Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is a zoom (17-70mm) 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/2.8) 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/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm 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 17-70mm 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.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 525g (1.16 lb) vs 645g (1.42 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) better?
The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is a zoom (17-70mm) 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/2.8) 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/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. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm 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 17-70mm 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.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)?
Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 16 |
| 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 | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° | 80.6° – 23.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 26-105mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 27 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| 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 | 74.6mm |
| Length | 115.9mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 645g (1.42 lb) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
