Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO vs Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is 65mm, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle.
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 65mm 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 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 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 335g (11.8 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 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is 65mm, Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO reaches 2x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 220g (7.8 oz) vs 335g (11.8 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 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO or the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO is 65mm, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO?
Choose the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO if you need more reach — it goes to 65mm 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?
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary 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 65mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 335g (11.8 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 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO and the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 65mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 65mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 37° | 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 | 19 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) | $499 | $579 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 64mm |
| Length | 99.5mm | 65mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 220g (7.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
