§ 03 Head to head

Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN vs Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 focuses 5 cm closer. Sirui 16mm f/1.2 is 0.4 stops brighter maximum aperture.

The Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN is a 16mm f/1.4 prime, and the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 is a 16mm f/1.2 prime. On paper the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 comes out ahead, 7 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN better than the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2?

  • Focuses 5 cm closer (0.25 m vs 0.3 m)

Why is the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 better than the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN?

  • 0.4 stops brighter maximum aperture (f/1.2 vs f/1.4)
  • 21 g lighter (384 g vs 405 g)
  • More aperture blades (13 vs 9)
  • Smaller filter thread (58 mm vs 67 mm)
  • $50 cheaper ($399 launch price vs $449 launch price)
  • Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
  • Newer design (2024 vs 2017)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • landscape For landscape photography, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it is 21 g lighter to carry.
  • architecture For architecture, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it is 21 g lighter to carry.
  • low-light For low-light shooting, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: its f/1.2 aperture gathers more light than f/1.4.
  • astrophotography For astrophotography, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: its f/1.2 aperture gathers more light than f/1.4.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationSigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DNSirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2
Focal length16mm 16mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4 f/1.2 ◆
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Prime lens
FormatAPS-C Full frame
Weight405 g (14.29 oz) 384 g ◆
Dimensions92.3 x 72.2 mm 96 x 0 mm
Minimum focusing distance0.25 m (9.84 inches) ◆0.3 m
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes —
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 13 ◆
Optical construction16 elements / 13 groups 14 elements / 5 groups
Filter size67 mm 58 mm ◆
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, L-Mount Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X
Released2017 2024
Price$449 launch price $399 launch price ◆
05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN

'Shadowy'
'Shadowy' by anandamoy
'Further'
'Further' by anandamoy
'Solitary Form'
'Solitary Form' by anandamoy
Baumstammmikado
Baumstammmikado by Jörg Handke
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN review 1
Video thumbnail for Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN review 2
Video thumbnail for Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 review 1
Video thumbnail for Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 review 2
07

Questions

Which lens has the brighter aperture, the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN or the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2?
The Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2, against f/1.4 on the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN, 0.4 stops brighter.
Which is lighter, the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN or the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2?
The Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 weighs 384 g, 21 g less than the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN (405 g).
Which focuses closer, the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN or the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2?
The Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN focuses down to 0.25 m, against 0.3 m for the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2.
Do the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN and the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN or the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 better for landscape photography?
For landscape photography, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it is 21 g lighter to carry.
Is the Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN or the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 better for architecture?
For architecture, the Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 has the edge: it is 21 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons