Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Sigma
75 Overall Score
vs
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm

Viltrox
63 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

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm

72 out of 100 medium confidence 20 reviews

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 pancake lens is widely praised for its ultra-compact size, lightweight design, and excellent value, making it a favorite for street photography and travel. Users note it turns a full-frame camera into a highly portable setup, though the fixed f/4.5 aperture and lack of manual focus ring are limiting for some. Image quality is considered good for the price, but low-light performance and autofocus in dim conditions are common drawbacks. A few users reported a stuck rear lens cap or battery drain on certain Sony models, but overall sentiment is positive for its intended casual use.

Pros
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight design
  • Excellent value for the price
  • Great for street photography and travel
  • Sharp image quality for its class
  • Built-in lens cover
Cons
  • Fixed f/4.5 aperture
  • No manual focus ring
  • Poor low-light autofocus
  • Battery drain on Sony A5100
  • Stuck rear lens cap issue
👍 Portability 12
👍 Value for money 10
🤔 Image quality 8
👎 Fixed aperture 5
🤔 Autofocus performance 5
👎 Low light performance 4

Scores

Macro
Sigma
78
Viltrox
63
Professional
Sigma
77
Viltrox
67
Landscape
Sigma
75
Viltrox
63
Video Cinema
Sigma
75
Viltrox
61
Budget
Sigma
70
Viltrox
65
Street
Sigma
68
Viltrox
69
Travel
Sigma
60
Viltrox
64
Wildlife Sports
Sigma
64
Viltrox
54
Portrait
Sigma
61
Viltrox
61

Specifications

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mmViltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm
Optics
Typeprimeprime
Focal Length Min16 mm28 mm
Focal Length Max16 mm28 mm
Elements166
Groups136
Aspherical Elements22
ED Elements5★2
CoatingSuper Multi-Layer Coatingmultilayer nanocoating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/16f/4.5
Min Aperturef/1.4f/4.5
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades9★6
Build
MountSony ESony E
FormatAPS-Cfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.41 kg0.06 kg★
Filter Thread67 mm—
AF & Stabilization
AF Typestepping motor★Autofocus
Stabilization✗✗
Focus
Min Focus Distance250 mm★350 mm
Max Magnification1:101:10

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)
  • Below average stabilization (35th percentile)

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm

  • Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
  • Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong macro (66th percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)
  • Below average stabilization (35th percentile)

Pricing

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm is $291 cheaper (3.9x less).

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm0.193score per dollar
vs
Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm0.635score per dollar

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm offers 3.3x better value for money

Verdict

★ Winner: Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

Scores 75 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.

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

MacroBudgetLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Viltrox AF 28/4.5 Z 28mm Better at:

Travel

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