
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021
Both are Sony E lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM if
- You want a wider view: 16mm vs 28mm at the wide end
- Our notes say it suits: Landscape and astro, architecture, wedding and event wide shots
Pick the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021 if
- You want the lighter lens to carry: 210 g lighter (470 g vs 680 g)
- You need more reach: 70mm vs 35mm at the long end
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.19 m vs 0.28 m
- You want bigger close-ups: 0.3× vs 0.19× maximum magnification
- You prefer a newer design: released 2021 vs 2017
- Our notes say it suits: Travel and street, everyday carry, casual events
Spec differences
14 differences| Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM | Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Sony
|
Sigma
|
| Type |
Wide Zoom
|
Zoom
|
| Focal length |
16-35mm
|
28-70mm
|
| Weight |
680 g
|
470 g
lighter
|
| Length |
121.6 mm
|
103.5 mm
shorter
|
| Diameter |
88.5 mm
|
72.2 mm
slimmer
|
| Filter thread |
82 mm
|
67 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
0.28 m
|
0.19 m
closer
|
| Max magnification |
0.19×
|
0.3×
larger
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
9
|
| Optical design |
not listed
|
16 elements / 12 groups
|
| Autofocus motor |
not listed
|
Stepping motor
|
| Weather sealing |
not listed
|
Yes
|
| Released |
2017
|
2021
|
4 identical specs hidden: mount, format, max aperture, image stabilization. Show all
- Mount
- Sony E both
- Format
- Full frame both
- Max aperture
- f/2.8 both
- Image stabilization
- No both
Our notes
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
Sony's first f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom for full-frame E-mount, covering 16-35mm at a constant aperture. It takes 82mm front filters.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- 82mm screw-in filter thread
- Dust and moisture resistant design
Cons
- Weighs about 680 g, heavier than the GM II
- No stabilization in the lens
Our notes
Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021
Compact f/2.8 standard zoom for full-frame mirrorless from Sigma's Contemporary line. It weighs about 470 g and starts at 28mm.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 in a small body
- Light at about 470 g
- Close focus to 0.19 m
Cons
- Starts at 28mm
- No stabilization
More comparisons

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD
more reach (35mm) vs 345 g lighter
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM vs Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021
wider (24mm) vs 416 g lighter

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
wider (16mm) vs 155 g lighter

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary 023
more reach (35mm) vs 425 g lighter
Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD vs Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary 021
wider (17mm) vs 55 g lighter

Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art 019
115 g lighter vs wider (14mm)