Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Tamron Di III VC 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 400mm
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
Tamron Di III VC 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 400mm
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is widely praised for its versatile zoom range, sharp image quality, and excellent value for money. Users highlight its usefulness for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, though some note it is heavier than expected and the maximum aperture limits low-light performance. A few Sony users reported issues with image stabilization when paired with certain camera bodies, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Versatile 50-400mm zoom range
- Sharp image quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good build quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
Cons
- Heavier than expected
- Limited low-light performance due to small aperture
- Image stabilization issues with some Sony bodies
- Lens collar not included
- A bit dark compared to faster lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Tamron Di III VC 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 400mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 24 |
| Groups | 10 | 18 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 5★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | BBAR-G2 |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 1.15 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 249 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:2 |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Tamron Di III VC 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 400mm
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong bokeh (78th percentile)
- Below average build (24th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 3.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
