The 35 mm focal length is a classic – small wonder in the world of mirrorless instruments you can find a lot of 35 mm devices – these as fast aperture-wise as f/1.2- 1.4 and these a tad slower, with f/1.8-2.0 apertures. The following chart presents a comparison of the latter to the new Sigma lens. Practically in all categories the Sigma C 35 mm f/2 DG DN lands in the middle of this group. You can find lenses heavier and lighter than the new Sigma, smaller and bigger, less or more optically complex, with a better or worse minimum focusing distance, as you like it.
Still the one thing sticks out – when it comes to materials, the Sigma is made of metal only. You can't find any plastic parts - both the casing and also the hood, added to the accessory kit, are metal.
In the photo below the new Sigma is positioned between two reflex camera 35 mm lenses, namely the Canon EF 35 mm f/2 IS USM and the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM.
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The Sigma C 35 mm f/2 DG DN starts with a metal mount that surrounds contacts and a rear element, 26 mm in diameter. That element is immobile and is inserted quite shallow into the casing. The area around it is blackened and matted properly well so from this side everything looks fine.
The proper body of the lens starts with a smooth, metal ring painted black. On that ring you can find a lot of information – an inscription with the name and parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, a letter 'C' meaning the lens belongs to the 'Contemporary' series, '020' meaning the model year, a serial number, a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, and a focusing mechanism mode switch (AF/MF)
Another ring, 7.5 mm wide, controls aperture values. On both sides of the ring you can find convex ribbing, added for a firmer grip and better ergonomics. The ring has aperture marks from f/2.0 to f/22, with itermediate points every 1/3 EV, and also an A value that allows you automatic control of parameters. Its performance is beyond reproach.
Then you see an immobile part of the casing with an inscription 'MADE IN JAPAN' and the focusing mechanism range:„0.27M/0.89FEET–∞”
The next ring,13 mm wide, is used for manual focusing. It doesn't feature any markings and its main part is ribbed to improve your grip. It is a focus-by-wire construction and it moves quite smoothly. Even if you turn it quickly the focus throw amounts to over 200 degrees, a pretty high value, certainly allowing you very precise settings.
The lens ends with an immobile, metal ring on which you can find a hood mount. The mount is surrounded by a non-rotating filter thread, 58 mm in diameter.
The front element is 30 mm in diameter and it doesn't move. It is surrounded by a black fragment of casing, this time without any inscriptions.
When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 10 elements positioned in 9 groups. One element is made of low dispersion SLD glass and three others are aspherical. Inside you can also find a round aperture with nine blades which can be closed down to a value of f/22.
Buyers get in the box: a metal hood, a rear cap and two front caps – one classic, made of plastics, the other magnetic and made of metal, a really cool solution. Series C accessory kits don't include any kind of case.
