Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF vs Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF is 12mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 322g (11.4 oz) it's lighter than the 645g (1.42 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art 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 need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF is 12mm, Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF is 322g (11.4 oz) vs 645g (1.42 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF is 12mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF?
Choose the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 322g (11.4 oz) it's lighter than the 645g (1.42 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art 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 need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Lite Zero-D FF AF's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 122° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 75.9mm |
| Length | 71.8mm | 115.9mm |
| Weight | 322g (11.4 oz) | 645g (1.42 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
