Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is widely praised as a compact, lightweight, and sharp standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Users consistently highlight its excellent image quality, fast f/2.8 aperture, and affordable price as major strengths, making it a popular upgrade from kit lenses. Common criticisms include the lack of optical stabilization and a poorly designed lens hood, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
- Great value for the price
- Fast and silent autofocus
Cons
- No optical image stabilization
- Poorly designed lens hood
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality
- Zoom ring direction opposite to Fujifilm
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
This Nikon 70-300mm lens is widely praised as an excellent value for the price, delivering sharp images and fast, quiet autofocus. Users highlight the effective vibration reduction and solid build quality, though some note chromatic aberration in bright sunlight and a slightly stiff zoom ring. It is recommended for beginners and enthusiasts on a budget, especially for wildlife, air shows, and general telephoto use.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Effective vibration reduction
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Chromatic aberration in bright sunlight
- Slightly stiff zoom ring
- Softness at 300mm
- Autofocus slow in low light
- Heavy and large for handheld use
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 13 | — |
| Groups | 10 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | 0 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.64 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Manual Focus Only |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 1.50 m |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.26x |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong af (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong stabilization (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Strong aperture (66th percentile)
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average optical (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 21 specs.
