Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sigma 23mm 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 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 23mm — 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 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.

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

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 23mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 23mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.15x.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 23mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is $449, $130 under the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary.
  • 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 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 23mm — 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 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard.

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

Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 23mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Choose the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 23mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.15x.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 23mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 23mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length15mm23mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1310
Optical Groups118
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°63°
35mm Equivalent23-23mm35-35mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance18 cm23 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.21x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$579$449
Filter Size58mm52mm
Diameter64mm64.8mm
Length65mm60.5mm
Weight220g (7.8 oz)265g (9.3 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo