Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 56mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is $349, $100 under the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary or the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 56mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for standard, the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if you shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Who should choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Choose the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if you need more reach — it goes to 56mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary?

Focal range: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 56mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length30mm56mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements910
Optical Groups68
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View51°28°
35mm Equivalent45-45mm85-85mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm50 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$349$449
Filter Size52mm55mm
Diameter64.8mm67.2mm
Length51.5mm59.5mm
Weight265g (9.3 oz)280g (9.9 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo