Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) vs Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)
The bottom line
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a 50mm 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/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.22x.
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $499 vs $1,199 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is 24-70mm, Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is $499, $700 under the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 290g (10.2 oz) vs 735g (1.62 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) or the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?
The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a 50mm 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/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.22x.
Who should choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $499 vs $1,199 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) and the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.22x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,199 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 87.8mm | 64.4mm |
| Length | 122.6mm | 68mm |
| Weight | 735g (1.62 lb) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
