The 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is a standard zoom lens for APS-C Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras that will also be available in an L-mount version. It's the first time Sigma has made a zoom lens for crop-sensor mirrorless cameras.
A new standard zoom lens for Sony E cameras is hardly news, but this one is very different. It's a constant-aperture f/2.8 lens with an effective focal range of 27-75mm, but it's about half the size – literally – of the constant aperture lenses we're used to seeing.
It doesn't go quite as 'wide' or as 'long' as the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G (24-82.5mm equivalent), but then the new Sigma is well under half the price and, at 290g, a massive 204g lighter.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C key features
Sigma says its new lens is ideal for both stills photography and video, and with a minimum focus distance of just 12.1cm, it can also handle close ups with a maximum magnification of 1:2.8.
The L-mount option is less obviously useful, given that the only L-mount APS-C cameras are Leica's TL2 and CL models – though Sigma points out that the new lens can be used on a Sigma fp L for 4K video and 25.8MP still images.
The optical design includes three glass-molded aspherical elements which work alongside in-camera aberration correction to make the lens's small size and light weight possible. The lens barrel is polycarbonate, which Sigma says has a similar thermal stability to aluminium for reliable use in different temperatures, but metal is used for parts of the internal construction.
We take this to mean that the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C is designed for light weight, portability and cost, rather than to compete head on with a pro lens like the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G.
The autofocus is driven by a stepping motor designed to deliver fast and near-silent AF ideal for quiet environments and both stills and video. Its light weight should also make it handy for gimbal use.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | C specifications
Lens construction: 10 groups, 13 elements (1 SLD and 3 aspherical)
Angle of view (APS-C): 76.5° (W) - 31.7° (T)
Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F22
Minimum focusing distance: 12.1cm (W) – 30cm (T)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:2.8 (W) – 1:5 (T)
Filter size: 55mm
Dimensions (Maximum Diameter x Length): 65.4mm×74.5mm
Weight: 290g
Price and availability
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary goes on sale from October 29th at a price of $549/£429.99.
