Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 for Fuji X-mount: vs Fujifilm 16-55 f/2.8

Tony Northrup reviews the new Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 for Fujifilm X-mount cameras such as the X-T4, XT-5, X-Pro3 and X-H2. This new lens (which is also available for Sony E-mount) is less than half the price of the closest native Fujifilm lens. Is it a good value, though?

0:00 Introduction
0:44 Handling
3:53 Sharpness
5:05 Close-up magnification
5:47 Contrast
6:52 Flaring at f/22
7:14 Bokeh
8:02 Summary

[SDSakuragi]

0:22 "The Fuji also is way less expensive." I think he meant Sigma.

[jackblah]

The difference between 24mm & 28mm equivalent is huge in my book. I also thought I could live w/o an aperture ring on my Fuji setups and learned the hard way I just can't. That said this is a fantastic offering, love the compact size. This would be great for shooting video on the S10 w/ IBIS.

[scottparis]

The Sigma pairs really well with the smaller, PASM style X-S10.

[Dzone]

I wasn't expecting the Sigma lens to perform so well here - this is precisely why I went Fuji when I first got into photography, third party lenses are genuinely worth their typically lower cost / better value.

[RandyPollock]

I've shot the 16-55 on my X-T3 for events for three years, never thought about it being too big for the camera.

[GoranSlika]

Surprising results, especially sharpness and back-lighting. Tony if I'm being honest, I've seen you do more precise comparisons. The shot by which the Sigma wins the close-focus test appears blurry, and I have a hard time believing there wasn't a better choice of backdrop for the bokeh test than the small clumps of string lights which didn't render as round. Also a tongue slip at 3:29, but now I'm just nitpicking.
All this harshness from me aside, I appreciate the time to put this head-to-head together, a lot of valuable info! Overall the Fuji still seems like the more premium product.

[RyanH]

Tony, If you haven't already, you gotta get your hands on Tamron's 17-70 f/2.8. it's significantly larger, but it's got the extra reach, optical stabilization and it has close-focusing abilities like the Sigma.

Appreciate the review!

[jonathanlogan]

I love my 16-55/2.8 and plan to keep using it, but I might replace my 18-55/4 with the Sigma for traveling.

[bunmeng]

Welcome to the party Sigma. Time for Fujifilm to release its 16-55/2.8 mark ii. I own the Sigma 30 - a very good lens but I do miss the aperture ring.

[smoloms]

I’ve been using the 18-50 since release on my a6400 and it’s by far my favorite that i’ve ever owned.

Sold my sony 24-70 for my a7riii because the 18-50 on my a6400 was better for me covering the docs range

[edc]

I use the Sigma on my Sony A6600 (with IBIS). Great lens.

[CRaul]

Other tests that I want is AF performance for moving subjects, side to side, back to front and front to back.

[zerotonine]

I use the 16-55 at my XS problem with it at all. Yes, more weight and chunky but more stable at holding it. Impressive lense in all cases.

[EBLovesMusic]

That quiet, "Enhance" thrown in at 4:16 made my day, lol.

[GetAbroadtoJapan]

I think I'll be replacing my 16-80mm fuji with this. It's not in the same category for use; the size and aperture definitely worth the entry price.

[jacobkan]

Wrong title about Sigma 18-55mm it is 18-50mm

[petercarlsson]

The Fuji 16-55 balances great on my X-T4 with the L-bracket hand grip. No need for an X-H body for the bigger grip.

[Sjorezz]

Tony are you sure the fuji Lens is way less expensive? 00:00:22

[DmitryBrodsky]

Hi Tony. Thanks for your comparison. Did you not think Tamron 17-70/2.8 in Fuji mount that costs in between these two lenses, does not belong in this comparison?

[rigelibarra]

I’m hoping to get this instead of 17-70 tamron. The size is very appealing to me.