CameraDecision
  • CAMERAS
    • All Cameras
    • Cameras by Brand
      • Sony Cameras
      • Canon Cameras
      • Nikon Cameras
      • Pentax Cameras
      • Fujifilm Cameras
      • Olympus Cameras
      • Panasonic Cameras
      • Leica Cameras
      • Samsung Cameras
    • Cameras by Body Type
      • Mirrorless Cameras
      • DSLR Cameras
      • Compact Cameras
      • Bridge Cameras
      • Waterproof Cameras
    • Cameras by Lens Mount
      • Sony E Mount Cameras
      • Canon RF Mount Cameras
      • Nikon Z Mount Cameras
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cameras
      • Leica L Mount Cameras
      • Nikon F Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF M Mount Cameras
      • Canon EF S Mount Cameras
      • Pentax KAF Mount Cameras
      • Sony Alpha Mount Cameras
      • Fujifilm G Mount Cameras
      • Sigma SA Mount Cameras
      • Nikon 1 Mount Cameras
  • LENSES
    • All Lenses
    • Lenses by Mount
      • Sony E Mount Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF M Mount Lenses
      • Canon EF S Mount Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Lenses
      • Pentax KAF Mount Lenses
      • Fujifilm G Mount Lenses
      • Sigma SA Mount Lenses
      • Sony Alpha Mount Lenses
    • Teleconverters
    • Cinema Lenses
      • Sony E Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon RF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon Z Mount Cine Lenses
      • Canon EF Mount Cine Lenses
      • Nikon F Mount Cine Lenses
      • ARRI PL Mount Cine Lenses
      • Fujifilm X Mount Cine Lenses
      • Micro Four Thirds Mount Cine Lenses
      • Leica L Mount Cine Lenses
  • TOOLS
    • Cameras
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
    • Lenses
      • Smart Find
      • 1-on-1 Comparison
  • BLOG

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T vs Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

x
Lens to replace
Change

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM

Wideangle Zoom | Sony Alpha

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO
Change
    
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Wideangle Zoom | Sony Alpha

Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM vs Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM, two Wideangle Zoom lenses from Sony and Sigma.

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.

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Key Specs

  • 16-35mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 900g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 114mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.24x

Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Key Specs

  • 10-20mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 470g.
  • Diameter: 84mm
  • Length: 81mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.24m
  • Max Magnification:0.15x

What type of photography are the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelGoodAverage
StreetGoodAverage
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundGoodAverage
VloggingVery GoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroFairPoor

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM was replaced by Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM
Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM is the longer of the two lenses at 114mm. The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM with a length of 81mm is 33mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM's 83mm diameter.

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. Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM weighs 470g, 47% (430g) lighter than the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM's weight of 900g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Lens Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
114mm
83mm 872g Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f2.8 DX II Lens Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II
89mm
84mm 560g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD
145mm
98mm 1100g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 Lens Sony DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6
81mm
83mm 360g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 II LD
84mm
83mm 406g Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f2.8 DX Lens Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX
89mm
84mm 560g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM Lens Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
103mm
87mm 600g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM
106mm
75mm 555g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.

Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM is also available in Canon EF , Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.

Focal Range

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 52.5mm.
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM has a focal range of 10-20mm and 2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 15-30mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.

Reasons to choose Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T over Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM

Focal Length - Tele 35mm vs 20mm 15mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 2.20x vs 2.00x More flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 6 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Internal Zoom Yes vs No Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Diameter 83mm vs 84mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Max Magnification 0.24x vs 0.15x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM over Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T

Focal Length - Wide 10mm vs 16mm 6mm Wider coverage
Weight 470g vs 900g 430g lighter
Length 81mm vs 114mm 33mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.24m vs 0.28m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**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.

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM vs Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Sigma
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Sony Alpha Sony Alpha
Max Format 35mm FF APS-C / DX
Focal Range 16-35mm 10-20mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom - -
Zoom Lock - -
Zoom Ratio 2.2X 2.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F4.0 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0 - F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 6
Optics
Optical Elements 17 14
Optical Groups 13 10
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.24m
Max Magnification 0.24X 0.15X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 900g 470g
Diameter 83mm 84mm
Length 114mm 81mm
Materials Unknown metal mount
Weather Sealing Unknown Unknown
Filter Thread 77mm 77mm
Filter Notes - does not rotate on focus
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
Report a Correction
FOLLOW US


Latest Lenses
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
Sony E | F4 Standard Zoom
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Leica L | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS
Sony E | F4.5-6.3 Telephoto Zoom
Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro
Leica L | F4-5.6 Wideangle Zoom
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER OIS
Micro Four Thirds | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Most Popular Lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
75-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
24-105mm | F4 Standard Zoom
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
70-300mm | F4.0 - F5.6 Telephoto Zoom
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS
18-55mm | F2.8 - F4.0 Standard Zoom
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
16-55mm | F2.8 Standard Zoom
Copyright © 2023 by CameraDecision
Privacy About Contact Us SpeakerDecision

Report a Correction