Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art vs Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G for wide-angle.

Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 394g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm, Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 394g (13.9 oz) vs 530g (1.17 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art or the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G is 16mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art?

Choose the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/1.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 16mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G?

Choose the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 394g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art and the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G?

Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G
Sony
$1,099
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm16mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1514
Optical Groups1211
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades1111
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View63.4°107°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAXD Linear
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance28 cm25 cm
Max Magnification0.19x0.19x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,059$1,099
Filter Size67mm72mm
Diameter73mm78.5mm
Length94mm84.5mm
Weight530g (1.17 lb)394g (13.9 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo