Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Meike MIX Series 85mm F1.4 85mm
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
Meike MIX Series 85mm F1.4 85mm
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 AF lens for APS-C Nikon Z cameras is a compact, fast-aperture portrait lens that delivers excellent sharpness and creamy bokeh at a very affordable price. Autofocus is quick and reliable, with good eye detection, and the lens handles well on smaller bodies like the Z30. Some users noted the minimum focus distance is a bit limiting and the build feels plasticky, but overall it offers outstanding value for money.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Creamy bokeh
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Plasticky build feel
- Limited minimum focus distance
- No image stabilization
- Some chromatic aberration wide open
- Vignetting at wide apertures
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Meike MIX Series 85mm F1.4 85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 85 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 13 |
| Groups | 10 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Multilayer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 12★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.73 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 980 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
Meike MIX Series 85mm F1.4 85mm
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong stabilization (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong optical (75th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.