Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs Sony E 11mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 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 need more reach — it goes to 16mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 181g (6.4 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.13x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E 11mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm, Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is $449, $100 under the Sony E 11mm f/1.8.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 181g (6.4 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary or the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 16mm, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 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 need more reach — it goes to 16mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 if you shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 181g (6.4 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.13x. 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 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and the Sony E 11mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony E 11mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16mm | 11mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 83° | 104° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-24mm | 17-17mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | Linear |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 72.2mm | 66.7mm |
| Length | 92.3mm | 60.9mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 181g (6.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
