Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary vs Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is 16-28mm, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is 55mm — 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 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 55mm can't reframe.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA 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 55mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 55mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 281g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA 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, Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is 55mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is 281g (9.9 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary or the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary is 16-28mm, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA is 55mm — 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 for wide-angle, the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 55mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 55mm can't reframe. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA?
Choose the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA 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 55mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 55mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 281g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary and the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA?
Aperture: the Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA 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 | 55mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 7 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 107° – 75° | 43° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | DDL |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.14x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $998 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 64.4mm |
| Length | 100.6mm | 70.5mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 281g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
