Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 vs Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm, the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm, Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 50mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 or the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 is 35mm, the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Who should choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Panasonic LUMIX S 35mm f/1.8
Panasonic
$499
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm50mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1111
Optical Groups98
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View63°47°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm25 cm
Max Magnification0.16x0.22x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$499$499
Filter Size67mm55mm
Diameter73mm64.4mm
Length82mm68mm
Weight295g (10.4 oz)290g (10.2 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo