Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary
The bottom line
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a 135mm 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/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 135mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 135mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 135mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $999 vs $1,699 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 135mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is 135mm, Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is $999, $700 under the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 540g (1.19 lb) vs 1120g (2.47 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary better?
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art is a 135mm 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/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 135mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 135mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 135mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $999 vs $1,699 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 135mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art and the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 135mm | 20-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | 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 | 18° | 94.5° – 12.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 87 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 90.6mm | 77.2mm |
| Length | 134mm | 115.5mm |
| Weight | 1120g (2.47 lb) | 540g (1.19 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
