Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary vs Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical
The bottom line
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2 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 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
Choose the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 190g (6.7 oz) it's lighter than the 540g (1.19 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical opens to f/2 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, Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical 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 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 190g (6.7 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 Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical better?
The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is a zoom (20-200mm) and the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2 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 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
Who should choose the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical?
Choose the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical if you want more light and background blur — f/2 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 40mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 190g (6.7 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 Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical?
Aperture: the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical opens to f/2 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 | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94.5° – 12.3° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | HLA | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.15x |
| 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 | 61.5mm |
| Length | 115.5mm | 56.3mm |
| Weight | 540g (1.19 lb) | 190g (6.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
