Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 for standard, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 310g (10.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 16mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 310g (10.9 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 or the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 for standard, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 310g (10.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is 50mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 16mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 16mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| 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 | 47° | 83° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 24-24mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 41 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.13x |
| 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 | 67mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 72.2mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 92.3mm |
| Weight | 310g (10.9 oz) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
