Fujifilm Sigma Contemporary Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (FUJIFILM Review
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 delivers stunning image quality for Fujifilm X-mount, but its autofocus holds it back from being perfect. Here's who should buy it.
Overview
So you're looking for a fast, wide prime for your Fujifilm X-mount camera. The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN is exactly that. It's a 24mm equivalent lens that's sharp, bright, and built for low light. It's not a small travel lens, and it lacks weather sealing, but it's got one job: to deliver great image quality at a solid price. Think of it as your go-to for environmental portraits, street photography, or indoor shooting where you need that extra light.
Performance
The optics are the star here, ranking in the 92nd percentile. That means it's sharp, even wide open at f/1.4. The bokeh is smooth and the aperture is huge for an APS-C lens, so you get beautiful background separation. The autofocus is the weak link, landing in the 47th percentile. It's fine for most stills, but don't expect blazing speed for fast action. And with no stabilization, you'll need steady hands or a higher shutter speed in low light.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical quality is top-tier and super sharp. 92th
- Fast f/1.4 aperture is great for low light. 91th
- Build quality feels solid and premium. 88th
- Price is reasonable for the performance you get. 76th
Cons
- Autofocus is just okay, not great.
- No image stabilization at all.
- It's a bit heavy for a walk-around lens.
- No weather sealing limits where you can shoot.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Focal Length Min | 16 |
| Focal Length Max | 16 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 13 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/16 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | FUJIFILM X |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.9 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 250 |
| Max Magnification | 1:10 |
Value & Pricing
At $539, it's a good deal. You're paying for exceptional glass and that fast aperture, not for fancy features like stabilization or weather sealing. If your priority is image quality above all else, this lens delivers way above its price. But if you need a do-it-all travel lens, the cost feels a bit high for something so specialized.
vs Competition
Compared to something like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're trading focal length for much better optics and build. The Viltrox is cheaper and smaller, but the Sigma is in a different league for sharpness. Against Fuji's own 16mm f/1.4, the Sigma is often hundreds less and optically just as good, but you lose the weather sealing and arguably some autofocus refinement. It sits in a sweet spot: better than the budget third-party options, but a more affordable alternative to the first-party flagship.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Fujifilm shooter who values image quality above all and needs a fast, wide prime for portraits, street, or low-light work. Skip it if you need a compact travel lens, require weather sealing, or rely on super-fast, reliable autofocus for sports or wildlife.