Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact design, and excellent vibration reduction, making it a favorite for wildlife and travel photography. Users appreciate its versatility and compatibility with teleconverters, though a few note minor weaknesses like softness at 400mm and a design flaw where the reversed lens cap blocks zooming. Overall, it's considered a modern classic that delivers impressive image quality.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent vibration reduction
- Versatile for wildlife and travel
- Compatible with teleconverters
Cons
- Softness at 400mm
- Lens cap blocks zoom when reversed
- Minor weakness at long end
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 25 |
| Groups | 10 | 20 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 8★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/40 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 1.44 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 750 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8 | 1:2.63 |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
- Strong macro (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 100mm
- Strong optical (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average build (18th percentile)18th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN offers 6.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
