Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES35100 35-100mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 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 Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES35100 35-100mm
This lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact size, and constant f/2.8 aperture, making it an excellent travel and run-and-gun lens for Micro Four Thirds shooters. Video users appreciate the micro-step aperture control and linear focus option on newer bodies, though some report micro-jitter at the long end. Overall, it is seen as a versatile workhorse that pairs well with Lumix and Olympus cameras.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Internal zoom and focus
- Weather-sealed construction
Cons
- Micro-jitter at long end in video
- O.I.S. not compatible with Olympus bodies
- Focus-by-wire may not suit all users
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES35100 35-100mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 100 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 18 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.36 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 2.5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 850 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:10 |
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 (21st percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES35100 35-100mm
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong bokeh (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (80th percentile)80th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 84 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
