Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary vs Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art
The bottom line
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 715g (1.58 lb) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary's f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is 100-400mm, Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art reaches 1x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 715g (1.58 lb) vs 1140g (2.51 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary or the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art better?
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is a 105mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art?
Choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 715g (1.58 lb) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary and the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary's f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 105mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | 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 | 24° – 6° | 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 120 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $759 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 86mm | 82.8mm |
| Length | 196.6mm | 142.3mm |
| Weight | 1140g (2.51 lb) | 715g (1.58 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
