Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) vs Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)
The bottom line
The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (16-28mm) and the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is a 17mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is $899, $100 under the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) or the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?
The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (16-28mm) and the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is a 17mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) and the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 16-28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 104° | 107° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Manual | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 77.2mm |
| Length | 110mm | 100.6mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
