§ 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

From manufacturer specifications

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?

By use
  • 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

16 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationIrix 21 mm f/1.4Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM
Focal length21mm 20mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight830 g ◆950 g (33.51 oz)
Dimensions103 x 95 mm 129.75 x 90.7 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.3 m 0.27 m (10.63 inches) ◆
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes ◆No
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades11 ◆9
Optical construction15 elements / 11 groups 15 elements / 11 groups
Lens mountCanon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, Sony E, L-Mount
Released2022 2015
Price—$899 launch price
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • 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

Shot on each lens

Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM

L'éclusier n'y habite plus...
L'éclusier n'y habite plus... by Anthony Desruelles
Aux portes du silence
Aux portes du silence by Anthony Desruelles
La voie est libre...
La voie est libre... by Anthony Desruelles
Regarde la vie comme une rivière...
Regarde la vie comme une rivière... by Anthony Desruelles
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Irix 21 mm f/1.4 review 1
Video thumbnail for Irix 21 mm f/1.4 review 2
Video thumbnail for Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM review 1
Video thumbnail for Sigma A 20 mm f/1.4 DG HSM review 2
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.