Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) vs Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for zoom, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is 220g (7.8 oz) vs 600g (1.32 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) or the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for zoom, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. 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 Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) and the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° | 82.9° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 24-24mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 18 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $579 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 77mm | 64mm |
| Length | 130mm | 65mm |
| Weight | 600g (1.32 lb) | 220g (7.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
