Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Tamron Di III 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD
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 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is widely praised as a versatile, all-in-one zoom lens that delivers exceptional sharpness and fast autofocus across its entire range. Many users, including professional event and wedding photographers, have replaced multiple primes or zooms with this single lens, citing its f/2-2.8 aperture and 35-150mm reach as ideal for portraits, sports, and travel. The main drawbacks are its significant weight and size, with some noting it can be tiring for handheld use, and a few isolated complaints about packaging or slow focus for moving subjects. Overall, it is considered a game-changer for those who value convenience and image quality.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Versatile 35-150mm focal length
- Bright f/2-2.8 aperture
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- No tripod collar included
- Slow focus for moving subjects
- Some vignetting at longer focal lengths
- Packaging issues on delivery
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Tamron Di III 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 150 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 21 |
| Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | BBAR-G2 Coating, Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 2-2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 1.87 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:5.55 |
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
Tamron Di III 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong bokeh (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong aperture (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average build (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average social proof (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
