The Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E-Mount features a f/1.2 maximum aperture. Delivering excellent image quality while optimizing size, as well as weight, the lens' fast f/1.2 aperture helps to achieve shallow depth of field as well as extremely selective focus effects and is also suited for working in very difficult lighting conditions. Three low-dispersion glass elements and three aspherical elements, including a double-sided element, effectively control spherical aberrations and distortion for increased sharpness and accurate rendering.

Complementing its imaging capabilities, the lens includes a large Hyper Sonic Motor to produce quick, smooth, and quiet autofocus performance with a full-time manual focus override. While the aperture ring's de-click switch can prevent unwanted noise from being recorded while capturing video with sound, the built-in Autofocus-Lock (AFL) button can be assigned additional functions to widen the range of operations available on the lens. Additionally, a rounded 11-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.