Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C review: head to head with Canon’s own-brand lens

Now available in Canon RF-S mount, the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C offers a faster alternative to Canon’s APS-C format ultra-wide-angle zoom.

Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

I like the super-wide viewing angles delivered by the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C, making it ideal for landscapes, cityscapes, architectural interiors and even vlogging. The fairly fast and constant f/2.8 aperture rating also adds astrophotography to the to-do list. It’s a very welcome addition to the very limited range of own-brand Canon lenses for its APS-C format EOS R system cameras but I miss the optical stabilization of Canon’s 10-18mm lens, which is cheaper to buy, smaller and lighter, and even features a 0.5x macro facility.

Pros

  • +

    Ultra-wide viewing angles

  • +

    Fast and constant f/2.8 aperture

  • +

    Good build quality and performance

  • +

    Weather-sealed mount, hood included

Cons

  • -

    No optical stabilizer

  • -

    Heavier and not retractable

  • -

    Lacks the Canon’s macro facility

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At the time of testing this new Sigma lens, Canon is currently offering four APS-C format mirrorless EOS R system cameras, but only four dedicated APS-C format lenses to go with them. Naturally, you can use full-frame compatible ‘RF’ lenses on these cameras but, even so, all four of Canon’s ‘RF-S’ lenses are zooms with fairly slow aperture ratings, shrinking to f/6.3 or f/7.1 at the long end. With Canon keeping such tight control over its EOS R tech since the system was launched back in 2018, only ‘dumb lenses’ with no autofocus or electronic communication with the camera body were available until recently. But that’s changed with the launch of a new brace of Sigma lenses.

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Mount optionsCanon RF, Fuji X, Sony E, Leica L
Lens construction13 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view109.7 - 76.5 degrees
Diaphragm blades7
Minimum aperturef/22
Minimum focus distance0.12m (W) 0.19m (T)
Maximum magnification0.25x (W) 0.14x (T)
Filter size67mm
Dimensions72x62mm
Weight260g
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FeaturesThe fast and constant f/2.8 aperture is a key feature but there’s no image stabilization.★★★★
DesignThe design looks pretty basic but the lens is packed with good glass and fast autofocus.★★★★
PerformanceIt’s a great performer and doesn’t rely as heavily on in-camera correction as some.★★★★★
ValueFor an ultra-wide-angle, constant-aperture f/2.8 zoom it’s great value for money.★★★★★
Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

The Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM has a much slower, variable aperture rating as you extend through the zoom range but it’s cheaper to buy and boasts optical image stabilization, as well as a 0.5x macro facility in manual focus mode.

Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM

If you’d prefer a prime lens, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM lens is incredibly small and lightweight, as well as being compatible with both full-frame and APS-C format Canon EOS R system cameras. That’ll come under fire when Sigma launches its faster 16mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens in RF-S mount.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.