§ 03 Head to head
Irix 21 mm f/1.4 vs Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM
Irix 21mm f/1.4 has a longer reach. Sigma 20mm f/1.4 has a wider field of view.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 is a 21mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM is a 20mm f/1.4 prime. On paper the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 comes out ahead, 6 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
01
Key differences
Why is the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 better than the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?
- Longer reach (21mm vs 20mm)
- 120 g lighter (830 g vs 950 g)
- 27 mm shorter (103 mm vs 129.8 mm long)
- Is weather sealed
- More aperture blades (11 vs 9)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2015)
Why is the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM better than the Irix 21 mm f/1.4?
- Wider field of view (20mm vs 21mm)
- Focuses 3 cm closer (0.27 m vs 0.3 m)
02
Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM has the edge: it goes wider, to 20mm against 21mm.
- architecture For architecture, the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM has the edge: it goes wider, to 20mm against 21mm.
- astrophotography For astrophotography, the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM has the edge: it goes wider, to 20mm against 21mm.
03
Specification
| Specification | Irix 21 mm f/1.4 | Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 21mm | 20mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 830 g ◆ | 950 g (33.51 oz) |
| Dimensions | 103 x 95 mm | 129.75 x 90.7 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.3 m | 0.27 m (10.63 inches) ◆ |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes ◆ | No |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 11 ◆ | 9 |
| Optical construction | 15 elements / 11 groups | 15 elements / 11 groups |
| Lens mount | Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K | Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony E, L-Mount |
| Released | 2022 | 2015 |
| Price | — | $899 launch price |
04
Size
- A · Irix
- B · Sigma
- 103 × 95 mm
- 129.75 × 90.7 mm
The Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM is 27 mm longer and 120 g heavier than the Irix 21 mm f/1.4.
05
Sample frames
Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 or the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?
- The Irix 21 mm f/1.4 weighs 830 g, 120 g less than the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM (950 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 or the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM?
- The Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM focuses down to 0.27 m, against 0.3 m for the Irix 21 mm f/1.4.
- Do the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 and the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 or the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM has the edge: it goes wider, to 20mm against 21mm.
- Is the Irix 21 mm f/1.4 or the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM has the edge: it goes wider, to 20mm against 21mm.



