Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
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
Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Users overwhelmingly praise this lens for its excellent build quality, sharpness, and versatile focal range. It is highly recommended for landscape, architectural, and real estate photography, with many noting its silent autofocus and smooth zoom. The included filter bundle is a welcome bonus, and the lens pairs well with both Olympus and Panasonic bodies.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Sharp image quality
- Versatile focal range
- Silent autofocus
- Smooth zoom
Cons
- No significant cons mentioned
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 15 |
| Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.32 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 230 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.12x |
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
Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
