Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS or Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art? Which Sigma Model to Buy
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When you compare the sigma 16 300mm f3 5 6 7 DC os vs 17 40mm f1 8 DC, you are looking at two very different Sigma lenses. Both are black and designed for specific camera mounts. The main difference lies in their purpose. One is a superzoom for travel, while the other is a fast prime for creative work. You need to decide which specification matters more for your shooting style.
Key differences
| Aspect | Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary | Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 16-300mm | 17-40mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F3.5-6.7 | F1.8 |
| Sensor Format | not listed | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-Mount | Fujifilm X-mount |
| Weight | 1.36 pounds | 1.17 pounds |
| Dimensions | 2.9 x 2.9 x 4.9 inches | 1.2 x 1.2 x 5.6 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary if
- You want a single lens for travel with a wide zoom range.
- You shoot with Sony E-mount cameras.
- You prefer a lens that covers both wide and telephoto perspectives.
Choose Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art Lens if
- You need a fast F1.8 aperture for low light or background blur.
- You use Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras.
- You prioritize compact size and lighter weight for street photography.
Verdict: The 16-300mm is the practical choice for versatility and travel on Sony cameras. The 17-40mm is the better option for image quality and low-light performance on Fujifilm systems. Your camera mount and need for zoom range will determine the right pick.
Sigma Zoom vs Prime Lens Comparison
Focal Length Range
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary offers a massive 16-300mm zoom range. This covers wide-angle to super-telephoto in one body. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art is a narrow prime-style zoom. It only covers 17-40mm. This range is ideal for street, portrait, and environmental shots. If you need versatility for travel or events, the 16-300mm is superior. If you prefer a compact setup for specific subjects, the 17-40mm is better. The 16-300mm handles more scenarios without changing lenses.
Maximum Aperture
Aperture controls light intake and background blur. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art has a constant f/1.8 maximum aperture. This is very fast, allowing more light in low light and creating strong background separation. The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS has a variable aperture. It starts at f/3.5 at 16mm and narrows to f/6.7 at 300mm. This limits low-light performance and bokeh quality compared to the Art lens. For night photography or shallow depth of field, the 17-40mm wins clearly.
Lens Mount Compatibility
Mount compatibility is critical for fit. The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary is listed with Sony E-Mount. It is designed for Sony mirrorless cameras. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art is listed with Fujifilm X-mount. It is built for Fujifilm X-series APS-C cameras. You cannot use these lenses interchangeably without adapters, and even then, functionality may vary. Check your camera body first. If you have a Sony, only the 16-300mm works natively. If you have a Fuji, only the 17-40mm fits.
Physical Dimensions
Size affects portability. The Sigma 16-300mm measures 2.9 inches by 2.9 inches by 4.9 inches. It is bulkier due to its long zoom range. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art measures 1.2 inches by 1.2 inches by 5.6 inches. It is much thinner but slightly longer. The 17-40mm has a smaller footprint, making it easier to slip into a bag. However, the 16-300mm is more compact than many other super-zooms. For pure width and height, the 17-40mm is slimmer.
Weight
Weight impacts hand fatigue during long shoots. The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS weighs 1.36 pounds. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art weighs 1.17 pounds. The 17-40mm is lighter by 0.19 pounds. This difference is noticeable when holding the camera for extended periods. The lighter lens allows for steadier handheld shooting. If you prioritize minimal weight for travel or all-day use, the 17-40mm is the better choice. The 16-300mm is heavier but offers more reach.
Choose Your Sigma Lens Now
Travelers needing one lens for all
The Sigma 16-300mm covers 16 to 300mm. This range handles wide scenes and distant subjects. You avoid changing lenses often. The image stabilization helps in low light. It fits Sony E-mount cameras. This versatility makes it ideal for trips where carrying multiple lenses is inconvenient.
Portrait photographers wanting background blur
The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 offers a constant wide aperture. This allows for shallow depth of field. Backgrounds blur beautifully for portraits. The Art series ensures high clarity and color accuracy. It is designed for Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras. You get professional results in a compact size.
Low light shooters on Fujifilm
Night shooting benefits from the F1.8 aperture. You capture more light without raising ISO. The 17-40mm range is tight but sharp. This lens suits indoor events or evening walks. It pairs well with Fujifilm X-mount bodies. The build quality supports consistent performance in challenging lighting conditions.
The products compared
Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
Best for: Travelers needing a single versatile lens
- Focal Length
- 16-300mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F3.5-6.7
- Color
- Black
- Lens Mount
- Sony E-Mount
- Dimensions
- 4.9 × 2.9 × 2.9 inches
- Weight
- 1.36 pounds
View on Amazon: Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Affiliate link
This lens offers a 16-300mm focal range with a maximum aperture of F3.5-6.7. It measures 4.9 inches long and weighs 1.36 pounds. The black finish fits standard camera bodies. You get a single lens for wide and telephoto shots. This setup suits travelers who want to carry less gear. It is a practical option for variable lighting conditions.
