Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art vs Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art for standard, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 28-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.15x.

Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, 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 750g (1.65 lb) it's lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is 50mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is $999, $100 under the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art.
  • Weight: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is 750g (1.65 lb) vs 1020g (2.25 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art or the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art is 28-45mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art is 50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art for standard, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art?

Choose the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art if you shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 28-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.26x magnification vs 0.15x.

Who should choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art?

Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/1.8, 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 750g (1.65 lb) it's lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art and the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art?

Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length28-45mm50mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1817
Optical Groups1512
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View75° – 51°47°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance20 cm40 cm
Max Magnification0.26x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,099$999
Filter Size82mm72mm
Diameter92mm85mm
Length149.2mm102mm
Weight1020g (2.25 lb)750g (1.65 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo