Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 45mm
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
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 45mm
The Laowa 45mm f/0.95 lens offers a unique rendering that appeals to photographers seeking a distinctive look rather than technical perfection. Users appreciate its special character but note significant design flaws, including a heavy feel due to the center of gravity being far from the mount and the lack of electronic communication with the camera. It is a fully manual lens with no weather sealing, and while it can be a good alternative to hard-to-find competitors, it requires compromise.
Pros
- Unique rendering
- Special character
- Good alternative to rare lenses
Cons
- Heavy feel due to center of gravity
- No electronic communication with camera
- Fully manual focus
- No weather sealing
- Design flaws
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 45mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 45 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 45 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 13 |
| Groups | 10 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/0.95 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 15★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.83 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 500 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:8 |
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 af (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (86th percentile)86th %ile
Laowa Argus 45mm f/0.95 45mm
- Strong optical (65th percentile)
- Below average social proof (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average build (23rd percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 4.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
