Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
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 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one zoom for Sony APS-C cameras. Users love the incredible 16.6x range, close focusing at the wide end, and solid image quality, though some note softness beyond 70-80mm and slow autofocus. The lens is heavier than typical crop-sensor lenses but still considered portable. A few verified buyers report issues with sharpness at the telephoto end and a stiff zoom ring, but the majority find it an excellent walk-around lens that replaces multiple primes and zooms.
Pros
- Incredible 16.6x zoom range
- Close focusing at wide end (semi-macro)
- Good image quality and color rendition
- Solid build with weather sealing
- Effective vibration compensation (VC)
Cons
- Softness beyond 70-80mm
- Slow autofocus compared to smaller zooms
- Heavy and bulky for APS-C
- Stiff zoom ring when zooming out
- Moderate distortion at both ends
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 16 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 19 |
| Groups | 13 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 5★ | 4 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:10 | 1:2 |
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 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm offers 2.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
