Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary vs Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $549 vs $1,059 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm, Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is $549, $510 under the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 530g (1.17 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary or the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary is 17mm, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary for wide-angle, the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $549 vs $1,059 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 17mm f/4 DG DN Contemporary's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 104° | 63.4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 13 cm | 28 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $549 | $1,059 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 62mm | 73mm |
| Length | 61.4mm | 94mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 530g (1.17 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
