Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD
The bottom line
The Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is a zoom (17-50mm) and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 460g (1.01 lb) 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 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 17-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD 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 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 460g (1.01 lb) 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 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD better?
The Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is a zoom (17-50mm) and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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/4, 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 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 460g (1.01 lb) 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 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 17-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/4 |
| 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° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 27 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.24x |
| 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 | 75mm |
| Length | 115.9mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 645g (1.42 lb) | 460g (1.01 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
