Sigma
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Zoom Lens Review
Reviewed by Lisa Park · Published
Discover the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Zoom Lens, perfect for Sony E mounts. A must-have for photographers in 2023.
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The verdict
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens is an exceptional choice for photographers looking for versatility and quality in a compact design.
Why we recommend it
SMALL AND LIGHT
Versatile Focal range and ecellent optical Performace
Superb Optical Quality
in camera aberration correction
featuring the very latest technology and combining optical performance with compactness
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Versatile focal range
- Excellent optical performance
- Superb image quality
- Good value for money
Cons
- Limited zoom range compared to higher-end options
- No weather sealing
Gallery
Full review
Overview
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Zoom Lens is a remarkable addition to Sigma's lineup, specifically designed for Sony E mount cameras. With its versatile focal range and constant aperture of F2.8, this lens caters to a broad spectrum of photography styles—from landscape and portrait to street and travel photography. Weighing in at a mere 290 grams, it stands out in the crowded lens market as one of the most compact and lightweight options available today.
The Sigma 18-50mm lens boasts an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on nearly 1,700 reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction. Users have praised its excellent optical performance, compact design, and superb image quality. This review dives into the key features of this lens, who it is best suited for, and provides a final verdict on its performance.
Key Features
One of the standout features of the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens is its small and lightweight design. This lens is not only easy to carry around but also adds minimal bulk to your camera setup, making it ideal for everyday use and travel. Photographers who prefer to shoot on the go will appreciate how easily it fits into a camera bag without weighing them down.
The versatility of the focal range, from 18mm to 50mm, allows users to capture a variety of scenes without the need for multiple lenses. Whether you are shooting wide landscapes or tight portraits, this lens covers most scenarios. The constant F2.8 aperture ensures consistent exposure and depth of field across the zoom range, which is a significant advantage for photographers who want to maintain creative control over their images.
Another remarkable aspect of this lens is its superb optical quality. Sigma has incorporated advanced optical technologies to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion, resulting in sharp, clear images with vibrant colors. The in-camera aberration correction feature further enhances image quality, making post-processing less of a hassle for photographers who want to achieve the best results straight out of the camera.
Who Is It For
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens is designed for a wide range of photographers, from amateurs to professionals. Beginners looking for an all-around lens that can handle various shooting situations will find this lens to be an excellent choice. Its lightweight design and compact size allow for long shooting sessions without fatigue, making it suitable for travel, events, and casual outings.
For more experienced photographers, this lens serves as a reliable option for everyday photography, as well as for capturing high-quality images in diverse environments. The lens's ability to deliver sharp images with limited chromatic aberration makes it a great companion for those who appreciate detail and clarity in their work. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this lens will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Final Verdict
In summary, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Zoom Lens is a top contender in the lens market for Sony E mount cameras. With its combination of compactness, optical performance, and versatility, it is an outstanding option for photographers of all levels. Its high customer ratings and positive feedback highlight its ability to deliver excellent results in various shooting scenarios, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about photography.
For anyone looking for a dependable, high-quality zoom lens that won’t break the bank, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 is certainly worth considering. It strikes an impressive balance between performance and portability, proving to be an essential tool for capturing stunning images every day.
Specifications
| Focal Length Description | 18 To 50 Millimeters |
|---|---|
| Lens | Standard |
| Compatible Camera Mount | Sony E |
| Maximum Focal Length | 50 millimeters |
| Minimum Focal Length | 18 millimeters |
| Lens Design | Zoom |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus |
| Lens Fixed Focal Length | 18 millimeters |
| Lens Coating Description | ZERO Coating |
| Zoom Ratio | 1:2.8 |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Real Angle Of View | 51.3 degrees |
| Maximum Aperture | 2.8 f_stop |
| Minimum Aperture | 22 f_stop |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Compatible Camera Models | Sony Alpha series (e.g., A7R V, A7 IV) |
| Photo Filter Size | 5.5 centimeters |
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Brand | Sigma |
| Camera Lens | 18-50 millimeters |
| Model Name | 585965 |
| UPC | 085126585655 198983585659 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 585965 |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Built-In Media | lens |
| Item Weight | 290 g |
| Item Type Name | Digital-slr-camera-lenses. |
| Manufacturer | Sigma |
| Warranty Description | 4 years |
| Model Number | 585965 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #3 in SLR Camera Lenses |
| ASIN | B09JVBB36L |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,687) 4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Screen Size | 2.75 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | cameras |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
| Light Sensitivity | High |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
| Media Type | ProductImage |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
What buyers say
5.0 · 5 reviews“For the price it is really good! The quality of images is amazing but don’t expect supreme bokeh if shooting portraits. The autofocus is great along with being very versatile.”
“This is absolutely one of the best lenses you can get for in APS C camera. It's basically equivalent to 28-75mm in full frame. With the constant aperture of F/2.8. So it allows a good amount of light in and is great because of the constant aperture, compared to variable ones. The build quality is very nice. It seems pretty well built. Although this is their contemporary series, it still feels premium. One of the best things is the light weight and small size compared to the full frame lenses I used to use. It makes it much more light to carry around, and makes me want to go out and shoot more. Very sharp, with nice Bokeh. Overall, I would give this lens an 8.5/10 or more; probably a solid 9.”
“Got this specifically for my sony a6000, coming from the sony prime 35mm and 50mm. This lens essentially replaced both and has found a permanent home on my camera.Super sharp photos, so much better than the kit lens. Almost as good as the primes.”
“I'm a photographer that shoot most of my stuff while hiking and travelling. Size, Performance and versatility are my three biggest factors. Usually, I have to compromise pretty heavily between them. Last year I hiked in Zion for a week with the Sony 16F2.8, Which was amazing for keeping the weight down on long high-mileage days, and virtually disappeared on the camera. This was in exchange for meh results and a lot of lens flare and aberration. This year I decided to suck up the size, and took a Sigma 16F1.4. The weight was reasonable, and the pictures were amazing, but the lens itself was a chonk and it was frequently in the way. Both of these lenses also lacked versatility, resulting in a lot of shots where I shot wide and sucked it up for a heavy crop in post.Enter the Sigma 18-50f2.8. Pictures are sharp as a tack, check. Common 55mm Filter size, check. Small package, check. Reasonable weight, functional zoom range, decently wide aperture etc. It frankly does it all, and does it without being fat, heavy, obtrusive or expensive. Is it my favorite lens? No. It's frankly, just a little boring. It doesn't have a niche. It is however ASTOUNDINGLY capable. It's great to watch a player who shoots from half court, has handles like a Globetrotter or will dunk over 3 defenders, but this lens is the guy on the team who is a solid 9/10 in every fundamental and plays everything textbook. It's not a "fun" lens, but it will absolutely get the job done capably in every situation, in a smaller package and half the price of it's competitors.The minor gripes: The focus/zoom rings are annoying. They're flush with the barrel and I frequently have trouble finding the right one by instinct. They're smooth, but not intuitive to find. The lens hood when stowed also gets in the way of the rings. There is also no image stabilization. As a photographer, this doesn't bother me a bit. If you're a videographer, this will probably be a big problem if you don't have in-body image stabilization or a gimbal.”
“Great lenses came in perfect condition”
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sigma 18-50mm lens weather-sealed?+
No, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens does not come with weather-sealing, so it's advisable to avoid using it in rainy or very humid conditions.
What camera models is this lens compatible with?+
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens is compatible with Sony E mount cameras, including both full-frame and APS-C models.
Can this lens be used for video shooting?+
Yes, the Sigma 18-50mm lens is suitable for video shooting, as its autofocus performance is reliable, and it produces sharp, high-quality images.
What is the closest focusing distance of the lens?+
The closest focusing distance of the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens is approximately 12cm, allowing for decent close-up shots.
Does it come with a lens hood?+
Yes, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens comes with a lens hood to help reduce flare and protect the front element.
About the reviewer
Lisa Park
Photography Editor
Lisa shoots professionally and reviews camera gear for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
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