Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens. This high-performance prime lens is designed specifically for APS-C Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds cameras, offering a wide 16mm focal length (24mm equivalent) and a large f/1.4 aperture. It is engineered to deliver superb image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and allows for creative control over depth of field.

The lens features a robust optical design with 16 elements in 13 groups, including FLD, SLD, and aspherical elements to minimize aberrations. A Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring contrast-rich and color-neutral imagery. The integrated stepping motor provides smooth and quiet autofocus, suitable for both still photography and video recording.

2. Product Components and Overview

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens package typically includes the following items:

• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens
• Front Lens Cap (LCF-67 III 67mm)
• Rear Lens Cap
• Lens Hood (LH716-01)

Familiarize yourself with the various parts of your lens:

Figure 2.1: Front view of the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens with the included lens hood attached.

Figure 2.2: Front view of the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens without the lens hood, showing the filter thread.

Figure 2.3: Rear view of the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens, displaying the Micro Four Thirds mount and electronic contacts.

Figure 2.4: The dedicated lens hood (LH716-01) for the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens to the Camera

1. Ensure both the camera and the lens are powered off.
2. Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from your camera. Avoid touching the lens elements or the camera's image sensor.
3. Align the mounting index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding index mark on your camera's lens mount.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on your camera model) until it clicks into place. Do not force the lens.

Figure 3.1: The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens securely mounted on a compatible Micro Four Thirds camera body.

3.2 Attaching the Lens Hood

The lens hood helps to block stray light from entering the lens, reducing flare and ghosting, and also provides some physical protection to the front element.

1. Align the index mark on the lens hood with the index mark on the front of the lens barrel.
2. Push the hood onto the lens and rotate it clockwise until it locks into place.

3.3 Removing the Lens

1. Ensure the camera is powered off.
2. Press and hold the lens release button on your camera body.
3. While holding the button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise (or clockwise) until it detaches from the camera mount.
4. Immediately attach the rear lens cap to the lens and the body cap to the camera to protect them from dust and damage.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Focusing

The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens features a stepping motor for smooth and quiet autofocus performance, which is particularly beneficial for video recording.

• Autofocus (AF): Set your camera's focus mode to AF. The lens will automatically focus on your subject.
• Manual Focus (MF): If your camera supports manual focus with this lens, switch your camera's focus mode to MF. Rotate the focus ring on the lens barrel to adjust focus manually.

4.2 Aperture Control

The lens boasts a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture. This wide aperture allows for:

• Excellent Low-Light Performance: More light can enter the lens, enabling shooting in dim conditions with lower ISO settings.
• Shallow Depth of Field: Create beautiful background blur (bokeh) to isolate your subject.

Aperture settings are controlled via your camera body. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details on adjusting aperture.

5. Maintenance and Care

Proper care will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your lens.

5.1 Cleaning the Lens

• Lens Elements: Use a blower brush to remove dust and loose particles. For smudges or fingerprints, use a clean, soft microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces, along with a small amount of lens cleaning fluid if necessary. Wipe gently in a circular motion from the center outwards.
• Lens Body: Wipe the exterior of the lens with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents like paint thinner or benzene.
• Electronic Contacts: If the electronic contacts on the lens mount become dirty, gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth.

5.2 Storage

• Always attach the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use.
• Store the lens in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
• Avoid storing the lens with mothballs or chemicals that can emit volatile gases, as these can damage lens coatings.

5.3 Precautions

• Avoid exposing the lens to sudden temperature changes, which can cause condensation.
• Do not leave the lens in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can damage internal components.
• Handle the lens with care to avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your lens, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Lens not recognized by camera:
  • Ensure the lens is securely mounted and clicked into place.
  • Clean the electronic contacts on both the lens and the camera body with a clean, dry cloth.
  • Restart the camera.
• Autofocus is slow or inaccurate:
  • Check your camera's focus mode settings.
  • Ensure there is sufficient light on your subject. Autofocus performance can be affected in very low light.
  • Clean the front lens element.
• Dust or debris inside the lens:
  • Minor dust particles inside a lens are common and rarely affect image quality.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble the lens yourself. Contact Sigma customer support for professional service if you believe the dust is affecting performance.

For issues not covered here, please consult your camera's manual or contact Sigma customer support.

7. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Model: 402963):

8. Warranty and Support

This Sigma lens is manufactured with high standards of quality and craftsmanship. For detailed information regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Sigma website.

If you require technical assistance, service, or repairs, please contact Sigma customer support directly. Ensure you have your lens model number (402963) and purchase information available when contacting support.

For returns or exchanges related to your purchase, please refer to the retailer's return policy. For products purchased through Amazon, a 30-day return policy is typically offered for new items.