§ 03 Head to head
Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN vs Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift
Sigma 17mm f/4 is 545 g lighter. Laowa 17mm f/4 has a more aperture blades.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN is a 17mm f/4 prime, and the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is a 17mm f/4 prime. On paper the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 3, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
01
Key differences
Why is the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN better than the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift?
- 545 g lighter (225 g vs 770 g)
- 47 mm shorter (64 mm vs 111 mm long)
- Focuses 13 cm closer (0.12 m vs 0.25 m)
- Smaller filter thread (55 mm vs 86 mm)
- $400 cheaper ($599 list price vs $999 launch price)
Why is the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better than the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN?
- More aperture blades (14 vs 7)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2026 vs 2023)
02
Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN | Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 17mm | 17mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 225 g ◆ | 770 g |
| Dimensions | 48.8 x 64 mm | 111 x 93 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.12 m ◆ | 0.25 m |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 14 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 9 elements / 8 groups | 18 elements / 12 groups |
| Filter size | 55 mm ◆ | 86 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E, L-Mount | Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm G, L-Mount |
| Released | 2023 | 2026 |
| Price | $599 list price ◆ | $999 launch price |
04
Size
- A · Sigma
- B · Venus
- 64 × 48.8 mm
- 111 × 93 mm
The Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift is 47 mm longer and 545 g heavier than the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN.
05
Sample frames
Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN
06
Video reviews
07
Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN or the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift?
- The Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN weighs 225 g, 545 g less than the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (770 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN or the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift?
- The Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN focuses down to 0.12 m, against 0.25 m for the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift.
- Do the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN and the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN or the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN or the Venus Optics LAOWA 17 mm f/4 Zero-D Shift better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Sigma C 17 mm f/4 DG DN has the edge: it is 545 g lighter to carry.
08