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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
VS
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art wins by 2
Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Prime/Zoom

90
/ 100
From $1,299
Specdex verdict

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

In our weighted Specdex score, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lands at 92 and Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at 90. That puts Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)

Pick Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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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 90).

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 88).

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

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 $1,299).

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art 92
vs
90 Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Score breakdown

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art
92
sharpness 92
af 90
build 88
value 85
Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
90
sharpness 90
af 88
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art versus Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 — full spec comparison
Spec Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

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

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

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

FAQ: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Which is better, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

Is Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 worth the price? +

At $1,299, Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 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 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on sharpness (92 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art or Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2? +

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art — leads on af (90 vs 88). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.