Sigma 16mm f.4
Score: 82/100
Tamron 17-70mm
Score: 82/100Rankings
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 Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a versatile, constant-aperture zoom with built-in vibration compensation and weather-sealed construction, delivering sharp images across a useful focal range. Minor vignetting and by-wire focus quirks are its main trade-offs. It excels for APS-C mirrorless shooters needing a fast, all-round travel lens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
16 mmbest | — | |
1.4 | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.25 m | 0.19 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 405 gbest | 525 g |
— | 4.1best | |
9best | 9best | |
0.1 | 0.2best | |
16best | 16best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mount Compatibility | Sony E | Sony E-mount (APS-C) |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | Stepping | RXD |
Focus Type | Auto | Autofocus |
Optics(6) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 16 mm | 17-70 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 1.4 | 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.25 m | 0.19 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.1 | 0.21 |
Number of Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
Coating | Super multi-layer coating | Fluorine, BBAR |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 405 g | 525 g |
Length (mm) | 92.3 mm | 119.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 72.2 mm | 74.6 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 Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 for its travel-friendly size, constant fast aperture, and the added benefit of VC, which together deliver high-resolution, homogenous images and quiet, responsive autofocus. The lens is praised as a well-balanced, versatile option that feels solid in hand, though critics point out its noticeable vignetting, slight edge softness at 70 mm, and the quirks of its by-wire focus system.
Everyday users love the lens's portability, sharpness and the ability to shoot handheld in low light thanks to the f/2.8 aperture and VC. They frequently cite its "do-it-all" range as a major value, while repeatedly noting the need to correct vignetting and occasional autofocus oddities as the main pain points.
“Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture enables consistent exposure and depth-of-field control.”
“Built-in Tamron Vibration Compensation provides up to approximately five stops of image stabilization.”
