Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary vs Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 versus the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III gives that up to stay lighter (193g (6.8 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.08x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›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 Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 versus the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III gives that up to stay lighter (193g (6.8 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.15x magnification vs 0.08x. 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 Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III?
Aperture: the Sigma 15mm F1.4 DC Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander SUPER WIDE-HELIAR 15mm f/4.5 Aspherical III's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 15mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 82.9° | 111° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 23-23mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | HLA | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.08x |
| 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 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 64mm | 72mm |
| Length | 65mm | 64mm |
| Weight | 220g (7.8 oz) | 193g (6.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
