Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm
This Sigma 56mm f/1.4 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and compact build, making it a top choice for portrait and street photography on APS-C and Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users consistently highlight its fast and reliable autofocus, excellent low-light performance, and outstanding value for the price compared to pricier native alternatives. A few users noted minor issues such as a very long manual focus throw, occasional focus misses in low contrast light, and a lack of an aperture ring, but these are far outweighed by the general enthusiasm. Despite isolated reports of poor retailer packaging, the overwhelming sentiment is that this lens delivers professional-quality results at an affordable price.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness at f/1.4
- Beautiful bokeh and background blur
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Compact and lightweight build
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Very long manual focus throw
- No aperture ring
- Occasional focus misses in low contrast
- Not compatible with all camera mounts
- Poor retail packaging by some sellers
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite for street, portrait, and everyday photography. Many users highlight its lightweight build and value for money, though some note that it is not as sharp as the 50mm S lens and can suffer from vignetting and corner softness wide open. A few reviewers also mention quality control issues and a plastic feel, but overall it is considered a solid, versatile prime lens.
Pros
- Sharp images edge-to-edge
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lightweight and compact design
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Vignetting and corner softness wide open
- Not as sharp as 50mm S lens
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Quality control issues reported
- Overpriced compared to alternatives
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 56 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 56 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 10 | 8 |
| Groups | 6 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.28 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 500 mm | 250 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:7.14 | 1:6.25 |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN 56mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong build (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (75th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 83 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
