Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
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
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
This Zeiss 35mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness and build quality, often compared favorably to Leica alternatives at a much lower price. Users appreciate its compact size and smooth operation, though the focusing tab is noted as slightly less intuitive than Leica's. It serves well as a versatile everyday lens, with one reviewer using it daily for all but portraits.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid build quality
- Smooth focusing and aperture
Cons
- Focusing tab less intuitive than Leica
- Not ideal for portraits
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 9 |
| Groups | 10 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | T-Antireflexbeschichtung |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Leica M |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 43 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 700 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.0534722222 |
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
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average macro (29th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
