Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE is 85mm — 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 Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE 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/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 464g (1.02 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 85mm 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 Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE is 85mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE 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 464g (1.02 lb) — 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 Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary is 15mm, the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE is 85mm — 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 Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE 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/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 220g (7.8 oz) it's lighter than the 464g (1.02 lb) 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.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE?
Choose the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE if you need more reach — it goes to 85mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary and the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8 II FE's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 15mm | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| 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° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 23-23mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $579 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 64mm | 72mm |
| Length | 65mm | 92mm |
| Weight | 220g (7.8 oz) | 464g (1.02 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
