Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 lens is highly praised for astrophotography and landscape work, with users noting excellent sharpness, fast autofocus, and solid build quality. The infinity lock and programmable function button are standout features, though some users mention a rendering change at 30mm and the need for firmware updates on Nikon Z cameras. Overall, it is seen as a great value alternative to native lenses, especially for its lightweight design and consistent f/2.8 aperture.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Solid build quality
- Infinity lock for astrophotography
Cons
- Rendering change at 30mm f/2.8
- Requires firmware update for Nikon Z cameras
- Limited documentation included
- Distortion at 16mm for people photos
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 30 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 16 |
| Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | fluorine-coated front element |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.44 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 190 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:5.4 |
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 (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Tamron Di III 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong aperture (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average social proof (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
