Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 35mm — 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 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.

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

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 325g (11.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 35mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 220g (7.8 oz) vs 325g (11.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary or the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary is 35mm — 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 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.

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/2, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 325g (11.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary?

Choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary?

Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length15mm35mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1311
Optical Groups119
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View82.9°63°
35mm Equivalent23-23mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance18 cm30 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.19x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$579$599
Filter Size58mm58mm
Diameter64mm72.2mm
Length65mm65.4mm
Weight220g (7.8 oz)325g (11.5 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo