Perfect for portraits
Compact, bright and beautifully sharp, the SIGMA 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary is the ultimate short-telephoto prime for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds mirrorless systems. Designed for photographers who demand both performance and portability, this lightweight lens weighs under 300g, making it ideal for shooting on the move.
When used on an APS-C camera, it offers a focal length equivalent to around 85mm, while on Micro Four Thirds systems it delivers approximately 112mm—a classic portrait perspective that flatters facial features and provides excellent subject separation. Perfect for portraits, weddings, travel, street, and pet photography, it also excels for video, thanks to its fast and near-silent autofocus.
The bright F1.4 aperture allows for beautifully blurred backgrounds and exceptional low-light performance, helping subjects stand out against softly rendered surroundings. It''s available in a range of mounts including L-Mount, Sony E, Canon EF-M, Micro Four Thirds, and Nikon Z, and forms part of SIGMA''s acclaimed series of compact F1.4 primes—a cohesive collection that balances professional image quality with everyday usability.
Refined design and robust construction
Crafted from a strong yet lightweight polymer, the 56mm F1.4 DC DN is both durable and highly portable. Measuring just 57.5mm in length, it''s the smallest lens in SIGMA''s F1.4 DC DN range—perfect for photographers who prefer a minimalist kit without sacrificing quality.
A large rubberised focus ring provides smooth, precise manual focus control, while the included petal-type hood helps to minimise flare and ghosting in bright sunlight. The brass lens mount ensures long-term durability, and a rubber sealing (except on EF-M mount) helps to protect against dust and light moisture.
Inside, a stepping motor drives the lens''s inner focusing system, providing fast, accurate and near-silent AF performance—ideal for both stills and video. Lightweight focusing elements ensure quick response and seamless compatibility with the latest camera autofocus technologies.
High-performance optics
The 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary delivers exceptional sharpness and contrast across the entire frame. Its advanced optical design consists of 10 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element, which work together to minimise chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting.
Thanks to SIGMA''s advanced optical coatings, flare and ghosting are kept under control even in challenging lighting conditions, such as shooting directly into the sun. Combined with in-camera corrections, the result is beautifully clean, high-contrast images with true-to-life colour.
Superb low-light performance
With its bright F1.4 aperture, the lens allows four times more light to reach the sensor than an F2.8 lens, making it ideal for handheld shooting in low-light conditions—such as evening portraits or dimly lit interiors—without resorting to high ISO values.
The wide aperture also enables shallow depth-of-field effects, creating smooth, creamy bokeh that isolates your subject and enhances visual impact. The transition between sharp and blurred areas is gentle and natural, giving images a pleasing cinematic feel.
Ideal for urban and everyday shooting
Compact, discreet and lightning-fast to focus, the 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary is a favourite among street photographers who value agility and precision. Its short-telephoto focal length allows you to capture expressive moments with flattering compression, while its fast aperture ensures you can shoot confidently in any lighting environment.
Whether you''re shooting candid portraits, travel scenes or creative close-ups, the SIGMA 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary delivers professional-grade results in a beautifully portable package—making it the perfect everyday portrait lens for modern mirrorless photographers.
