Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
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
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is widely praised for its sharpness, versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and effective stabilization, making it an excellent all-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users appreciate its solid build quality and value for money, though many note it is noticeably heavier and larger than typical kit lenses, which can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies. A few reviewers mention minor issues like chromatic aberration at the longer end and noise from the aperture blades at certain settings, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- sharp image quality across zoom range
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- effective image stabilization
- fast and quiet autofocus
- versatile 17-70mm focal range
Cons
- heavy and large for APS-C body
- chromatic aberration at 50-70mm
- aperture blade noise above f/5.6
- short zoom throw initially stiff
- no aperture ring on Fuji version
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 16 |
| Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 5★ | 2 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | RXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:10 | 1:4.8 |
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)
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
