Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary vs Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is 100-400mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary for super-telephoto, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 645g (1.42 lb) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 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 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN 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.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 645g (1.42 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 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is 100-400mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary for super-telephoto, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm 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 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 645g (1.42 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 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 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 | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 120 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $759 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 86mm | 75.9mm |
| Length | 196.6mm | 115.9mm |
| Weight | 1140g (2.51 lb) | 645g (1.42 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
