Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) vs Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle zoom, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) for standard.
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm, Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is $899, $100 under the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 750g (1.65 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) or the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle zoom, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) for standard.
Who should choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) and the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-28mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 107° – 75° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 85mm |
| Length | 100.6mm | 102mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 750g (1.65 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
