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Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN C (Contemporary) Autofocus APS-C Lens for Sony E-Mount, Black (55)

Model #379168
  • $433.00

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New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
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Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DN: the APS-C portrait prime that punches up.

On an APS-C Sony E-mount body, 56mm lands at a 84mm full-frame equivalent, a proven portrait focal length that keeps natural perspective while letting you work at a comfortable distance from your subject. The f/1.4 maximum aperture is the obvious draw, but the optical construction behind it matters: 10 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical elements and one SLD glass element, address both spherical and chromatic aberrations directly in the glass than relying on in-camera correction. Axial color fringing, which software handles poorly, gets corrected before the light ever hits the sensor. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus rendering at wide apertures.

At 280g and 59.5mm long, this fits in a jacket pocket alongside the camera. The stepping motor autofocus runs quietly enough for on-camera audio recording, tracks faces and eyes reliably through Sony's hybrid AF system, and responds smoothly during video pulls than hunting or lurching. Super Multi-Layer Coating keeps contrast up in backlit situations, and the mount includes dust and splash resistance. For Sony APS-C shooters who want a fast mid-telephoto prime without the bulk or cost of full-frame glass, this lens has been a go-to choice in the Contemporary lineup since it completed the wide-standard-telephoto trio.

Who It's For

Portrait photographers shooting on APS-C Sony bodies get a 84mm equivalent with f/1.4 light-gathering and a 9-blade diaphragm that renders out-of-focus backgrounds cleanly. Video creators benefit from the stepping motor's near-silent operation and smooth focus transitions, making it workable for interviews and run-and-gun documentary work without external audio interference. Street and travel photographers who prioritize a small kit will appreciate that the lens weighs only 280g and fits into pockets where larger glass won't go. Event shooters working in low-light venues can push that f/1.4 aperture to avoid flash, keeping the look natural.

Key Features

  • f/1.4 maximum aperture across entire frame
  • 56mm focal length equals 84mm full-frame equivalent on APS-C
  • Two aspherical elements and SLD glass correct aberrations optically
  • 10 elements in 6 groups with Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Stepping motor autofocus optimized for smooth video performance
  • 9-blade rounded diaphragm for bokeh control
  • 280g weight and 59.5mm length for pocket portability
  • Dust and splash resistant brass mount

FAQ

What focal length does 56mm give you on Sony APS-C?
56mm translates to roughly 84mm full-frame equivalent on APS-C. That's a classic portrait focal length that keeps natural perspective while letting you work at arm's length from your subject.
How does the f/1.4 aperture handle chromatic aberration?
The lens corrects it optically in the glass itself with two aspherical elements and one SLD element rather than relying on in-camera software correction. Axial color fringing, which digital correction struggles with, gets addressed before light hits the sensor.
Is autofocus quiet enough for video recording?
Yes. The stepping motor AF runs nearly silent and pairs with optical design optimized for video pulls. It tracks faces and eyes smoothly through Sony's hybrid AF system without hunting or lurching.
How compact is this lens really?
At 280g and 59.5mm long, it fits in a jacket pocket. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm keeps weight down while producing smooth out-of-focus rendering.
What's the minimum focusing distance?
50cm (1.64 feet). That's close enough for tight headshots without any special macro behavior.
Does the mount have weather sealing?
The brass mount includes dust and splash resistance, not full weather sealing. It's robust enough for varied conditions but not designed for sustained moisture exposure.
How does this lens fit into Sigma's Contemporary lineup?
It completes the wide-standard-telephoto trio of DC DN Contemporary lenses for APS-C. All three share the same design philosophy: compact size, fast aperture, optical correction in the glass rather than relying on camera correction.
SpecificationValue
Focal Length56mm
Max Aperturef/1.4
Min Aperturef/16
MountSony E
Filter Size55mm
Lens FormatAPS-C
Angle Of View28.5 degrees
Minimum Focusing Distance1.64 ft / 50 cm
Optical Groups6
Optical Elements10
Length2.34 in / 59.5 mm
Maximum Diameter2.62 in / 66.5 mm
Package Weight1.025 lb
Box Dimensions4.2 x 4.15 x 3.75 in
Weight9.88 oz / 280 g

This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.

Brand Name Sigma
Filter Size 55mm
Focus Type Autofocus (lens motor)
Lens Mount Sony E Mount
Lens Type Short Tele / Portrait
Max Focal Length 56mm
Min Focal Length 56mm