Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary
Announced October 25, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a highly capable, fast wide-angle prime that delivers exceptional center sharpness and reliable autofocus at a competitive price. While the lens is somewhat bulky and shows some optical compromises like barrel distortion and chromatic aberration at wider apertures, it remains a standout value for landscape and video creators.
Weighted from 29 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus performance
- Solid, weather-sealed build quality
- Excellent center sharpness and contrast
- Strong value for the price
- Pleasing bokeh and flare resistance
Cons
- Softness and chromatic aberration at wide apertures
- Noticeable barrel distortion
- Relatively large and heavy for its class
- Lack of optical image stabilization
- Focus-by-wire system can be finicky
- Launch price $449 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16mm f/1.4
- Mount & coverage Sony E, L-Mount, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Canon EF APS-C
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 25 cm (0.1x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 405g (14.3 oz) · 72.2 x 92.3 mm (2.84 x 3.63 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 29 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- OpticalLimits 6/10
So mirrorless lenses can be affordable after all.
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[T]he compact, lightweight Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens is a affordable choice for landscape and other wide-angle use, with the wide f/1.4 aperture increasing this lens's versatility.
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[I]f you are a videographer or vlogger, this lens should definitely be of interest to you.
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[I]t's been a while since I've given any lens this particular accolade, but especially considering it's very good value for money, it has to come highly recommended.
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As a result this lens’s resolution levels are close to record values on both types of sensors and we mean here records achieved by lenses several times more expensive than the tested one.
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The Sigma AF 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens gives excellent performance, a reasonable price and a very bright f/1.4 maximum aperture, which all add up to a very desirable package, that will be apealling for both Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-Mount photographers.
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The £449.99 / $449.99 asking price of the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN C is pretty good for such a fast, well-built lens. Although shooting wide-open at f/1.4 isn't without some issues, we can still heartily recommend the new Sigma 16mm F1.4.
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Everything’s packed into a compact and lightweight package that’s utterly in keeping with the mirrorless crop-sensor cameras for which it’s designed.
- Digital Trends 8/10
The 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens is another fine example of craftsmanship and value from Sigma.
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Priced at approximately $450, the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is definitely a lens worth considering regardless of whether you use the Sony E or Micro Four Thirds system.
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I gotta say both the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 30 millimeter f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary lenses are excellent values for the dollar.
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Factor in the price, and Sigma have created a very attractive lens here.
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It meets all three of these criteria really, really well, and the price to performance ratio of this lens is just unmatched.
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It seems like Sigma has another E-mount winner on their hands with the 16mm f/1.4.
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Focusing was just as quick and reliable as any other native lens I have used before.
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I think this is an absolute no-brainer.
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The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is a lens I think would be great for people who shoot landscape, architectural, even holiday snaps where people usually like taking photos of scenery.
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If you’re looking for a fast wide angle prime for an APS-C camera, such as, the Leica CL, the Sigma 16mm f1.4 is hard to beat. It’s built well, the overall size of the lens is decent, the autofocus is great, and the image quality is superb.
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[T]his lens really does cater to a lot of people's needs that they didn't even know they had.
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[T]his lens just might be a good one that everyone should have in their kit. Not to mention that for the price that you pay for it, what you're getting is incredible.
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[T]his is one of the easiest recommendations that I've ever made on this channel. It's just a superb lens all-around.
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[T]his lens has stood the test of time and people still love it to this day, and that's why I still recommend it very highly on this channel.
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[E]ven though it isn’t an Art lens, it performs on the same level—sharp with excellent flare and ghost suppression and pleasing bokeh.
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[T]his is going to be a home run for landscape photographers, assuming that the focal length is wide enough for your work.
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[I]f you're looking for a wide angle lens that doesn't compromise on quality, then the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary [...] is still best in class.
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[T]he image quality of the lens is very good, it is very sharp and the images are rich in contrast, the high aperture allows very cinematic shots [...] the good autofocus, which is in no way inferior to a Sony lens the price of about $400 is very interesting.
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[I] was really impressed by the quality of this lens, and I really recommend checking it out.
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[T]he image quality is great, the autofocus is great, the build quality is great, the bokeh is great [...] the close focus is great; everything about this lens is just absolutely five stars.
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Absolutely, I recommend this lens.
