Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 12mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $629 vs $1,549 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 755g (1.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 12mm, Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is $629, $920 under the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 755g (1.66 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary or the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 12mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $629 vs $1,549 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 755g (1.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary's f/1.4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 99.6° | 63.4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-18mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 28 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $629 | $1,549 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 81mm |
| Length | 69mm | 111.4mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 755g (1.66 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
