The following chart presents a comparison between the parameters of the tested lens and those of other mirrorless devices with similar focal lengths. The Sigma sticks out with the most complex optical design and the biggest physical length. When it comes to the minimum focusing distance, though, it lags behind its rivals.
In the photo below the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN is positioned next to another Sigma instrument as fast as f/1.4 designed for mirrorless systems, the C 30 mm f/1.4 DC DN model.
The tested lens starts with a metal mount which surrounds contacts and a rear element, 20 mm in diameter. That element doesn’t move and is situated inside a dark, well-matted and ribbed tube. The lens seems to be completely sealed from this side.
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The next part is an immobile ring; it is covered by fine ribs and features inscriptions with the name, parameters of the lens, its serial number; on that ring you can also find a white dot making an alignment with a camera easier. In the case of a Micro 4/3 specimen it has a logotype of that system.
The next immobile ring is made of metal; it features 017 number, marking the year of production, a “C” letter, meaning the lens was classified 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. It is 46 mm wide, most of its surface covered by ribbing. It is a focus-by-wire construction; it moves smoothly and is well damped. You can’t find any distance or depth of field scales. Its full working range depends on the speed of your turning.
The end of the lens consists only of a hood mount. The front element doesn’t move and it is 51 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, 67 mm in diameter.
The optical construction of the Sigma consists of 16 elements positioned in 13 groups. There are plenty of special elements among them: you get two aspherical ones, two made of low dispersion SLD glass and two others made of another kind of low dispersion FLD glass (with higher Abbe number). Inside you can also find a round aperture with nine blades.
