There is a wide selection of 1.4/35 class lenses equipped with autofocus and designed to cooperate with mirrorless cameras so we had no problems whatsoever with creating the following chart.
As you can notice, compared to its predecessor, the construction of the new Sigma is a tad more complex. You still deal with 15 elements but the number of groups increased to 12. More elements feature only the construction of the Sirui Aurora 35 mm f/1.4 but when it comes to the number of groups, the Sigma leads the way. The weight and physical dimensions, compared to the predecessor, are reduced and it is certainly a step in the right direction as the older version of this lens was one of the heaviest 1.4/35 models available on the market. Of course the newer version is hardly the smallest and the lightest because for instance the Nikkor, the Samyang, the Sony, and the Sirui weigh less.
In the photo below the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG II is positioned between the Viltrox AF 35 mm f/1.8 EVO and the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount surrounding a contact plate and an immobile rear element, 27 mm in diameter. That element is positioned just several milimeters below the contacts inside a black, properly matted tube. From this side everything looks really fine.
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A sleek, black, metal ring that quickly but smoothly increases its diameter is the first part of the proper barrel – on it you can find a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier; "026," informing you about the production year of the instrument; an inscription MADE IN JAPAN, and also the focusing mechanism working range :„0.28M/0.92FEET – ∞”.
What's interesting, this part also features an inscription stating main parameters of the lens and the logotype of the producer. Previously, they were put a bit higher.
An aperture ring, as wide as 11 mm, is the next part. Most of its surface is covered by ribbing, but the producers also managed to squeeze in aperture markings, ranging from f/16 to f/1.4, and an „A” value (automatic). The ring moves in increments of 1/3 of a stop, but you can de-click it completely. We found its performance very comfortable and really beyond reproach.
Further on, you see an immobile part covered by plastics. In case of older models it featured the company's logo, the name and parameters of the lens, and its serial number; in this model these parts are moved to a metal ring positioned closer to the mount. Instead you get one of round AFL buttons that allows you to recall a pre-set autofocus position or any other fuctions available.
The second button is positioned between the AF/MF FOCUS switch that controls the focusing mechanism and the CLICK OFF/ON switch, responsible for the aperture ring modes. On the ring, described here, you also find fine ribbing, 'A' that means the lens is qualified as a part of the Art line, and the aperture ring locking switch that offers you the A position or any position ranging from f/1.4 to f/16.
The next part of the lens's barrel is a manual focus ring, as wide as 33 mm and mostly covered by ribbing. You can't find any distance or DoF scale on it and it is a focus-by-wire mechanism. Its movements are very smooth, but it works with proper resistance. The focusing range depends on the speed of your turning. When you move the ring fast its focus throw amounts to about 180 deg; when you move it slower, you can reach even 280 deg. Both these values ensure you very precise settings.
The barrel of the lens ends with a short, immobile ring, which turns into a hood mount, a part that is added in the box with the lens. The front element is 45 mm in diameter, slightly convex, immobile, and surrounded by a non-rotating filter thread, 67 mm in diameter.
The lens is a weather-resistant construction, dust- and splash-proof. The front element is additionally covered by hydrophobic coatings, which are supposed to repel water, dust, and grease.
The producers also boast of a new AAC (Advanced Amorphous Coating) coating that is characterised by an amorphous layer with a very low refractive index. It is supposed to drastically reduce reflections that cause ghosting and flares and ensure exceptionally clear images with high contrast.
When it comes to optical construction, you deal here with overall 15 elements positioned in 12 optical groups. Among the elements, you can find two made of low dispersion SLD glass and four aspherical ones. Inside there is also a rounded aperture with 11 diaphragm blades, which can be closed down to a value of f/16.
Buyers get both caps, a petal-type hood, and a soft pouch of doubtful protective value in the box with the lens.
