Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) vs Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 35mm, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…

  • You value portability — at 215g (7.6 oz) it's lighter than the 325g (11.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 35mm, Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 45mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 215g (7.6 oz) vs 325g (11.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) or the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 35mm, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 45mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait, the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Who should choose the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you value portability — at 215g (7.6 oz) it's lighter than the 325g (11.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) and the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Aperture: the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2 vs the Sigma 45mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35mm45mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1110
Optical Groups98
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View63°51°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorHLASTM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm24 cm
Max Magnification0.19x0.19x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesYes
Declickable ApertureYesYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$599
Filter Size58mm55mm
Diameter72.2mm62.6mm
Length65.4mm46.2mm
Weight325g (11.5 oz)215g (7.6 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo