Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Sirui 23AS12E-B
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
Sirui 23AS12E-B
The Sirui Sniper series lenses are widely praised for their outstanding value for money, delivering solid build quality and impressive image results at a budget-friendly price. Users highlight the fast f/1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, as well as reliable autofocus for both photo and video work. However, some reviewers note that sharpness is not optimal wide open and that chromatic aberration can be noticeable. A few users reported autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations, and one review mentioned a non-functional lens mount. Overall, this lens series is highly recommended for APS-C shooters seeking a cinematic look without the high cost, though minor optical and operational compromises exist.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Bright f/1.2 aperture
- Good build quality
- Reliable autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Soft wide open at f/1.2
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
- Autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations
- Heavy weight for some models
- Non-functional lens mount reported
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Sirui 23AS12E-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 12 |
| Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | high refractive elements |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Fujifilm X |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.38 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | — |
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
Sirui 23AS12E-B
- Strong social proof (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Strong build (65th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sirui 23AS12E-B offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
