§ 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.
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Key differences
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)
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Which should you buy?
- 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.
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Specification
| Specification | Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN | Sirui Sniper 16 mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16mm | 16mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/1.2 ◆ |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 405 g (14.29 oz) | 384 g ◆ |
| Dimensions | 92.3 x 72.2 mm | 96 x 0 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) ◆ | 0.3 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 | 13 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 16 elements / 13 groups | 14 elements / 5 groups |
| Filter size | 67 mm | 58 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-M, L-Mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 |
| Price | $449 launch price | $399 launch price ◆ |
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Sample frames
Sigma C 16 mm f/1.4 DC DN
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Video reviews
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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.
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