Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
What Buyers Say
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast f/1.4 aperture, and solid build quality, making it a favorite among APS-C users for low-light, astrophotography, and video work. Many reviewers highlight its excellent value for money compared to brand-name alternatives. However, common criticisms include its relatively large size and weight for a prime lens, the lack of image stabilization, and some concerns about compatibility with full-frame cameras and occasional quality control issues with packaging.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast f/1.4 aperture for low light
- Excellent value for money
- Solid build quality
- Quick and accurate autofocus
Cons
- Relatively large and heavy
- No image stabilization
- No aperture ring
- Compatibility issues with full-frame cameras
- Occasional quality control issues with packaging
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is widely praised for its excellent sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and lightweight design, making it a fantastic value for amateur photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Many users highlight the impressive image quality at the long end and the effective image stabilization, though some note softness beyond 200mm and noticeable vignetting at full zoom. A few reviewers experienced quality control issues like blurry images or a non-functional focus ring, but the overwhelming consensus is that this lens delivers outstanding performance for its price point.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness for the price
- Fast and silent STM autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Softness beyond 200mm
- Noticeable vignetting at full zoom
- Plastic build quality
- Electronic manual focus requires camera power
- Slow maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 250mm)
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm | Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 55 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 16 mm | 250 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 15 |
| Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 5★ | 1 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Canon EF-S |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg | 0.38 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 850 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:10★ | 0.29x |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (78th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.