Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 is 23mm — 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 TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 for standard.

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 need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 23mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 if…

  • You're on a budget — $149 vs $349 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 128g (4.5 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 TTArtisan AF 23mm 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, TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 is 23mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 is $149, $200 under the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary.
  • Weight: the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 is 128g (4.5 oz) vs 265g (9.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary or the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 is 23mm — 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 TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 for standard.

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 need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 23mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8?

Choose the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 if you're on a budget — $149 vs $349 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 128g (4.5 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 TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8?

Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8
TTArtisan
$149
Optical Design
Focal Length30mm23mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements99
Optical Groups67
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View51°63°
35mm Equivalent45-45mm35-35mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLASTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance30 cm20 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.14x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$349$149
Filter Size52mm49mm
Diameter64.8mm60.1mm
Length51.5mm44.5mm
Weight265g (9.3 oz)128g (4.5 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo