# What are the best SLR lenses for low-light photography? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best SLR lenses for low-light photography?

## Products

### Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
```yaml
product: sigma-50mm-f-1-4-dg-hsm-art-lens-for-nikon-f
brand: Sigma
price_gbp: 701.74
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
aperture: f/1.4
focal_length: 50mm
number_of_elements: 13
image_stabilization: false
maximum_magnification: 0.18x
minimum_focus_distance: 40 cm
```

- **Price:** £701.74 [^1]
- **Summary:** This fast 50mm prime lens combines a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture with 13 elements in 8 groups, special low-dispersion glass, and an aspherical element for sharp, high-contrast images. Its quiet HSM autofocus and rounded nine-blade diaphragm make it well suited to portraits, everyday photography, and creative shallow-depth-of-field work.
- **Ideal For:** It suits low-light photography because its bright f/1.4 maximum aperture gathers substantial light, while the sharp optical design and quiet HSM autofocus support handheld shooting and subject isolation.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens for Nikon F
```yaml
product: sigma-18-35mm-f-1-8-dc-hsm-art-lens-for-nikon-f
brand: Sigma
price_gbp: 649.98
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
aperture: f/1.8
focal_length: 18-35mm
number_of_elements: 17 in 12 groups
image_stabilization: false
maximum_magnification: 0.23x
minimum_focus_distance: 28cm
```

- **Price:** £649.98 [^3]
- **Summary:** This APS-C wide-to-normal zoom lens offers a constant f/1.8 aperture, strong sharpness, and fast, quiet HSM autofocus. It suits Nikon DX photographers who want one versatile lens for low-light scenes, events, street photography, portraits, and everyday shooting.
- **Ideal For:** It suits low-light photography because its constant f/1.8 maximum aperture admits more light across the 18-35mm range, while the HSM autofocus supports fast and quiet focusing.
- **Additional Sources:** [^4]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: B&H Photo Video, accessed 2026-09-14. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1045459-REG/sigma_311306_50mm_f_1_4_dg_hsm.html
[^2]: Sigma, accessed 2026-09-14. https://www.sigmaphoto.com/50mm-f1-4-dg-hsm-a
[^3]: B&H Photo Video, accessed 2026-09-14. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/967345-REG/sigma_18_35mm_f1_8_dc_hsm.html
[^4]: Adorama, accessed 2026-09-14. https://www.adorama.com/sigma-18-35-mm-f-1-8-dc-hsm-art-lens-nikon-f/p/sg1835dcnk