Pros
- 16-300mm focal length covers wide to telephoto
- Maximum aperture of F3.5-6.7
- Weighs 1.36 pounds for portability
- Dimensions are 2.9 x 2.9 x 4.9 inches
Cons
- Variable aperture narrows to F6.7 at the telephoto end
- Heavier than prime lenses
- Maximum aperture is slower than F1.8 options
Good fit if
- You want a single lens for varied shooting distances
- You prioritize travel convenience over maximum light gathering
- You need a wide angle starting at 16mm
Skip if
- You require fast constant apertures for low light
- You need the sharpest possible wide-angle performance
- You prefer a lighter and smaller prime lens
Verdict: Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary covers a broad range for travelers who value convenience over speed. It fits those who shoot in bright to moderate light and want to minimize gear weight.
Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art Lens
Best for: Low light portrait and street photography
- Lens Mount
- Fujifilm X
- Focal Length
- 17-40mm
- Maximum Aperture
- F1.8
- Sensor Format
- APS-C
- Focus Type
- Autofocus HLA
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art Lens Affiliate link
The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art lens is designed for Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras. It features a fast constant f/1.8 maximum aperture, which allows for significant background blur and improved performance in low light. The lens weighs 1.17 pounds and measures 5.6 inches in length. It is built for creators who prioritize optical clarity and color accuracy in their photography workflow.
Pros
- Constant f/1.8 maximum aperture for low light
- Art series build for exceptional clarity
- Compact 5.6-inch length for APS-C bodies
- Weight of 1.17 pounds for portability
Cons
- Limited to 17-40mm focal range
- Not compatible with full-frame sensors
- No optical image stabilization listed
Good fit if
- You shoot in low light conditions
- You want creamy background blur
- You use a Fujifilm X-mount camera
Skip if
- You need a wide zoom range
- You shoot with full-frame cameras
- You require built-in stabilization
Verdict: Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for Fuji X is a specialized prime zoom for Fujifilm users. It suits photographers who need fast aperture performance for portraits or night scenes rather than versatile focal lengths.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary | Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Lens Mount | not stated | Fujifilm X |
| Focal Length | 16-300mm | 17-40mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F3.5-6.7 | F1.8 |
| Sensor Format | not stated | APS-C |
| Focus Type | not stated | Autofocus HLA |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Aperture | not stated | f/1.8 |
| Dimensions | 4.9 × 2.9 × 2.9 inches | 5.6 × 1.2 × 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.36 pounds | 1.17 pounds |
| Size | 3.00 | 5.00 |
| Model | 887965 | 214975 |
Frequently asked questions
Which lens is better for travel photography?
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS is the better choice for travelers. It covers a broad range from wide-angle to super-telephoto in one body. This versatility allows you to capture diverse scenes without changing lenses. The lens weighs 1.36 pounds and fits Sony E-mount cameras, making it a practical single-lens solution for moving around.
Can I use the Sigma 17-40mm on a Sony camera?
No, you cannot use the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art on a Sony camera. This lens is designed specifically for the Fujifilm X Mount. If you shoot with Sony E-mount bodies, this lens will not fit. You would need to choose a lens compatible with your specific camera brand and mount system.
Is the Sigma 16-300mm heavy to carry?
The Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS weighs 1.36 pounds. It measures 4.9 inches in length with a width and height of 2.9 inches. While it is a large zoom lens, its single-unit design reduces the total gear weight compared to carrying multiple lenses. This makes it manageable for extended shooting sessions.
Which lens has a wider aperture for low light?
The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art offers a constant f/1.8 aperture. This wide opening allows more light to reach the sensor, making it ideal for low-light environments like night streets or dim interiors. The Sigma 16-300mm has a variable aperture that narrows to f/6.7 at the telephoto end, limiting its low-light performance.
Does the Sigma 16-300mm include image stabilization?
Yes, the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS includes Optical Stabilization (OS). This feature helps reduce blur from camera shake, which is useful when shooting handheld in moderate light or at longer focal lengths. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art does not list image stabilization in its specifications, relying instead on its wide aperture for low-light clarity.
Is the Sigma 17-40mm suitable for portraits?
Yes, the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art is well-suited for portraits. Its f/1.8 aperture creates a shallow depth of field, blurring backgrounds to isolate subjects. The 17-40mm range on Fujifilm X-mount cameras provides a versatile focal length for close-up shots. This makes it a specialized tool for photographers prioritizing subject separation over zoom range.