Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm — 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 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary for wide-angle.
Choose the Sigma 15mm 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›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 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm — 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 17mm f/4 DG 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 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 15mm | 17mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 82.9° | 104° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 23-23mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $579 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 64mm | 62mm |
| Length | 65mm | 61.4mm |
| Weight | 220g (7.8 oz) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
