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.

Focal Length 16mm
Max Aperture f/1.4
Mount FUJIFILM X
Stabilization
Weather Sealed
Weight G 405
Af Type Autofocus
Lens Type
Fujifilm Sigma Contemporary Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (FUJIFILM lens
72 Overall Score

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.

Performance Percentiles

Af 47.1
Bokeh 90.5
Build 75.6
Macro 65.7
Optical 92.3
Aperture 88.4
Versatility 38.7
Stabilization 38.6

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.

$539

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.

Deal Tracker

$539