Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

Sigma
71 Overall Score
vs
Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon
71 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

88 out of 100 high confidence 91 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 25
🤔 Build quality 12
👍 Value for money 18
👍 Size and weight 20
👍 Autofocus performance 10
👎 Stabilization 8

Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

88 out of 100 high confidence 186 reviews

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, lightweight design, and effective image stabilization. Users consistently highlight the lens's superb image quality, fast autofocus, and excellent value compared to the heavier f/2.8 version. A few criticisms include the lack of an included tripod collar and some reports of IS noise or autofocus issues in low light. Overall, it is considered a top-tier telephoto zoom for enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize portability.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Effective 5-stop image stabilization
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Excellent image quality and color
Cons
  • Tripod collar not included
  • IS noise in some units
  • Autofocus issues in low light
  • No teleconverter compatibility
  • High price point
👍 Image quality 35
👍 Sharpness 28
👍 Weight and portability 22
👍 Image stabilization 18
👍 Autofocus performance 15
👍 Value for money 12

Scores

Travel
Sigma
81
Canon
79
Wildlife Sports
Sigma
62
Canon
77
Video Cinema
Sigma
59
Canon
75
Budget
Sigma
68
Canon
74
Landscape
Sigma
68
Canon
74
Macro
Sigma
74
Canon
57
Professional
Sigma
67
Canon
68
Street
Sigma
66
Canon
55
Portrait
Sigma
45
Canon
43

Specifications

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DNCanon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min18 mm70 mm
Focal Length Max50 mm200 mm
Elements1316
Groups1015
Aspherical Elements3★0
ED Elements12★
CoatingSuper Multi-Layer CoatingSuper Spectra Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/22f/32
Min Aperturef/2.8f/4
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountSony ECanon EF
FormatAPS-Cfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.29 kg★0.78 kg
Filter Thread55 mm77 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF Typestepping motorUSM★
Stabilization✗✓★
Stabilization Stops—5 stops★
Focus
Min Focus Distance121 mm★600 mm
Max Magnification1:2.8★0.28x

Pros & Cons

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

  • Strong macro (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong optical (81st percentile)81st %ile
  • Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)

Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

  • Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
  • Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
  • Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile

Pricing

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN is $375 cheaper (1.7x less).

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN0.124score per dollar
vs
Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM0.075score per dollar

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN offers 1.7x better value for money

Verdict

═ Tie

Both products are closely matched - Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN wins 4 specs while Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM wins 6.

Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Better at:

MacroStreetTravel

Canon L EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Better at:

BudgetLandscapeVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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