Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 645g (1.42 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 420g (14.8 oz) vs 645g (1.42 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art or the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art?
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 645g (1.42 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 17-28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° | 104° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 27 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 75.9mm | 73mm |
| Length | 115.9mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 645g (1.42 lb) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
