Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE vs Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.
Choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 490g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 265g (9.3 oz) vs 490g (1.08 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE is 85mm, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.
Who should choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE?
Choose the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 265g (9.3 oz) it's lighter than the 490g (1.08 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 30mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 29° | 51° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 45-45mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 85 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 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) | $399 | $349 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 75.5mm | 64.8mm |
| Length | 95mm | 51.5mm |
| Weight | 490g (1.08 lb) | 265g (9.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
