Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
What Buyers Say
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
This kit lens is a decent entry-level option for beginners learning DSLR photography, offering good image quality and image stabilization at a low price. However, many users report that the autofocus is slow and unreliable in low light, and the build quality feels cheap and prone to breaking after several months. While it serves well as a starter lens, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or better-built lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Good image quality for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range for everyday use
- Great starter lens for beginners
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus in low light
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Autofocus motor noise in video
- Soft image quality at telephoto end
- Limited maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 55mm)
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified purchasers. Users praise its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, making it a versatile choice for travel, street, and astrophotography. While some note the lack of weather sealing and plastic build, the lens is considered a great value for its price.
Pros
- Sharp even at f/1.4
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent low-light performance
- Great value for money
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build
- No aperture ring
- Some vignetting wide open
Scores
Specifications
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 16 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 6 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF-S | Canon RF |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg | 0.08 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Micro Motor | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 130 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x★ | 0.1x |
Pros & Cons
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
- Strong build (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 82 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.
