Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary vs Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA
The bottom line
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 540g (1.19 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm, Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is 24mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 540g (1.19 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary or the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA better?
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA?
Choose the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 540g (1.19 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary and the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA?
Aperture: the Sony Sonnar T* E 24mm f/1.8 ZA opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20-200mm | 24mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94.5° – 12.3° | 61° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 36-36mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 16 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 63.8mm |
| Length | 115.5mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 540g (1.19 lb) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
