Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R vs Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is 35mm, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.

Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is 35mm, Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm — different framing and reach.
  • Durability: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R or the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is 35mm, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.

Who should choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X)?

Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X)?

Focal range: Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is 35mm, Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Fujifilm X) is 12mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R
Fujifilm
$599
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm12mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements814
Optical Groups612
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades79
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View44.2° – 44.2°99.6°
35mm Equivalent53-53mm18-18mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorDCHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance28 cm17 cm
Max Magnification0.17x0.1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$629
Filter Size52mm62mm
Diameter65mm68mm
Length54.9mm69mm
Weight187g (6.6 oz)225g (7.9 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo