Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — 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 Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $349 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 186g (6.6 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.14x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is $249, $100 under the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary or the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 is 50mm — 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 Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 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 want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 30mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $249 vs $349 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 186g (6.6 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.14x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 30mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 51° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 45-45mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 45 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.14x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $349 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 64.8mm | 68.6mm |
| Length | 51.5mm | 59.5mm |
| Weight | 265g (9.3 oz) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
