Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite for street, portrait, and everyday photography. Many users highlight its lightweight build and value for money, though some note that it is not as sharp as the 50mm S lens and can suffer from vignetting and corner softness wide open. A few reviewers also mention quality control issues and a plastic feel, but overall it is considered a solid, versatile prime lens.
Pros
- Sharp images edge-to-edge
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Lightweight and compact design
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Vignetting and corner softness wide open
- Not as sharp as 50mm S lens
- Plastic build feels cheap
- Quality control issues reported
- Overpriced compared to alternatives
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 8 |
| Groups | 10 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Super Integrated Coating (SIC) |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 250 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.24x |
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 aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED 35mm offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
