Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is 90mm — 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 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro for zoom.

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 shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
  • You value portability — at 500g (1.10 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 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is 90mm — different framing and reach.
  • Close-up: the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro reaches 1x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.
  • Weight: the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is 500g (1.10 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 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 35mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro is 90mm — 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 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro for zoom.

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 shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Who should choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro?

Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 500g (1.10 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 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro?

Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm90mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1514
Optical Groups1110
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/32
Aperture Blades119
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View63°27°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance27 cm29 cm
Max Magnification0.19x1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$799$799
Filter Size67mm67mm
Diameter75.9mm74mm
Length115.9mm117mm
Weight645g (1.42 lb)500g (1.10 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo