$1,098 Zeiss 24mm vs $330 Sigma 30mm 

First let me say, you are the best reviewer I’ve seen on RU-vid. No “mister cool” introductions or any of that BS. You just get down to the business of doing fair and honest reviews with results and conclusions no one can deny. I bought my first interchangeable lens camera a month or so ago, a Sony a6400. Based on your reviews I’ve purchased 3 Sigma lenses so far. The 16, 56 and 30mm in that order. My results with all three have been stunning. Thanks for being my guide to these excellent lenses.

I wish Sigma made a 24mm f/1.4. Would be the perfect fit for me.

Sigma is making fantastic lenses. Would love to see them come out with a 24-70 APSC zoom for Sony crop sensor cameras.

This actually blows me away that a lens 1/3 the cost can make a Zeiss look like the cheaper lens. Glad I purchased it

I really like your video format and how you get straight to the point in such detail. Thanks!

Love these comparisons!

Great comparison, as always! Thank you for taking the time. I am surprised nobody is highlighting how good and versatile the minimum focus distance coupled with magnification on the Zeiss is for everyday photography and video work?!?

This is the exact setup I've used since day one of getting into this generation of mirrorless photography. I wanted what is the now released Sony A7III, but since it wasn't available in 2017 I settled for the Sony A6500 with the Sigma 30 mm F1.4. The only other lens I use consistently is the Sony Zeiss 55 mm F1.8 for portrait shots. But honestly this Sigma lens stays on my camera 98% of the time for family and baby photos. The one thing you didn't touch on is this lens is absolutely great for videos as well. Keep up the good work! I love your comparisons, and your honesty. Too many other people I feel just cater to their preconceived notions.

How about the newer Samyang AF 24mm F/2.8 FE vs the zeiss 24mm. Any word on that lens? Thanks for everything you do man!

Very noticeable! I was just looking at the 35mm ART lens last night. They are finally giving us sony users native lenses!

Another super useful practical comparison wish more reviews did this....

Great review. I have the Sigma 16mm and the 30mm and love them both. Also have the Sony 85mm 1.8. I've rounded it off by the 44mm vintage Helois lens and the Sony 18-135 (which I found sharper than my 18-105 when I did a personal comparison test). Sold my Sony 35mm and 50mm and adding a couple of Canon zoom lenses with my MC11 adapter. I always love your reviews! Thanks

I literally bought this lens this morning, should be delivered tomorrow... I have been watching all of your videos trying to decide on a lens to compliment my kit lens, and this has confirmed my decision. Thanks for all of your reviews, they have helped me no end!

Nice video, great to see this comparison. As an owner of both lenses I’d like to add my opinions as to why I believe choosing between these lenses is not quite so one sided; * Sharpness comparisons - these should have been done with both lenses stopped down by the same amount. By having one lens stopped down by 0.2 and the other by 0.6 (for f2 comparisons) there is an inherent bias towards the Sigma lens. Some comparisons were wide open on Sony and stopped down fractionally on sigma. Not sure why the differences were so big at f8, not seen that myself. In general I found the difference in sharpness to be so small that it’s easy to make one lens look sharper than the other with software adjustments. I find the sharpness difference of no concern. * Autofocus noise - the Sony lens is a quieter lens than the Sigma lens. For video use, that can be an important factor * Compatibility - even with the latest firmware which improves the area across the frame in which autofocus works, I found that the sigma a) hunts more at apertures above f5.6 and b) cannot focus at all at f16. This can be an issue when filming video on bright sunny days. Small issue but it caught me out once as I didn’t have time to get the ND filter attached. * 35mm equivalent - the Sony 24 is a full frame 35 equivalent lens and there is a good reason for why it’s such a popular focal length- it’s such a fantastic all around versatile lens. Capable of everything from portraits to scenic wide views. I found the Sigma 30mn too long in a surprising amount of situations. From my experience I always feel safer having the Sony 24 on the camera as it’s ready for a wider variety of situations. So overall I use the Sony 24 as my primary goto prime lens. The Sigma is a good budget friendly lens. But I think I would recommend getting a used Sony if you can find one available.

I also own an A6000 and the Sigma 30mm/f1.4. It's my fave lens, and I was tickled to hear Sigma has released a firmware update. I try to keep up with stuff, but I get busy and forget to check back with my manufacturer websites for updates. I agree that Sigma is truly one of the best lens makers, and definitely offers a lot of bang for the buck on their products. Looking down the road, I'm super hyped about the new Sony A7iii and a collaboration with Sigma to produce many more E-mount lenses. I think the two companies are creating a photographic utopia for us shutterbugs. Great review, as always! Thanks!

Just ordered One!❤️🙌

Great review 👍🏽

Waiting for the sigma 24mm dc dn

Really appreciated for this a very informative video thank you for sharing

Great comparison

Personally, I don't find the comparison as easy as the reviewer does. Both are sharp lenses, but the statement about colors being similar, I don't follow. I find the left side giving punchier, more separated and more pleasing colors in general. Especially outside the field of focus, where much more contrast is retained. Right lens giving a more clinical look. I'd stay that is a much more decisive factor than sharpness, as it shows even when looking at thumbnails of the images. Who do you show your 100% crops to? I doubt one would buy this camera/lens combination for studio portraits, so I'd say color is pretty important.

Just ordering Sigma 30mm now . Thanks for the video!

Interesting comparison! VERY different focal lengths and serve different purposes though. Sigma is more known for sharpness in general, Zeiss more for the overall rendering. Sigma is a newer design and known for providing value. Wider angle lens are much more subject to softer corners due to distortion.

I think I would like video comparisons as well. Great video.

I have low expectation on sony native lenses, but I do expect Zeiss to be better lens. Looks like Sigma 30mm gonna be on my next to buy list.

Nice video and thanks for the detailed comparision. The used price of the Zony 24mm F1.8 kind of self-explainatory, yet, this is the only 35mm equivalent lens on APS-C E mount to date, where Sony 20mm Pancake is too wide to cover and Sigma 30mm is too narrow is substitude, making it somehow a necessity for those who demand a true 35 equivalent lens.

Seriously got one last week! (the sigma) I'm so happy with it. Just need more things to capture! Interesting results for these lenses...

You made a good point but a 30mm and a 24mm are very different lenses...what about autofocus in low light, video etc...? to compare the bokeh you should also have put the same composition in the two shots , meaning that the zeiss would have been closer to the subject inducing a different bokeh...thanks for all the tests anyway !

I have the Sigma Trio 16mm, 30mm and 56mm for my a6500. They are all amazing!

Arthur, thanks for doing the comparison. The 24mm = 36 focal length is so handy as the one-lens solution that the Zeiss lens will remain relevant and valuable in use for some, but I'm sure so many of us/you will agree that the a6500 with the Sigma 30 1.4 is simply a fantastic combination. When I finally bought the a6500 6 months ago with the rebate, I did so because with the stabilized sensor, it was the camera I had been waiting for ever since NEX was introduced, and the sharpness of the Sigma 30 makes those 24 megapixels really shine. The clarity is so fantastic that I just have no desire for full frame. Sure full frame may be technically better and especially for some situations, but even the a6500's ISO 6400 performance is so good for a camera that is so compact when you want it to be but yet has that great grip for mounting a bigger lens and a large flash when you need to. Thanks again. I will probably never have a Sony/Zeiss 24 in hand to do the test myself.

Just ordered the sigma. Thanks for all the advice you give!

I bought one, should be here on Thursday.

very interesting review. i wish the sigma was available when I bought my 24z lol

Sima win! Without a doubt! Especially for the price comparison! 😊 👍 Thanks for sharing! Now to get the 30mm Sigma lens for my a6000! Can't wait!

Wasnt surprised since I've read some comments on dpreview forum as well as Dxomark score as regards to both the s30 and z24. I have a brief chance to use the z24 few days ago, and yeah, it was softer than my 30mm.

Hey TechMafia, thanks for your channel; very helpful. I purchased a Sony A6000 about a year ago and I love it! Because of your channel, i added a E 35mm F 1.8 OSS. I also recently added an SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 e-mount macro lens. I love prime lenses, of course. I am now seeking your advice on a telefoto lens with prime lens quality or close to it. I am on a budget, looking to spend maybe no more than $500. I know I might not do much with $500, but I believe you know best. Thanks again.

I have a Sigma 30mm and I love it. The only bad thing I've noticed with it is the chromatic aberration when shooting wide open, which is a common problem on most lenses. Other than that, it's an amazing lens!

I own the Sigma 30mm and its a BEAST. I love it and choose it over my Sony 50mm and 35mm anytime I shoot. I also upgraded it to v3 and its even better. Worth every penny. I got mine from eBay for 275.

When I bought the 6500 last year. I also bought the batis 18 2.8 for video but recently bought the sigma 30 1.4 and love both. The batis is silent and snaps into focus and never hunted once but the sigma looks better and makes beautiful footage. I probably could have bought three or four sigma lenses if I hadn't got the batis.

Man you've got best of the best channel. Lots of love from Pakistan

Sigma is killing it. I love my 30mm. Hope their full frame lenses are as good. Getting the 16mm next if I do not go full frame.

Hi Thank you so much very explanation for the lenses you are so professional ,And also when you toke the picture I remember this place I believe that is in Austin/TX north Austin because we had a lot of costumer here ,Your all videos is very useful Thank you again

I've got the Sigma 30mm m43, shooting with a g85, and it's my favorite lens. Absolutely razor sharp, fantastic MF ring, virtually no CA with Panasonic's in-camera correction, and wonderful for low-light shots. I'm impatiently waiting for the new 56mm right now, refreshing B&H every day. :) Like I've heard others say, I really wish I'd have just started with primes, rather than zoom lenses. I own the Panasonic 14-140 f/3.5-5.6, and 35-100 f/2.8, but I never bring them anywhere; the Sigma 16mm, 30mm, and Oly 60mm f/2.8 cover the short end, while my 100-300mm f/4-5.6 covers the long.

nice comparisson! Thank you! love the sigma!

Awesome review- my only complaint is you are shooting at the same vocal length, so the distance will affect the Ziess's bokeh.

woww unexpected result!! great comparison. btw which lens do you recommend for normal street and travel photography? sigma 16mm 1.4 or the sigma 30mm 1.4?

I have that Sigma 30mm. I never use it! I got the Sigma 16mm 1.4 soon after and pretty much only use that. I vlog, so being able to turn the camera around and get that wide shot is so crucial. Just wanted to comment in case any vloggers out there are lens shopping. The 30mm is gorgeous but better for photography or filmmaking than vlogging. Thanks for this review!

Awesome thanks!

A timely comparison; I'll be buying the sigma tomorrow. Thanks!

I got the Sigma 30mm DC DN last week and it is such a great lens, super sharp and bright, I sold my Meike 35mm F1.7 that I bought when I started thanks to you and the kit lens to buy the Sigma 16mm f1.4 soon. Great video!

Great comparison. How about macro capabilities? Does the sigma handle macros, as well as the Zeiss? Also what about autofocus speed and noise for videos?

Thank you, got the Sigma today for EUR299 new; would be interesting to compare the AF speed. My Sigma feels quite slow.

Great, can you make a comparison between Sigma 16mm and 30mm?

No OSS is a dealbreaker for me. I'll stick with the Sony 35. Very interesting comparison. Thank you!

Hey Arthur! nice video as always. I know this is an old, but after have tried both of these lens personally I find the Zeiss a way better len that the Sigma and I want to express my opinion. I think there are more to compare than just base on sharpness. First they are not quite comparable since 24mm and 30mm are very different focal length. - The Zeiss is a 35mm equivalent which I believe is one of the reasons of its high price. This make it more usable in more situations than the Sigma. - The Zeiss is optically better. Yeah the Sigma is sharper but only in the center, if you compare corner to corner the Zeiss is sharper. - The Zeiss has a minimum focal distance of 16 cm. The Sigma is 30 cm. This make the Sigma more usable for macro. - If you turn off on camera correction you can see that The Zeiss has almost no distortion while the Sigma distortion is big, also the sigma has noticiable vignette at wide open. - The Zeiss has much better build quality, it really feel like a well build engineering piece. - And finally the Zeiss is smaller and less weight that the Sigma. The only advantage that I see on the Sigma is the sharpness in the center even at wide open and it is one stop better at low light that the Zeiss. I know everyone has their own opinion and I respect that, but just want to express mine after seeing most of the comment people saying the Sigma is better just base on sharpness.

