Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm, the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Choose the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical if…

  • You value portability — at 190g (6.7 oz) it's lighter than the 665g (1.47 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm, Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 40mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 190g (6.7 oz) vs 665g (1.47 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art or the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art is 50mm, the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical is 40mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art for short-telephoto / portrait, the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art?

Choose the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2, 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 Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical?

Choose the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical if you value portability — at 190g (6.7 oz) it's lighter than the 665g (1.47 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical?

Aperture: the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art opens to f/1.4 vs the Voigtlander SEPTON 40mm f/2 Aspherical's f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length50mm40mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements179
Optical Groups137
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.4f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/16
Aperture Blades1110
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View47°57°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance40 cm40 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureYesNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$999
Filter Size72mm49mm
Diameter80.2mm61.5mm
Length111.3mm56.3mm
Weight665g (1.47 lb)190g (6.7 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo