Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a zoom (12-28mm) and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is a 16mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 16mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.13x.
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 16mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 16mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR or the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is a zoom (12-28mm) and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is a 16mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 16mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.13x.
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 want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 16mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-28mm | 16mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 99° – 54° | 83° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-42mm | 24-24mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 72.2mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 92.3mm |
| Weight | 130g (4.6 oz) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
