Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art vs Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical

The bottom line

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical 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/1 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 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 0.15x.

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 530g (1.17 lb) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 vs the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is 24-70mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical is 50mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Weight: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical is 530g (1.17 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 Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical better?

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical 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/1 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?

Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art 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 0.15x.

Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical?

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical if you want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 530g (1.17 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 Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical?

Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical opens to f/1 vs the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length24-70mm50mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1910
Optical Groups158
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/1
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades1112
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View84° – 34°47°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance17 cm50 cm
Max Magnification0.32x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,199$1,199
Filter Size82mm67mm
Diameter87.8mm70mm
Length122.6mm66.4mm
Weight735g (1.62 lb)530g (1.17 lb)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo