Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Review

This Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens is tiny! But it is good? Overall it's very good, but not without compromises. Watch our review to find out where the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN excels - and where it falls short.

0:00 - Intro
1:17 - Sample images
1:41 - Size and handling
2:05 - Closeup performance
2:51 - Flare and sunstars
3:06 - Autofocus
3:37 - Longitudinal Chromatic Aberration (LoCA)
4:18 - Video performance
5:22 - Bokeh
6:08 - Sharpness
7:00 - Should you buy it?

Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
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[tas_roberts]

Now finally some universal weight measurements that could be understood around the globe - drained human heart!

[johndonaldson]

The Sigma 18-50 has become my vacation+walk around lens. I'm always pleased at how sharp it is. Of course the size and weight are major factors. I have other lenses with a similar range but they sit in the drawer as this little lens gets to go out and play.

[jshanni]

Nice to see the resurrection of the Aztec Empires universal weight unit. Excellent work, lads. 👌

[easlern]

This has turned into my favorite lens, I use it when I’m not sure what I’m going to be capturing because it’s pretty much ready for anything. The only lens I use more is a pancake because despite the review’s emphasis on how compact/light this guy is, it seems big and hefty to me.

[SatanSupimpa]

Sigma should release a mirrorless version of the 18-35mm and 50-100mm f1.8.

[absaxoclar]

I remember the old 17-50 we had on dslr, glad to hear its a proper improvement. While the 17-50 had stabilization the bokeh was horrendously onion ringed and the autofocus was very jumpy and inconsistent in video on my 80d. Worked fine for viewfinder shooting but that phase detect and it did not get along

[Curtis-Randall]

Well this firmly plants me in the aps-c world. I already preordered and I’m looking forward to taking this for a spin

[sigmaphoto]

Thank you for taking a thoughtful look at the new lens, fellas, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[alanerpington]

Good option, but I'd still prefer the Tamron for the extra reach and stabilization.

[edc]

I just bought this lens and it is awesome. Small, lightweight and sharp! A game changer! The kit 16-50 is DOA!

[shadow]

Oh man, this is great! I've been using the old Sigma 17-50 f2.8 adapted to E Mount when I need a fast standard zoom but this thing is huge and heavy/cumbersome. This new lens is a perfect match for my a6300.

[Carolyne_games]

I've been pretty convinced that I should stay with my A6600 given the monstrous FF lenses. Also the A6600 arguably handles better for stills. But then Sony came out with the tiny trio (24, 40, 50 G) and I feel so torn again. And then Sigma just released this beautifully tiny 18-50 for APS-C. Now I'm so confused :D

[Jhvxgir]

I've been using a Nikon D7000 + 17-55 2.8f lens for many years, recently I changed to a Sony A6400 with this Sigma lens and I am so delighted with that combo, it's very light, very sharp and very fast focusing, great change.

[ColinRobertson_LLAP]

I know it's a different system, but I'm surprised I haven't seen any comparisons of this lens to the Fuji 18-55... Sure it's aperture varies from 2.8–4, but it does have OIS and fantastic IQ. Loved it when I had one. I think I liked the range of it more than my 24-70 I use on my full frame camera now...

[geraldillo]

I prefer a zoom lenses with a macro function in tele mode, like you said; it's a hassle to get close in wide angle mode and if you want to shoot insects they are gone right away.

[ScottJWaldron]

Wow, that focus breathing test! The image quality overall! The price seems reasonable. Hopefully they eventually release this for other mounts like Canon EF-M.

[thegeneral]

I expect this will be released for Fuji X as it's an easy cross over and Sigma have been hinting they're going to start offering Fuji X lenses. It would make a smaller WR option over the 16-55 and would eclipse the old Fuji 18-55.

[RalphD]

One problem that is not mentioned - the zoom ring goes in the wrong direction compared to Sony lenses. It can be very annoying if you mix this lens with Sony / Tamron lenses.

[JoATTech]

I guess the main question here is if it's fun to shoot. If it is then it's good alternative for expensive sony kit lenses. Lack of IS throws me a bit off, but for 18-50 is not that important. Size is briliant here.

[thatcherfreeman]

That's some remarkably well controlled focus breathing