ring is already made of metal, with number '023', meaning the model year of the lens, a 'C' letter meaning the instrument is qualified as a part of the 'Contemporary' line, the focusing mechanism working range (0.25M/0.82FEET–∞), and an inscription „MADE IN JAPAN”.
Further on you see a manual focus ring, 37 mm wide, most of its surface occupied by rubber ribbing. The ring, a focus-by-wire construction, moves smoothly, and is properly damped. Its focus throw amounts to an angle of about 180 degrees. It is a very high value, allowing you very precise settings.
The lens ends with a hood mount. Its front element is immobile, 35 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens and information that it was produced in Japan, along with a non-rotating filter thread, 52 mm in diameter.
When it comes to optical construction the lens features 13 elements positioned in 11 optical groups. Among them you can find three elements made of SLD glass, and two that are aspherical in shape. Inside there's also a round aperture with 9 blades that can be closed down to a value of f/16.
Buyers get in the box with the lens: two caps, a petal-type hood. The C series instrument don't have any case added.
