I personally use most of these Sigma lenses for my Sony a7III and I will be talking about my experience with them.
The lenses I have chosen to talk about in this article are ultra-wide to super-zoom and all of them are great in their own way. They are in no particular order since choosing a lens is a very subjective thing, what works for me might not work for someone else.
We’re going to take a look at 7 of the best Sigma lenses for Sony a7III and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Best Sigma Lenses for Sony a7III
1. Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG DN Art
I’m gonna start with this super popular 85mm!
The all-new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lens is the newer version of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens.
Pros:
- Outstanding sharpness
- Rocket fast autofocus
- Soft bokeh
- More compact compared to other 85mm f/1.4 lenses
Cons:
- Some vignetting
Image Quality: The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens produces tack-sharp images with minimal vignetting, so every detail of your special day will be captured with utmost clarity.
The bokeh it produces is smooth and creamy. It’s perfect for portraits! That’s why I love using this lens with my Sony a7III when shooting weddings.
Autofocus: Now, let’s talk about the autofocus performance. The Sigma lens excels in this department, offering reliable and accurate autofocus, including face and eye detection. It’s fast and consistent and I never had any problems with it. It’s such a pleasure to work with this lens!
Build Quality: First things first, let’s talk about its size and weight. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens is smaller and lighter than its older model and even the Sony G Master 85mm f/1.4 lens.
Well, when I’m running around capturing candid shots and navigating through bustling wedding venues, I really appreciate the lightweight nature of this lens. Allowing me to move swiftly and capture those epic moments effortlessly.
Additionally, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN is a part of the Art line, known for its top-quality construction. It’s built to withstand dust and splashes, so you can confidently take it out in any weather condition without worrying about ruining your precious equipment.
Price: Now, let’s dive into the money talk. The Sigma lens comes with a price tag of around $1,200, which is a sweet deal considering the top-notch quality it offers.
On the other hand, the Sony G Master lens will set you back $1,800. But hey, if you’re on a tighter budget, you can also consider the Sony 85mm f/1.8 lens, which comes in at a more affordable $600. Plenty of options to suit your wallet!
Who is it for: Portrait shooters, wedding photographers, videographers, and sports shooters (yes, you read it right!), that are looking for a modern lens
Alternatives: Sigma 105mm f1.4
2. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens
The Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM ART lens is a 2x zoom lens with a blazing fast maximum aperture that belongs to Sigma’s Art range. This baby is all about flexibility, allowing you to compose your shots with ease and freedom.
It has no front filter thread but it has one on its rear. Hhmmm… That’s a bit odd, isn’t it? The lens’s front element protrudes too far! That’s the sole reason why.
Pros:
- The lens provides compositional flexibility with its zoom range.
- It delivers great image quality, especially in terms of sharpness and optical performance.
- The fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows for good low-light performance.
Cons:
- Some chromatic aberration may be noticeable when shooting wide open.
- The lens is relatively heavy, weighing about 2.65 lbs.
- Sigma’s own 20mm f/1.4 lens offers significant competition in terms of value for money.
Image Quality: One of the major pros of this lens is the mind-blowing image quality it delivers. My photos pop with vibrant colors and incredible sharpness, thanks to Sigma’s top-notch optical technology.
This lens delivers razor-sharp images from edge to edge, with minimal drop-off towards the corners. It keeps that notorious purple fringing at bay.
And let’s not forget that fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. It allows me to shoot at night without having to worry about the lack of light. Even at f/2.8, I wouldn’t worry about too much noise in my photos since the a7III has an amazing sensor that does a great job minimizing noise at high ISOs.
But when shooting wide open, I encountered a small amount of chromatic aberration. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Autofocus: The lens utilizes Sigma’s HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) autofocus system, which is silent but relatively slow in terms of response time.
While it may not be the fastest autofocus system available, it is still adequate for most applications. Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you’re a landscape and astrophotographer, you’re probably not going to use a lot of autofocus anyway.
Build Quality: Now, let’s talk about weight. This lens is no featherweight, tipping the scales at 2.65 lbs. So, if you’re looking for a lens that won’t strain your arms during long shoots, you might want to consider other options.
With a combination of brass and tough plastic materials, this lens is ready to take on any adventure, while also keeping water and dust at bay.
Price: This lens is a true contender when it comes to bang for your buck. Compared to similar lenses from other brands like Nikon, Canon, and Sony, the Sigma 14-24mm holds its ground and even gives them a run for their money. You don’t have to break the bank to get that optical quality you crave.
Who is it for: Astrophotographers, landscape, travel, and architectural photographer that craves image quality without breaking the bank.
Alternatives: Sigma 17 f/4 DG DN, Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM ART(a fantastic astrophotography lens), Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art.
3. Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN ART
This is a much-improved version of its predecessors that came before it in basically every way. It has a more modern, sleek design that’s pleasing to the eyes and more ergonomic too!
Pros:
- Excellent image quality, even at wide apertures.
- Competitive pricing compared to similar lenses.
- Good build quality with weather sealing.
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance.
- Improved sharpness and reduced chromatic aberrations compared to the previous version.
Cons:
- Some slight fringing may be observed in high transition areas.
- Vignetting is moderate at f/1.4 but can be corrected in post-processing.
Image Quality: First, I would like to point out that this lens delivers incredible image quality, even at F1.4. The bokeh rendering is beautiful as well as the colors. There is an improvement in the consistency of sharpness across the frame compared to the previous version of the lens.
Portrait and wedding photographers like myself will love this lens for its fast aperture and beautiful bokeh.
I haven’t noticed any issues with vignetting or chromatic aberration, even at wide open. CA, vignetting, and barrel distortion are all well-controlled.
