Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D vs Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 versus the Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D's f/2 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 395g (13.9 oz) 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 opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 220g (7.8 oz) vs 395g (13.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D or the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 versus the Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D's f/2 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 395g (13.9 oz) 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 15mm f/2 Zero-D and the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 15mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 111° | 82.9° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 23-23mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 18 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | 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) | $649 | $579 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 64mm |
| Length | 78mm | 65mm |
| Weight | 395g (13.9 oz) | 220g (7.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
