Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary vs Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is 14mm — 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 Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR for wide-angle.

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/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You're on a budget — $199 vs $349 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 170g (6.0 oz) it's lighter than the 265g (9.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is 14mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is $199, $150 under the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary.
  • Weight: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is 170g (6.0 oz) vs 265g (9.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary or the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is 30mm, the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR is 14mm — 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 Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR for wide-angle.

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/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR?

Choose the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $199 vs $349 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 170g (6.0 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 — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR?

Aperture: the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary opens to f/1.4 vs the Viltrox AF 14mm f/4.0 AIR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length30mm14mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements912
Optical Groups69
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/4
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View51°112.6°
35mm Equivalent45-45mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLASTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm13 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.23x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$349$199
Filter Size52mm58mm
Diameter64.8mm65mm
Length51.5mm56.4mm
Weight265g (9.3 oz)170g (6.0 oz)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo