Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for wide-angle, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x.
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 16mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 305g (10.8 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 35mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for wide-angle, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.13x.
Who should choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 16mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 63° – 63° | 83° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 26-26mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 72.2mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 92.3mm |
| Weight | 305g (10.8 oz) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
