Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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 DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G is widely praised for its exceptional build quality, sharpness, and color rendition, making it a top choice for DX-format enthusiasts. Users highlight its fast and quiet autofocus, constant f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance, and overall image quality that rivals or exceeds other lenses. However, some note its heavy weight, bulky size, stiff zoom ring, and tendency to flare, along with a high price point. Despite these drawbacks, most agree it is a professional-grade lens that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Sharp images wide open
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Excellent color rendition
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Stiff zoom ring
- Prone to flare
- Expensive for DX lens
- Blocks built-in flash
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 13 | — |
| Groups | 10 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg | 0.07 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✗ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.20x |
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 AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong aperture (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
