Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma
75 Overall Score
vs
7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm

7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm

7Artisans
41 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

85 out of 100 high confidence 76 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 25
👍 Value for money 15
👍 Build quality 12
👍 Autofocus performance 10
👍 Low light performance 8
👎 Size and weight 7

7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm

48 out of 100 low confidence 9 reviews

Reviews are deeply split on this manual-aperture lens. Several buyers praise its character, color, and value for the price, while others report blurry images and note that it lacks sharpness compared to Fuji lenses. The listing's failure to clearly state manual aperture frustrates some users. Overall, it is a niche, budget-friendly lens that appeals to patient photographers in mild weather.

Pros
  • Great color and character
  • Good value for the price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Nice bokeh
  • Decent build quality
Cons
  • Manual aperture only
  • Poor sharpness
  • Not good in cold weather
  • Misleading listing info
👎 Sharpness 3
👍 Value for money 3
👎 Aperture type 2
👍 Build quality 3
👍 Color and character 3
👎 Weather performance 1

Scores

Macro
Sigma
78
7Artisans
45
Professional
Sigma
77
7Artisans
46
Landscape
Sigma
75
7Artisans
27
Video Cinema
Sigma
75
7Artisans
48
Budget
Sigma
70
7Artisans
43
Street
Sigma
68
7Artisans
49
Portrait
Sigma
61
7Artisans
67
Wildlife Sports
Sigma
64
7Artisans
29
Travel
Sigma
60
7Artisans
28

Specifications

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm
Optics
Typeprimeprime
Focal Length Min16 mm50 mm
Focal Length Max16 mm50 mm
Elements166
Groups135
Aspherical Elements2★—
ED Elements5★—
CoatingSuper Multi-Layer CoatingMulti-layer coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/16f/1.8
Min Aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades912★
Build
MountSony EFujifilm X
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weather Sealed✓★—
Weight0.41 kg0.40 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm52 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF Typestepping motor★manual focus only
Stabilization✗✗
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm★500 mm
Max Magnification1:10★—

Pros & Cons

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

  • Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
  • Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong build (77th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)
  • Below average stabilization (35th percentile)

7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm

  • Strong bokeh (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong aperture (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
  • Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)
  • Below average optical (34th percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Scores 75 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

7Artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.8 50mm Better at:

Portrait