Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary vs Sony FE 35mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is 100-400mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 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 280g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 1140g (2.51 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 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, Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 is 280g (9.9 oz) 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is 100-400mm, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 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 280g (9.9 oz) 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 Sony FE 35mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 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 | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/1.8 |
| 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° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | XD Linear |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 120 cm | 22 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 0.24x |
| 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 | $749 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 86mm | 73mm |
| Length | 196.6mm | 73.7mm |
| Weight | 1140g (2.51 lb) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
