Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for wide-angle.

Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if…

  • ✓You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • ›Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm — different framing and reach.
  • ›Price: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is $449, $130 under the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary.
  • ›Weight: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 220g (7.8 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • ›Durability: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary or the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary?

Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length15mm16mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1313
Optical Groups1111
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View82.9°83°
35mm Equivalent23-23mm24-24mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance18 cm25 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$579$449
Filter Size58mm67mm
Diameter64mm72.2mm
Length65mm92.3mm
Weight220g (7.8 oz)405g (14.3 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo