Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary vs Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 versus the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (405g (14.3 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 560g (1.23 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is 16-28mm, Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens is 17-40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 560g (1.23 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary or the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 versus the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (405g (14.3 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 560g (1.23 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens?
Choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary and the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens?
Aperture: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-28mm | 17-40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 107° – 75° | 76.5° – 37.1° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 25-60mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 28 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $919 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 72.9mm |
| Length | 100.6mm | 115.9mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 560g (1.23 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
