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Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art vs Lensbaby Velvet 56

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Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro

Macro Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art
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Lensbaby Velvet 56

Standard Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Lensbaby Velvet 56
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is a Macro Prime lens with a 70mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a Standard Prime lens with a 56mm focal range and max aperture of F1.6.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Key Specs

  • 70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 515g.
  • Diameter: 71mm
  • Length: 106mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.26m
  • Max Magnification:1x

Lensbaby Velvet 56 Key Specs

  • 56mm Focal Range
  • F1.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 400g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m

What type of photography are the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and the Lensbaby Velvet 56 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Lensbaby Velvet 56
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsFairAverage
PortraitGoodExcellent
TravelAverageGood
StreetGoodVery Good
WeddingGoodExcellent
Walk AroundAverageGood
VloggingAverageGood
LandscapeGoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Lensbaby Velvet 56 with a length of 86mm is 20mm shorter. On the other hand, the Lensbaby Velvet 56 has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro's 71mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Lensbaby Velvet 56 weighs 400g, 22% (115g) lighter than the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro's weight of 515g.


Lens Mounts

Both Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is also available in Canon EF , Sigma SA and Sony E mounts.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 is also available in Canon EF , Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax KAF3, Samsung NX, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.

Focal Range

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 70mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105mm.
Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 84mm.

Reasons to choose Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art over Lensbaby Velvet 56

Focal Length - Tele 70mm vs 56mm 14mm more Tele coverage
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Diameter 71mm vs 72mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 49mm vs 62mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.26m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 1x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Lensbaby Velvet 56 over Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art

Focal Length - Wide 56mm vs 70mm 14mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.6 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.6 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Weight 400g vs 515g 115g lighter
Length 86mm vs 106mm 20mm shorter

Common Strengths of Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Extending while Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens changes during focusing



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sigma Lensbaby
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Macro Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 70mm 56mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Unknown Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.6
Min Aperture F22
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 unknown
Optics
Optical Elements 13 unknown
Optical Groups 10 unknown
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.26m 5m
Max Magnification 1X unknown
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Micromotor No AF
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Extending front Extending front
Distance Scale Unknown Yes
DoF Scale Unknown No
Distance Scale Unknown Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 515g 400g
Diameter 71mm 72mm
Length 106mm 86mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 49mm 62mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes No
Hood Code LH708-01 Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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