Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art vs Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2

The bottom line

The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (25-200mm) and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II 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 II 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 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 25-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.19x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art is 35mm, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Close-up: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 reaches 0.4x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art or the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 better?

The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (25-200mm) and the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II 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 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/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 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?

Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 25-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.19x.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art and the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?

Aperture: the Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG II Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm25-200mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements1518
Optical Groups1214
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 View63.4°82° – 12°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLAVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance28 cm17 cm
Max Magnification0.19x0.4x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,059$999
Filter Size67mm67mm
Diameter73mm76.6mm
Length94mm118.6mm
Weight530g (1.17 lb)575g (1.27 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo