Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO vs Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for zoom, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.
Choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 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 30mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 375g (13.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is $349, $100 under the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO reaches 2x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 265g (9.3 oz) vs 375g (13.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO is 90mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO for zoom, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.
Who should choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO?
Choose the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 30mm 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 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN 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 30mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 375g (13.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 90mm | 30mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 27° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 45-45mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $349 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 62mm | 64.8mm |
| Length | 118mm | 51.5mm |
| Weight | 375g (13.2 oz) | 265g (9.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
