Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G
The bottom line
The Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is a zoom (10-20mm) and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is a 12mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 20mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 10-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 225g (7.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 12mm, Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 143g (5.0 oz) vs 225g (7.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary or the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G better?
The Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is a zoom (10-20mm) and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is a 12mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if you need more reach — it goes to 20mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 10-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 225g (7.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G?
Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 10-20mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 99.6° | 110° – 71° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-18mm | 15-30mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $629 | $649 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 63mm |
| Length | 69mm | 46.9mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 143g (5.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
