Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II review

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Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II

30 March 2026

Maciej Latałło

4. Image resolution

Our resolution test (resolution meaning the MTF50 function values) of Sony FE lenses is based on RAW files from the 42.4 Mpix sensor of the Sony A7R II, the Sony A7R III, or the Sony A7R IIIa cameras. In the case of this kind of detector, the decency level is about 39-41 lpmm, the best fixed focal lenses have been able to slightly exceed 80 lpmm and record breaking lenses can get as high as even 90 lpmm.So far, our list of such record-breakers features the Sigma A 17-40 mm f/1.8 DC (89.9 lpmm), the Meike 85 mm f/1.4 FF STM (90.2 lpmm) and the Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM (90.9 lpmm).

Let's check how the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II performs in the frame centre, on the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor and on the edge of full frame.

Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II - Image resolution

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The results in the frame centre are simply sensational. Already at the very demanding f/1.2 aperture the resolution exceeds a high level of 60 lpmm and it improves very fast on stopping down, getting as high as near 80 lpmm. Officially the peak of its possibilities, the lens reaches by f/2.8 with a value of 84.2 lpmm.

A huge progress compared to the results of the predecessor is worth noticing here. The older lens was noticeably bigger and heavier, by f/1.2 it kept near 50 lpmm, and its maximum result amounted to less than 73 lpmm.

A comparison with other 1.2/35 class models, the Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.2 S and the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.2 LAB tested by us not so long ago, is also very informative. An appropriate graph you can find below.

Near the maximum relative aperture, the tested Sigma is better than the Nikkor but a bit weaker than the Viltrox. On stopping down, it has to admit its defeat. Of course you should remember that its results remain excellent anyway, so it can hardly be called a loser, especially that it is also the smallest and the lightest lens in this group.

These small dimensions make themselves felt on the edge of the frame. After passing from the centre to the edge of the APS-C/DX sensor the resolution decrease is quite noticeable. As a kind of consolation, you might add that later on this decrease slows down, so the results of the lens on the very edge of full frame don't differ significantly from the results on the edge of the smaller detector, an important fact.

Still, even on the edge of the frame the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II doesn't have any weak points, and it's the most significant thing. At the maximum relative aperture, the results are close to the good level of 50 lpmm and on stopping down the aperture you see impressive results as they approach almost 70 lpmm. As a result on the very edge of full frame the smallest and physically lightest Sigma has officially the highest result, amounting to 67.7 lpmm, exceeding very slightly the Viltrox and being noticeably better than the Nikkor.

The summary of this chapter has to be very positive. The new Sigma, despite reduced dimensions and weight, managed to improve its performance which is clear when you compare it to the performance of its predecessor. It can compete with its direct rivals on equal terms even though it is lighter and smaller, no mean task.

At the end of this chapter, traditionally, we present crops taken from photos of our resoluchart,chart which were saved as JPEGs along with RAWs we used for the analysis above.

A7R IIIa, JPEG, 35 mm, f/1.2