Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary vs Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 versus the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary's f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary gives that up to stay cheaper ($759). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is $759, $240 under the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary.
- ›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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 540g (1.19 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 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 versus the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary's f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary gives that up to stay cheaper ($759). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
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 want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary and the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary opens to f/3.5 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 | 20-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/3.5 |
| 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° | 94.5° – 12.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 120 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 0.5x |
| 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 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 86mm | 77.2mm |
| Length | 196.6mm | 115.5mm |
| Weight | 1140g (2.51 lb) | 540g (1.19 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
