The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is already available in a Sony E-mount version, where it makes a portable and affordable constant aperture standard zoom for Sony’s APS-C cameras. Well now Sigma has launched an X-mount version of this lens, which could be a great option for Fujifilm owners who want to step up to a constant aperture f/2.8 pro-spec lens without the weight and expense of the Fujifilm XF16-55mm.
The Sigma’s 18-50mm focal range is equivalent to about 27-75mm in full frame terms, so it’s not the widest zoom range in the world, but what this lens has in its favor is its light weight and low cost – around £430 in UK currency – and it really is very good value for a constant-aperture zoom.
Fujifilm X-mount standard zooms
So what does the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary go up against? At the bottom end of the range is the XC15-45mm power zoom lens, which is nice and wide but has a variable f/3.5-5.6 aperture and the power zoom is a little laggy and annoying.
Next up is the far more interesting XF18-55mm F2.8-4 kit lens, which is half to one stop faster than the average kit lens and very compact too – more so even than this new Sigma. The only thing I have against this lens is that none of the samples I’ve tested (3-4) is particularly sharp at the edges.
Next, there’s the newer XF16-80mm F4 5x zoom, which I like a lot. It has a constant aperture, a very good zoom range equivalent to 24-120mm in full frame terms, and isn’t outlandishly expensive. It’s no lightweight, though, and while it might be a nice fit on an X-T5 or X-H2, I found it a bit big for the smaller X-S1.
Then there’s the XF16-55mm F2.8 pro lens. It’s a great lens, too be sure, but it’s not cheap, it’s not stabilized and it is absolutely massive. I would use it on an X-H2, maybe, but I think it makes most Fujifilm cameras way too front heavy.
There’s also an older XF18-135mm, but I wouldn’t bother with that.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
I think the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is a great ‘percentage’ buy, and by that I mean it gives you a lot for your money – a fair (though not great) zoom range, lightweight and compact construction and an f/2.8 constant aperture.
Fujifilm owners do now have a wide choice of standard zooms. If I was more confident about the image quality I’d still go for the XF18-55mm F2.8-4, though. Otherwise I’d be tempted equally by the XF16-80mm F4 and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary.
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