A launch of a full frame 2/65 lens is a very interesting and bold move. Its focal length is a bit longer than that of 50-58 mm so it cannot be considered to be a classic standard. On the other hand portrait lenses usually start near 85 mm and if any producer wants to reduce that value they never descend lower than 70-75 mm. By the way the 70-75 mm instruments appeared on the market only recently (with an exception of the Pentax) and with these devices we decided to stack our Sigma up. Additionally, we put the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar in our chart but in this case you have to remember you deal with a macro lens. It is clear that the Sigma features a greater complexity of optics as it consists of as many as 12 elements. When it comes to physical dimensions the APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 ASPH dominates so the Sigma can hardly be called the biggest and/or the heaviest.
In the photo below the tested Sigma is positioned next to the reflex camera Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM, and the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 2/65 Macro we talked about earlier.
The Sigma C 65 mm f/2 DG DN starts with a metal mount that surrounds a contact plate and a black, matt 28×22 mm frame. Right below that frame you find a rear element which doesn't move and is 29 mm in diameter.
The proper body of the lens starts with a smooth, metal ring painted black. On that ring you can find a lot of information and features – 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)
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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 from the level of a camera menu. 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,19 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 210 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, 62 mm in diameter.
The front element is 33 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 12 elements positioned in 9 groups. One element is made of low dispersion SLD glass and two 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 at the maximum.
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.
