Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art vs Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
The bottom line
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a zoom (50-400mm) 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/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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/4.5, 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 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-400mm 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.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 105mm, Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 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 Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 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 0.28x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 715g (1.58 lb) vs 1130g (2.49 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art or the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD better?
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a zoom (50-400mm) 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/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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/4.5, 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 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-400mm 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.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art and the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 105mm | 50-400mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 16 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| 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 | 23° | 47° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 72 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.28x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $849 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 82.8mm | 88.2mm |
| Length | 142.3mm | 183.4mm |
| Weight | 715g (1.58 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
