Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO vs Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.7, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17.5mm 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 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO's f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO reaches 10x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO is 17.5mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO?
Choose the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO if you shoot wide — it starts at 17.5mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 10x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.7, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17.5mm 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 Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Laowa Aksen 17.5mm f/1.7 5-10x Ultra Macro APO's f/1.7 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17.5mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | − | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | − | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 10x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | Yes | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 42mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.2mm | 75.9mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 115.9mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 645g (1.42 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
