Sigma 316969
Weighing just 745g, this is the lightest f/1.2 autofocus 50mm in its class, using dual High-Response Linear Actuator motors for fast, quiet focus. Its 13-blade diaphragm and four aspherical elements deliver smooth bokeh with high contrast, aided by a dust- and splash-resistant build. This lens is best for portrait and wedding photographers who need extreme subject isolation in a portable, weather-sealed package.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (90th percentile) 90th
Cons
- Below average build (23rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
- Q1 202543/100
Mixed reviews: one buyer loves it as a sharp value lens; two find softness wide open with cluttered design.
- Sharpness wide open is contested: one finds it razor sharp, two say soft until f/1.8.
- Cluttered aesthetic with excessive text and branding on the lens barrel.
- Compact size and silent, quick autofocus praised.
- Value for money: seen as a budget fast-aperture lens, not for high-end print work.
- Q2 202490/100
Buyers praise the Sigma 50mm f1.2 as a Noctilux alternative with sharp images, creamy bokeh, and fast AF. One notes a slight rattle when off, but it tightens on power.
- Noctilux-like image quality at f1.2 with crisp microcontrast and creamy bokeh.
- Lightning fast, accurate, silent autofocus on Sony bodies.
- Heavy (2.9 lbs) but manageable with A7CR grip; cradling lens helps.
- Slight rattle when camera off and tilted; tightens when powered on.
Based on 14 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Prime |
| Focal Length Min | 50 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 17 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 |
| Coating | Super Multilayer Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.2 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 13 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 kg / 2.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | High-Response Linear Actuator |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 400 |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.2 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Sigma 316969 | Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 | Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM | Sony G SELP28135G.SYX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm | 18-140mm | 28-75mm | 12-60mm | 28-70mm | 28-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/22 | f/4 |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Stabilization | false | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 1290 | 315 | 540 | 320 | 495 | 420 |
| AF Type | High-Response Linear Actuator | stepping motor | VXD | linear motor | STM | SSM |
| Lens Type | prime | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 316969 | 54.6 | 53 | 22.5 | 61.7 | 90.2 | 45.8 | 33.6 | 47.1 | 37.9 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Compare | 86.9 | 77.7 | 83.9 | 82.6 | 88.5 | 79.7 | 96.2 | 32 | 96.6 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 Compare | 54.6 | 88 | 67.2 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 85.7 | 78.2 | 83.2 | 37.9 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12060 Compare | 98 | 88 | 83.1 | 50.3 | 90.2 | 85.7 | 93.1 | 63.7 | 83.2 |
| Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Compare | 86.9 | 25.9 | 70.2 | 80.4 | 85 | 22.6 | 77.1 | 87.9 | 98.5 |
| Sony G SELP28135G.SYX Compare | 94.2 | 80.1 | 75.5 | 31.1 | 86.9 | 69.8 | 92.3 | 50.4 | 92.8 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon 1 offer From $1,539
Best Buy 2 offers From $1,539
Newegg 2 offers From $1,539
Price History
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
