Conclusion
Pros
- Compact and fairly well constructed lens with a metal exterior
- Absolutely brilliant sharpness straight from maximum aperture
- Rather nice bokeh
- Excellent control of chromatic aberration
- Very low distortion
- Good control of flare and vignetting
- Autofocus is quick, quiet and accurate
- Excellent color and contrast at all apertures
- Includes a case and hood in the package
- Exceptional value
Cons
- Doesn’t support phase-detect autofocus for tracking moving subjects
- Focus ring shows fingerprints easily
Yup, that’s a short ‘cons’ list, and one of them doesn’t even affect use of the lens. Sigma has done something remarkable with this little lens. They’ve managed to create a lens that is well-built, focuses quickly and has absolutely stunning optics, at an astoundingly low price of $239. You simply can’t get a better performing lens at this price. The Sigma 60mm f/2.8 is among the sharpest lenses I’ve ever used on a mirrorless camera, and it controls all major imaging aspects beautifully, producing images with virtually zero chromatic aberration, minimal distortion, excellent color and contrast and good bokeh. Optically, the lens performs like a professional grade optic, and is among the cheapest new lenses one can buy for an interchangeable lens camera. What more could you ask for?
Ok, perhaps one thing. The Sigma 60mm f/2.8 doesn’t support phase-dectect autofocus, so it won’t be the lens of choice for tracking moving subjects. Hopefully Sigma remedies that situation with a firmware update at some point. Otherwise, even given the modest maximum aperture, there’s really nothing to complain about. The lens is truly a brilliant optic and one of the best bargains in the camera industry.
Image Samples
Click on an image to enlarge
Great to read another one of your good (I.e. well-done) reviews. Since I have one friend who doubted me when I said i thought my 60mm Sigma was sharper than my 45mm Olympus (same effective focal length on my E-M1 as the 60mm on my NEX 6) I smiled when I read how sharp you found this sigma to be… And you shot it on a 20mp camera!
Peter F.
Hello,
Did you check if there’s any update for the lens on the NEX6? I think there was an update for the 30mm version that allows PDAF to work in the center (Just 5 points).
I know that A6000 (Which I have) has the update already installed on the camera, and I can use PDAF (Again only 5 dots in the center) using my 30mm Sigma 2.8.
I have this lens together with the 30/2.8. it is really as good as you say.
Now, I wonder if IQ of A6000 + Sigma 60/2.8 match the IQ of A7 + FE 55/1.8 at base ISO for static shots with better perspective and wider depth of field.
Very nice review, I intend to buy the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN Art and the 30mm for my A6000. I just wish they had image stabilization, since Sony’s “E” mount bodies don’t have it!
I am buying the Sony a6000 and like what I read about the sharpness of the Sigma 30mm & 60mm. In practical use is the 5-point PDAF limitation on Sigma lenses adequate for AF tracking of people in street photography? Is the lack of image stabilization on the Sigma 60mm much of a factor when hand-holding in street photography?
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!!
Finally I’ve found something which helped me.
Thank you!
Very close to purchasing the a6000. Would like to start with one lens. Thinking either the standard 16-50 kit, the Sigma 30/2.8, or the Sony 35/1.8. Any real world advice? Currently not into video, but that may change with the 6000 later.
Also, anyone have any thoughts on using Canon EF mounts with adapter on the 6000 or would I be better selling them off and going with lenses designed for mirrorless? I understand they will be manual focus only.
If you’re going to be using this as a main camera, the Sony 35/1.8 is the way I’d go. I have both the 35/1.8 and the Sigma 30mm, and while the Sigma 30 is brilliant (especially for the price), the extra aperture and optical stabilization is nice to have. At f/2.8 they are close to each other optically.
Don’t put away your 16-50 Kit lens, do your DDs on Flickr, on Sony A6000 group and others, you wills it is not a perfect lens but not a bad lens.
Thanks for the real-world reviews! I am considering this Sigma 60mm vs. the Sony 50mm f1.8 for my a6000. Have you given the Sony a try, and if so, what differences have you found?
I too am very interested in this comparison, any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated. cheers!
I’m torn between these two lenses as well.
I agree it is not an easy decision. Finally, i decide for the Sigma 60mm, a perfect portrait lens.
As Jordan mention it is very sharp at f/2.8.
The question is The Sony 50mm at f/ 1.8 it is as sharp as the Sigma 60mm at f 2.8?
Is the sharpness of the Sony 50mm have to reach f/ 2.8 to get the same quality as the Sigma 60mm?
Great review!
Fantastic photo of the reflected glen. I wanted to say I appreciate your reviews. the real world reference is a boon to the photographer world
Sigma 60mm vs. the Sony 50mm f1.8
Sigma 60mm Art is an APSC format Lense
whilst
Sony 50mm f1.8 is a Full frame format lense
So If U have two SONY camera such as A6300(APSC) & A7ii(Full Frame like me, U will choose to get Sony 50mm F1.8 for sure. In fact, the firmware available now do support Phase Detection Focus mechanism.
I know a few others asked the same question, but I’m curious about your opinion on the lack of image stabilization (when used on a6000 since it has no IBIS). Does this have a huge affect on shooting in low light?