Autofocus: I’m absolutely blown away by the autofocus performance. The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DN ART focuses quickly and accurately even in low-light situations. I have used this lens for shooting portraits, wedding photos, and landscape photography.
And because of its amazing autofocus performance, I can always depend on the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DN ART to capture my subject in focus, regardless of the situation.
Build Quality: Next, its build quality is superb. It includes weather sealing too, making it a perfect lens to use in harsh environments. I wouldn’t mind using it in the rain or snow. But of course, I will definitely use it for shorter periods of time.
The lens is designed with a new lip on the front to hold a lens heater for shooting in cold, moist conditions. Neat!
Moreover, the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DN ART features a variety of textures for functional and aesthetic purposes, including a rubberized section on the lens hood.
Price: The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN ART lens is priced lower than competing Sony GM lenses, making it a more affordable option.
Who is it for: Travel and landscape photographers, wedding photographers and videographers, and portrait shooters.
Alternatives: – Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, Sigma 20mm f2 DG DN
4. Sigma 35MM DG DN Art f/1.2
The only Sigma lens with an f/1.2 aperture. Should we expect bokehlicious images then?
The Sigma 35mm DG DN F/1.2 is a fast, wide-angle prime lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Pros:
- Impressive image quality, even at wide apertures.
- Excellent low-light capabilities and dreamy bokeh.
- Good build quality and durability.
Cons:
- The lens is large and heavy, which may be a consideration for some photographers.
- Slower autofocus compared to Sony lenses.
- The manual focus ring may require some practice due to its focus-by-wire nature.
Image Quality: Now, I know everyone is wanting to read this and yes, it is a BOKEH MONSTER! Perfect for showing off your Instagram game. In fact, its gorgeous bokeh is a key feature for those interested in creating a unique look.
The Sigma 35MM DG DN Art f/1.2 delivers extremely sharp images at f/1.2. However, I noticed that there are occasional fringing issues, particularly purple fringing, though they are rare.
This is my highly use lens for portraits due to its beautiful colors, dreamy bokeh, and sharpness. I love it! It’s also a great lens for low-light photography.
Autofocus: Now, since its hypersonic stepping motor needs to move large chunks of glass, its autofocus is noticeably slower than other lenses in its class.
This is something that you will have to get used to and accept if you want the best bokeh in your images. It’s simply unavoidable when using such a fast and big lens.
Build Quality: Being a part of the Art lineup, we should expect a solid, well-built lens with a high-quality feel. The Aperture ring has a smooth and pleasant resistance to it, the focus ring is really nice and smooth to use. It has a metal body that is designed to be very durable, but it is still rather heavy.
Price: Its pricing is fair considering the quality and performance that you get. In comparison to Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM, it is a bit cheaper, but not by much. We can say that it is a good deal for the money, especially if you’re a photographer who loves bokeh.
Who is it for: Weddings, events, and portrait photographers will love this lens. If you want a fast prime that can create beautiful bokeh and has excellent image quality, then this is the right choice for you.
Alternatives: Sigma 40MM 1.4, Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art
5. Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The Nifty Fifty! We definitely have one in our bags but just in case you’re ready to upgrade to something more serious, then the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a good choice.
Pros:
- Offers excellent image quality with sharpness and improved performance across the frame compared to its predecessor.
- It has a unique approach to aperture control with an aperture ring that can be switched between clicked and declicked versions, allowing for smooth aperture adjustments during video shooting.
- The lens is more compact and lightweight compared to its DSLR counterpart, making it easier to handle and carry.
- Sigma’s HLA focus system provides better autofocus performance, making it a reliable option for capturing action and tracking subjects.
- Priced competitively
Cons:
- There is some distortion and vignetting present in the images.
- Focus breathing
Image Quality: The lens delivers sharp and high-contrast images, with noticeable improvements in corner performance compared to the previous generation. The lens is capable of producing excellent bokeh, with a very smooth transition between the background and foreground.
I find its bokeh quality generally good, though not as “magical” as the Sony 50mm F1.2 G Master lens due to its narrower aperture. However, if you’re looking for an affordable option, the Sigma 50mm might suit you well.
The lens’s sharpness, high contrast, and improved corner performance ensure that my photos will be clear, detailed, and visually striking. Whether I’m capturing landscapes, portraits, or any other subject, the lens helped me to produce images with impressive quality.
Autofocus: Imagine you’re an event photographer, capturing intense moments on the field. In this fast-paced environment, having a lens equipped with the new HLA (High-Speed Linear Autofocus) focus motor is a game-changer. This advanced technology enables lightning-fast and highly responsive autofocus, putting you on par with the performance of the renowned Sony G Master lens.
While the HLA focus motor empowers you with quick autofocus, it’s worth considering the lens’s burst speed limitation on Sony’s sports cameras like the Sony a9 and a1. The 15FPS (frames per second) burst speed may influence your decision if you frequently rely on high-speed continuous shooting.
Build Quality: The good thing about this new version is it has reduced size and weight while maintaining good build quality. Being weather-sealed is also a big plus when shooting in dusty areas.
Price: Overall, I can totally say that this is a well-priced lens. The modern features are there and the overall quality is great. The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is worth investing in if you are looking for a prime lens for your Sony a7III camera.
Who is it for: Casual and professional shooters, and sports photographers.
Alternatives: Sigma 50mm F1.4 ART DG HSM, Sigma 50mm f2
2 more great Sigma lenses for Sony a7III
Emma Lucy is the Founder & CEO of Emma Lucy Photography. She has over a decade of experience shooting weddings and other intimate events. She also tests the latest digital camera bodies, lenses, analog cameras, and other gear from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. She is From London and currently lives in the United States of America, where she spends most of her time as a self-employed professional photographer and writer.