So you’ve just decided that you want to buy a 50mm prime for your mirrorless camera. But the question now is which one, and that’s a tough decision because there are lots out there. Meanwhile, the Sigma has two 50-millimeter mirrorless primes in its range. Here they are: the first one is the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art and the second one is the SIGMA 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary. So, checking out the in-depth head-to-head of the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs. the SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary is really important.
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll break down the differences in build, image quality, features, and performance of the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art vs the SIGMA 50mm F2 DG DN Contemporary. Furthermore, we will also guide you to the best marketplace to visit to buy the camera lens in Pakistan. Let’s read more to have a full understanding.
Build and Design—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs. SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary.
The SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art is larger and heavier, mainly due to its wider aperture. It features a premium mix of metal and thermally stable composite materials. Key design highlights include
- A customizable AFL button
- De-clickable and lockable aperture ring
- The grippy manual focus ring
- Lockable lens hood
In contrast, the SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary boasts a fully metal construction, including the aperture ring, focus ring, and lens hood—offering a stylish, retro feel. It lacks the de-click switch, aperture lock, and AFL button but includes
- A magnetic metal lens cap (along with the standard one)
- A more compact and lightweight profile
Image Quality—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
At f/8, both lenses produce images with outstanding sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and accurate colors. Even at this pixel-peeping level, there is no clear winner—they are neck and neck in image quality.
Wide Aperture Performance—SIGMA Art vs SIGMA Contemporary
To test the lenses wide open, both were compared at:
- f/2 (widest common aperture): Virtually identical sharpness and clarity
- f/1.4 vs. f/2: The F2 lens shows marginally more detail at the center crop, but this isn’t a direct comparison.
- Both lenses handle wide apertures well, but the Art lens’s extra stop gives it more creative flexibility.
Bokeh and Depth of Field—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
At f/1.4, the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art delivers a significantly shallower depth of field than the F2 Contemporary. Background blur is smoother, and the separation between the subject and background is more dramatic. If creamy bokeh is essential to your style, the Art lens is the better choice.
Autofocus Speed—SIGMA Art vs SIGMA Contemporary
A real-world autofocus test revealed:
- The Contemporary lens acquired focus slightly faster (by four 1/100ths of a second).
- The Art lens, despite its larger, heavier elements, kept up impressively thanks to its newer HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor.
In practice, both lenses are extremely fast. The speed difference is negligible.
Flare Control—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
Shooting into the sun, both lenses performed excellently, with minimal loss of contrast and detail. If we’re splitting hairs:
- The contemporary lens showed a slightly smaller flare artifact, offering a tiny edge.
- Both are well-coated and engineered to minimize flare, thanks to Sigma’s advanced optical technologies.
Portability and Practical Use—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
The F2 Contemporary is much more portable, making it a better option for travel, street, or everyday shooting where weight and space matter. The F1.4 Art, while larger, offers more control and low-light capability, making it ideal for portraits and professional setups.
Value and Price—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
The Contemporary is the more budget-friendly of the two but doesn’t compromise on quality. The price for the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art lens ranges from PKR 220,000 to PKR 245,000.
The Art lens, while priced higher at approximately PKR 191,700, offers
- A wider aperture
- More advanced features
- Slightly better low-light and bokeh performance
Summary—SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary
So, which lens should you buy? Choose the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art if you need ultra-shallow depth of field and low-light performance. Also, you should prefer buying the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art if you need to have advanced controls (de-clicked aperture, AFL button). On the other hand, always prefer the SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary if you want a stylish and metal-built lens. Also, if you need great image quality in a smaller package, then the 50mm F2 Contemporary is a must-have.
So, in the battle of SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art vs. SIGMA 50mm F2 Contemporary, there is no bad choice—only the best choice for your needs.
Where To Buy SIGMA 50mm F1.4 Art or 50mm F2 Contemporary in Pakistan
If you’re planning to purchase SIGMA lenses in Pakistan, the most trusted and reliable option is the Sigma Pakistan Official Website. Aslo You can Buy from Hope Enterprises, authorized dealer of Sigma Pakistan. Here’s why it stands out as the best place to shop:
- Official Warranty—Enjoy peace of mind with genuine warranty coverage.
- Authentic Products—100% original SIGMA lenses, directly from the source.
- Latest Models—Access to the most recent and updated lens releases.
- Nationwide Shipping—Fast and secure delivery all over Pakistan.
- Expert Assistance—Get support and advice from certified SIGMA specialists.
FAQs
Sigma Art prioritizes optical performance; conversely, Contemporary balances performance with portability. Moreover, Art often has wider apertures and robust builds for demanding professional use.
Yes, the Sigma 50mm F2 Contemporary suits professional application, particularly when portability and excellent optical quality in a smaller form factor are desired. Furthermore, its bright aperture and sharp optics make it versatile for various professional applications.
Indeed, both Sigma Art and Contemporary offer DG DN versions specifically designed for various mirrorless mounts. Consequently, compatibility depends on selecting the correct mount for your specific mirrorless system.
Yes, both Sigma Art and Contemporary can be employed for recording purposes. For example, their wide apertures, smooth autofocus, and build quality are beneficial for creation.
