Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS — Prime/zoom
Sigma

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS

Prime/zoom

86
/ 100
From $999
VS
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art wins by 6
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — Prime/Zoom
Sigma

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $849
Specdex verdict

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS lands at 86 and Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art at 92. That puts Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on sharpness (92 vs 86).

Build

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS

Compared on the build sub-score

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art leads on af (90 vs 82).

Value for money

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art more score per dollar ($849 vs $999).

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS 86
vs
92 Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Score breakdown

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS
86
sharpness 86
af 82
build 90
value 86
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
92
sharpness 92
af 90
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS versus Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — full spec comparison
Spec Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Which is better, Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS worth the price? +

At $999, Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.

Is Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art worth the price? +

At $849, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sharpness, Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on sharpness (92 vs 86). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS or Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art? +

Sigma 100-400mm DG DN OS — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.