Sigma 17- vs Sony SEL90M28G FE

Overview of the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC is a versatile lens designed for Sony E-mount APS-C cameras. Priced at $919.00, it offers a bright F1.8 constant aperture, making it an excellent choice for low-light environments and creative depth effects. This lens is particularly appealing for those interested in portrait photography, travel, and videography, thanks to its art-series optics that deliver sharp detail and professional image quality. With its wide zoom range, it provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios while maintaining high optical performance.

Overview of the Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro

The Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro is a premium lens priced at $1,048.00. This lens is specifically designed for mirrorless cameras and is a perfect match for Sony's α7 series. With a bright F2.8 maximum aperture and a maximum magnification ratio of 1.0x, it excels in macro photography, allowing for detailed close-up shots. The lens features advanced optics, including Super ED glass, which minimizes flare and ghosting, making it a top choice for those who demand high-quality images in various lighting conditions.

Price Comparison

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC is about 17% cheaper than the Sony SEL90M28G, making it a more budget-friendly option for photographers looking to invest in a new lens. At $919.00, the Sigma lens is less expensive compared to Sony's offering at $1,048.00. This price difference may influence a buyer’s decision especially for those who are just starting out or have budget constraints. While the price of the Sigma lens is more accessible, the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs of the photographer, whether they require the macro capabilities of the Sony lens or the versatility of the Sigma zoom lens.

Optical Performance

Both lenses boast impressive optical capabilities, but they serve different purposes. The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 features art-series optics that ensure sharp detail and professional-quality images, suitable for a variety of scenarios. This lens shines in low-light conditions due to its constant F1.8 aperture, allowing for creativity with depth of field and light capture. In contrast, the Sony SEL90M28G excels with corner-to-corner sharpness, utilizing advanced spherical elements and a 9-blade circular aperture for beautiful bokeh. This lens is specifically built for macro photography, making it ideal for those who focus on close-up subjects.

Build Quality and Design

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 is designed with a focus on versatility and portability, making it suitable for travel and on-the-go shooting. Its robust art-series build ensures durability while maintaining a relatively lightweight profile. On the other hand, the Sony SEL90M28G is crafted with a dust and moisture-resistant design, making it resilient for outdoor photography in challenging conditions. This lens also features a sliding focus ring for instant manual/auto focus selection, enhancing usability for macro shooters. Therefore, while Sigma is about versatility, Sony emphasizes durability and precision in its design.

Focus and Usability

In terms of focus, the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC offers a straightforward experience suitable for a variety of shooting styles. However, the Sony SEL90M28G takes focus technology a step further with its Optical Steady Shot image stabilization, which helps deliver sharp images even when shooting handheld. The Sony lens also features a Direct Drive SSM for quiet and precise focusing, particularly beneficial during macro photography. This additional technology in the Sony lens makes it a more specialized option for photographers looking for specific capabilities in their lenses.

Target Audience

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC caters to a broad audience, including travel photographers, videographers, and anyone looking to explore the versatility of a zoom lens. Its bright aperture and wide range allow for various creative expressions. Conversely, the Sony SEL90M28G is specifically tailored for macro photography enthusiasts and professionals who require precision and high-quality results in close-up shots. This distinction in target audience highlights the unique strengths of each lens, appealing to different types of photographers based on their needs and preferences.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC and the Sony SEL90M28G ultimately comes down to your photographic needs and budget. If you are looking for a versatile lens that performs well in low-light conditions and offers a wide zoom range at a lower price of $919.00, the Sigma is an excellent choice. However, if you are focused on macro photography and are willing to invest $1,048.00 for advanced features like image stabilization and exceptional optical performance, the Sony lens may be worth the investment. Each lens has its strengths, so consider your shooting style and preferences when making a decision.