Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) vs Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.4 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 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is $999, $100 under the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 625g (1.38 lb) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (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 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 85mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.4 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 | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 104° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Manual | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 82.8mm |
| Length | 110mm | 118mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 625g (1.38 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
