Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art vs Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm, the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS for super-telephoto.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.31x magnification vs 0.19x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm, Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 755g (1.66 lb) vs 854g (1.88 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art or the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art is 35mm, the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.31x magnification vs 0.19x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art and the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.2 DG II Art opens to f/1.2 vs the Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 70-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63.4° | 34° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | DDSSM |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 28 cm | 90 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.31x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,549 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 81mm | 84mm |
| Length | 111.4mm | 143.5mm |
| Weight | 755g (1.66 lb) | 854g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
