Sigma 16mm f.4
Score: 82/100
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary offers a fast 16 mm focal length with excellent low-light capability and quiet stepping AF. Corner softness at the widest aperture and its relatively large size are trade-offs. Perfect for Sony APS-C shooters needing a bright wide-angle prime for street and video work.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact prime lens offering a fast f/1.8 aperture and quiet STM autofocus, making it ideal for everyday shooting and video. Its trade-offs include lack of weather sealing, no image stabilization, and a plastic build that may feel less premium. Best suited for beginners, travel photographers, and vloggers seeking a lightweight "nifty fifty."
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 mm | 50 mmbest | |
1.4 | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.25 mbest | 0.3 m |
| ↓ lower better | 405 g | 160 gbest |
9best | 7 | |
0.1 | 0.3best | |
16best | 6 | |
13best | 5 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E | Canon RF |
Mount Compatibility | Sony E | EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | Stepping | STM |
Focus Type | Auto | autofocus |
Optics(8) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 16 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 1.4 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.25 m | 0.3 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.1 | 0.25 |
Number of Optical Elements | 16 | 6 |
Number of Optical Groups | 13 | 5 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Coating | Super multi-layer coating | Super Spectra Coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Weather Sealing | true | false |
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 67 mm | 43 mm |
Weight (g) | 405 g | 160 g |
Length (mm) | 92.3 mm | 40.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 72.2 mm | 69.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for its impressive center sharpness, bright aperture and quiet stepping AF, calling it a high-value option for Sony APS-C shooters. They note that while the lens excels in low-light and offers smooth bokeh, its corner performance at f/1.4 and occasional AF hunting in dim conditions are drawbacks, though in-camera distortion correction mitigates barrel distortion.
Everyday users generally praise the lens for its sharp images, pleasing bokeh, compact build and reliable AF in good light, appreciating the weather-sealed design for outdoor use. Recurring complaints focus on soft corners when wide open, AF inconsistency in low-light or close-up scenarios, and the lens being a bit bulkier than ultra-compact alternatives.
Professional reviewers commend the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for its ultra-compact design, fast f/1.8 aperture, quiet STM AF and the added control ring, positioning it as a versatile walk-around lens. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing and optical stabilization, and note the plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end Canon optics.
Everyday users consistently praise the lens's lightweight, pocketable form factor, impressive bokeh, low-light performance and silent autofocus, calling it a great value for casual shooting and video. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of weather sealing, no built-in IS, a plastic feel that some deem 'toy-like', and occasional edge softness or flare when shooting wide open.
“easy carry-along companion”
“toy-like”
