Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE vs Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (540g (1.19 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE is 24-70mm, Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 540g (1.19 lb) vs 795g (1.75 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE or the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (540g (1.19 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE?
Choose the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE and the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Aperture: the Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8 FE opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 20-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 94.5° – 12.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 21 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.25x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 88mm | 77.2mm |
| Length | 127.5mm | 115.5mm |
| Weight | 795g (1.75 lb) | 540g (1.19 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
