Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art vs Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS gives that up to stay lighter (518g (1.14 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.19x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 518g (1.14 lb) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is 24-70mm, Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS is 16-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS is $1,099, $100 under the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS is 518g (1.14 lb) vs 735g (1.62 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art or the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS gives that up to stay lighter (518g (1.14 lb)) and cheaper ($1,099). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art?
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.19x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 518g (1.14 lb) 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 and the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS?
Aperture: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 16-35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 107° – 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 28 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,199 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 87.8mm | 78mm |
| Length | 122.6mm | 98.5mm |
| Weight | 735g (1.62 lb) | 518g (1.14 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