I didn't know what the Zeiss was going to do, but I knew the sigma wouldn't let me down! I love that lens! It's on my a6000 90% of the time

I have the Zeiss and I think you may have had a bad copy. It really shouldn’t be that bad imo. Nothing in regards to the sigma though because I know they have been slamming out some high quality affordable lenses. Been struggling with whether or not to get the 24-70 ef to use with the mc-11 on the 6500

Hi Arthur R, You are one of my favourite reviewers out there. I have heard two reviewers (cannot remember their names at this moment) saying the optical image stabilization should be turned off while being mounted on a tripod in order to get sharper image. Could you please make another comparison between these two lenses again with Steady Shot turned off? I am assuming Sigma would win again, but lets just see how zeiss would do this time. Thanks.

Ive had the sigma for a couple of years now. Mainly do landscape photography on my a6000. I think the sigma is excellent in bright light but struggles with colour rendition and detail in the shadows or in high contrast scenes. It's deadly sharp though. Comparing the first two images, your wife's face looks quite flat on the sigma compared to the Zeiss - not sure if it's that fabled Zeiss pop. Not lucky enough to own one to say, but that's what it seems - unless the light has completely changed. I've actually switched up my sigma 30mm for a smc takumar 28mm f3.5, captures colours well, not as sharp, but sharp enough for me!

Always wanted the zeiss because of the 24mm focal length and the minimum focus distance. The sigma always missed focus (which got better with the firmware). But that was before the 16mm sigma! Btw should have added the 7artisans 25mm in the comparison :D

Love the sigma 30mm 1.4 don't own it yet thou.. got to save for it...

Hey, awesome review. I have the Sigma 30mm and I can confirm that it is very sharp. Probably the sharpest lens for e-mount. I have 2 ideas for videos. Compare the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to Minolta AF 50mm f/1.7 adapted to the a6000, or since you probably still have the Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 compare it to the Sigma. Results will be very interesting giving the fact that both the Minolta and the Rokinon haven't been tested on dxomark.

we need sigma 24 1.4 for aps-c !!! 30 is good but i want a little wider, 16 is okay and good for events but i want a little tighter, 24mm would make around 35mm on apsc and would be perfect for me

i really liked watching this video. keep going 🙂

I didn't realize I could upgrade firmware on the Sigma til I saw this video. Upgraded to version 1.3 on the Sony A6500. All I can say about focus speed now is WOW! If you haven't done it yet, check out the results with eye autofocus. I was impressed with the results for the price when I bought this lens. Now I'm using it all the time.

I would love to see Sigma make a 17-50 2.8 for Sony’s APSC line.

Another great video .Not related to the video but i'll add my experience anyways . I two have both lens . When my wife uses my camera to take photos of the kids . Whenever i leave the Sigma on . She always complains about it being too zoomed in . The 24mm on the other hand . Never a peep . She likes it so much . She racks up hundreds of shots really quick . I personally never would've imagine the 6mm being That big of a difference . Can't decide which to sell ! . For sure i need to get rid of one .

Keep the 🔥🔥

Thanks for the review! With the new firmware update for the Sigma 30mm f1.4, how is continuous EyeAF on the a6300/a6500 compared to native Sony lenses? I was set on either the Sony 28mm f2 or 35mm f1.8 as a normal prime, but if the Sigma has nearly the same continuous EyeAF performance in good and low light as the Sony lenses, it may be the best of the 3 lenses for my needs (I use my camera for family pictures, so EyeAF is used at least 80% of the time).

I love my Sigma 30mm

Thank you for your work and comparison of two lenses in analogous conditions. Once again, the price is not a determinant of quality.

Why sigma doesn't make 24mm Contemporary lesn?

I use to have a sigma 30mm, although i really love the sharpness come from this lens, i also found that it kinda prone to flare. I finally decided to sell it and buy the e 24mm and i really love it for the focal length and better resistance to flare.

Late to the party but I own both lenses but have never done a side by side comparison because the Zeiss is for my Sony A6600 and the Sigma is for my Leica Tl2. But the results of your comparison do not surprise me. The Sigma is an outstanding lens regardless of price.

