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The following chart presents a comparison between basic parameters of the tested Sigma and other 11-13 mm lenses with autofocus that are designed to cooperate with APS-C/DX sensors.

The Sigma C 12 mm f/1.4 DC is a really small, lightweight lens for its ultra wide angle of view and an excellent f/1.4 aperture. It's true that Sony and Samyang models weigh less (the Samyang only slightly so) than the Sigma but they also are slower aperture-wise. On the other hand the Viltrox, being bigger and heavier than the Sigma, provides a narrower angle of view.

In the photo below the tested Sigma is positioned between the manual version of the Samyang 2/12 and the Sony E 11 mm f/1.8.

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The tested lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and a rear element, 19 mm in diameter, that is positioned right below the contacts. It doesn't move, surrounded by a black, properly matted tube. From this side the lens is properly sealed and everything looks as it should.

A black, smooth, immobile ring made from plastics is the next part. On it you see the name and parameters of the lens, a Contemporary series mark, a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, the new logotype of the producer, changed not so long ago, 025 number, meaning the model year, and information about the focusing distance (0.172M/0.565FEET – ∞) and a country of origin (MADE IN JAPAN).

Further on you find an aperture ring just 6 mm wide, the majority of its surface covered by ribs that make your grip firmer. In the middle of the ring you find aperture markings from f/1.4 to f/16 along with an 'A' position that switches the aperture control into the automatic mode. The ring moves properly well every 1/3 EV step but the producers don't allow you to make it decklicked, a slight disappointment for filmmakers.

A manual focus ring, 30 mm wide, is the biggest part of the barrel of the tested lens. It comes without any distance or/and depth of field markings, most of its surface covered by rubber ribbing.

The ring is a focus-by-wire construction and its work culture is exemplary. It is properly damped but, after the initial resistance, it moves smoothly and comfortably, giving you an impression that you deal with a top-of-the-range mechanism. Running through the whole distance scale needs a turn through an angle of about 180-190 degrees when you move it faster and about 220 degrees when you move it slower. These are values high enough to ensure you precise settings.

An enlargened ring with an edge that features a hood mount, is the last part of the lens.

The front element is slightly convex, immobile, 34 mm in diameter, surrounded by a part of the barrel with dark inscriptions stating basic parameters of the lens along with its production country. Then you find a non-rotating filter thread, 62 mm in diameter.

When it comes to the optical construction you deal here with as many as 14 elements positioned in 12 optical groups. Among them you can find two low dispersion SLD elements and two that are double aspherical. Inside there is also a round aperture with nine diaphragm blades that can be closed down to a value of f/16.

Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, a petal-type hood, and a soft pouch.