Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) vs Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) for wide-angle.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) 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 need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $580 vs $1,549 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 550g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 755g (1.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L)'s f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) is 35mm, Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) is 16mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) is $580, $969 under the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) is 550g (1.21 lb) vs 755g (1.66 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) or the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) is 35mm, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) 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 need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L) if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $580 vs $1,549 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 550g (1.21 lb) it's lighter than the 755g (1.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) and the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L)?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 (Leica L)'s f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 16mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Leica L | Leica L |
| Angle of View | 63.4° | 105.6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 28 cm | 27 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,549 | $580 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 81mm | 85.2mm |
| Length | 111.4mm | 103mm |
| Weight | 755g (1.66 lb) | 550g (1.21 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