You should do a GM 16-35mm f2.8 vs Zeiss 16-35mm f4 comparison :)

Tengo ambos pero uso el zeiss , el zeiss es un 24mm , para mis videos un 24mm es mejor que un 30mm , si el sigma fuera un 24 sin dudarlo me quedaría con el sigma, pero es un 30. La comparación es buena pero no es justa. Desde que compre el Zeiss nunca mas use el sigma , no porque fuera malo sino porque esos 6mm de diferencia son un mundo de diferencia. Y otra cosa ... la distancia focal del 24 me permite acercarme tanto que no necesito preocuparme porque sé que Zeiss hará un buen trabajo. Mi conclusión es que Zeiss no vale la diferencia pero la distancia focal si la vale . Usted decide.

can the sharpness of the Sigma be accredited to the extra focal length over the Zeis?

Bought it and played with it a few days , it blew my mind

I have the Sigma 30mm f1.4 and the 16mm f1.4 and I can not belive what I get for that price, it´s amazing!

Thank you for the comparison! Great job as usual! ;) I was wondering which one you would pick for the A6000., the Sigma30f14 or sonys sel35f18 with oss? I think this wd make an excellent comparison video as well.

Thanks

I am considering to replace my sigma 30mmf2.8 for this one.. it was amazing the results.. it is a really nice lens and is quite small also..

The Sigma is a great addition to my A6500! I love it!

Sigma...just shredding it up. Basically the best part about the Zeiss is the close/almost macro focus distance. That's a nice selling point. I got mine for well under 1000. But Sigma is just.....sexy. They're destroying. Like every lens they produce is better than the top quality lenses.... but they're ridiculously cheaper. Like what are the other manufactures doing!? I have the Sigma 30......I'd like to get the 16mm.....and I can't wait to see their telephoto when they release it. That's gonna be a killer trio.

You have a bad copy of the 24 Zeiss; Its the best lens on sony APSC. I had the 30 1.4 sigma and he missed the focus 30% of the time, and its heavy. I have my 24 Zeiss for 5 years and i take crazy pictures with this lens. I prefer the 30 2.8 sigma to the 1.4, it’s light and the shots are better at 2.8 than the 1.4. You sold your A6300 ?

How does the 32mm touit 1.8 compare to the sigma 30mm 1.4?

Used to own the 24mm f1.8 and a6000, never really happy with it... couldn’t tell it’s $1k level lens... especially after switching to canon, their 35mm f1.8 full frame, and 24mm f2.8 pancake apsc is just so much more affordable.....

Is the new sigma better that the old art 30mm apsc ? I have the art apsc 19mm 30mm and 60mm....should I upgrade ?

can you put the photos on flickr so viewers could review?

please make comparison between : sigma 16 sigma 30 sony 18-105 sony 18-135 thanks!

I have the 35F18 and was curious about the Zeiss for everyday and the wider lens. I found a great deal at Houston Camera Exchange on a Fuji X100T. I bought a whole other camera for less than the cost of the lens and wow I have never had so much fun getting great shots and the camera fits in my cargo shorts. I have both Sony and Fuji. I would love to see you compare the two systems because both are great. The Sony wins video but I love the Fuji for still photography.

Hey quick question: you mention a firmware update for the sigma lens: how to get it and an how to flash it? Via Sony? Or sigma?

I have the sigma. Amazing lens. For 230 euros that i bought used, was a steal.

Sharpness Combo from 16mm to 100mm: Sigma 16mm f1.4 Sigma 30mm f1.4 Sigma 50-100mm f1.8 with mc11 Adapter All have the same Autofocus, all are very very sharp. The 50-100 is a little bit much heavy, but it is also sharper than the other both.

You would replace your Sony 35MM with the Sigma 30mm?

you will try the tamron 28-70 2.8?

try touit 32mm vs sigma 30mm

does the A6000 have to have the latest drivers/updates for this lens to work?

My reaction?..... *mindblown 😱 Now what I want to see is sony with sigma 30mm f1.4 vs fuji xt20 with 18-55mm kitlens,I know its kinda different but thats what I was thinking of purchasing before...🙄

Saving up for the 1.4 16mm. I will then probably no longer use my 30mm 1.4 as much I suspect 😮