Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 vs Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 is 35mm, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 56mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 63° | 28° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 29 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 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) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 67.2mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 300g (10.6 oz) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
