Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma
75 Overall Score
vs
Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm

Yongnuo
55 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

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm

78 out of 100 medium confidence 11 reviews

This 50mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised as an excellent value-for-money prime lens for beginners and hobbyists. Users highlight its sharp foreground focus and pleasing bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and product shots. The build quality feels cheap and the autofocus is noisy and slow, but most agree the optical performance far exceeds the low price. A few issues with durability and incompatibility with newer lens hoods were noted.

Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Sharp foreground focus
  • Pleasing bokeh effect
  • Great for portraits
  • Lightweight and compact
Cons
  • Noisy autofocus
  • Slow autofocus
  • Cheap build quality
  • Durability concerns
  • Incompatible with newer lens hoods
👍 Value for money 6
👍 Bokeh and image quality 6
👎 Autofocus speed 4
👎 Autofocus noise 3
👎 Build quality 4
👍 Beginner friendly 5

Scores

Macro
Sigma
78
Yongnuo
54
Professional
Sigma
77
Yongnuo
51
Landscape
Sigma
75
Yongnuo
52
Video Cinema
Sigma
75
Yongnuo
50
Budget
Sigma
70
Yongnuo
57
Street
Sigma
68
Yongnuo
59
Wildlife Sports
Sigma
64
Yongnuo
49
Portrait
Sigma
61
Yongnuo
51
Travel
Sigma
60
Yongnuo
59

Specifications

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mmYongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm
Optics
Typeprimeprime
Focal Length Min16 mm50 mm
Focal Length Max16 mm50 mm
Elements168
Groups137
Aspherical Elements2★1
ED Elements5★1
CoatingSuper Multi-Layer CoatingMulti-Coated
Aperture
Max Aperturef/16f/16
Min Aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades9★7
Build
MountSony ESony E
FormatAPS-CAPS-C
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.41 kg0.16 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF Typestepping motor★Autofocus
Stabilization✗✗
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm★450 mm
Max Magnification1:101:6.67

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)

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm

  • Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong social proof (78th percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (30th percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Pricing

Both products are similarly priced.

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm0.553score per dollar
vs
Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm0.401score 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

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 II 50mm

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:

MacroBudgetStreetPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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