Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma
75 Overall Score
vs
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Sony
89 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

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

85 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens is a notable upgrade from the kit 18-55mm, offering a constant fast aperture, silent autofocus, and superior image quality. Users praise its sharpness, bokeh, and build, though they note it is heavier and bulkier. A few refurbished units had minor scratches or early malfunction, but overall the lens is highly recommended for Sony Alpha APS-C cameras.

Pros
  • Constant F2.8 aperture
  • Fast and silent autofocus
  • Excellent image sharpness and contrast
  • Pleasing bokeh
  • Solid build quality
Cons
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Some units have early malfunctions
  • Not compatible with full-frame cameras
  • Moderate flare issue
  • Limited zoom range to 50mm
👍 Image quality 9
👍 Build quality 8
👍 Autofocus performance 5
👎 Weight and size 6
👍 Value for money 4
🤔 Refurbished condition 6

Scores

Travel
Sigma
62
Sony
98
Street
Sigma
69
Sony
88
Budget
Sigma
67
Sony
86
Video Cinema
Sigma
76
Sony
85
Wildlife Sports
Sigma
64
Sony
83
Portrait
Sigma
62
Sony
82
Landscape
Sigma
72
Sony
79
Macro
Sigma
78
Sony
66
Professional
Sigma
77
Sony
76

Specifications

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mmSony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Optics
Typeprimezoom
Focal Length Min16 mm16 mm
Focal Length Max16 mm50 mm
Elements169
Groups138
Aspherical Elements24★
ED Elements5★1
CoatingSuper Multi-Layer Coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/16f/3.5
Min Aperturef/1.43.5-5.6
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades9★7
Build
MountSony ESony E
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.41 kg0.11 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm41 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF Typestepping motor★Autofocus
Stabilization✗✓★
Stabilization Stops—4 stops★
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm250 mm
Max Magnification1:10★0.215x

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)

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

  • Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
  • Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile

Pricing

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm is €92 cheaper (1.7x less).

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm0.562score per dollar
vs
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS0.395score per dollar

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm offers 1.4x better value for money

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Verdict

★ Winner: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

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

Macro

Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Better at:

BudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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