Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens – APS-C Standard Zoom

The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens is the ultimate everyday zoom for photographers and videographers who demand professional performance in a compact, travel-friendly package. Designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, this versatile lens delivers the equivalent of 27–75mm on full-frame systems, making it ideal for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes and street photography to detailed portraits and dynamic event coverage. With its constant f/2.8 aperture, you’ll enjoy bright, razor-sharp results across the entire zoom range, exceptional subject isolation with beautifully blurred backgrounds, and reliable low-light performance without the need to crank up ISO. Built with 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 precision aspherical lenses and 1 SLD (Super Low Dispersion) element, it minimizes aberrations, distortion, and chromatic issues to ensure stunning image clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness. Weighing just 290 grams and measuring only 65.4mm x 74.5mm, it’s one of the lightest and most compact constant f/2.8 zoom lenses available, making it perfect for creators on the go, gimbal users, and vloggers who want powerful performance without bulky gear. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 0.12m at 18mm and 0.30m at 50mm, offering near-macro versatility with up to 0.36x magnification, so you can capture fine details, food photography, or close-up product shots with ease. Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor (STM), delivering fast, accurate, and nearly silent focusing that’s perfect for video recording and stills alike, while a 7-blade rounded diaphragm ensures smooth, creamy bokeh for cinematic background separation. Crafted with Sigma’s Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material and internal metal reinforcement, the build is both lightweight and robust, complete with a dust and splash-resistant mount for reliability in real-world conditions. The 55mm filter thread allows easy use of ND filters or polarizers, and the included petal-shaped hood (LH582-02) helps cut flare and ghosting for improved contrast. Compatible with Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, and L-Mount systems, this lens is highly adaptable and seamlessly integrates with in-body corrections for distortion and vignetting. Whether you’re upgrading from a kit lens or looking for a professional yet affordable workhorse zoom, the Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens offers the perfect balance of performance, portability, and price, making it a must-have tool for creators who want professional quality without compromise. Elevate your photography and videography with this all-in-one solution that proves powerful doesn’t have to mean heavy, and precision doesn’t have to cost a fortune—order the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN today and experience why it’s one of the most talked-about APS-C lenses on the market.

Features:

Constant f/2.8 Aperture Across the Zoom Range

Unlike variable-aperture kit lenses, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 maintains a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture from 18mm to 50mm. This ensures consistent exposure when zooming, making it ideal for both photography and video. The constant aperture also provides shallow depth-of-field for subject isolation, beautiful bokeh, and reliable low-light performance without having to increase ISO, giving creators more flexibility in challenging lighting conditions.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Weighing only 290 grams and measuring just 65.4mm x 74.5mm, this is one of the smallest and lightest constant f/2.8 APS-C zoom lenses available. Its compact form factor makes it perfect for travel, street photography, and handheld shooting sessions that last all day. The reduced weight also makes it a strong choice for gimbal setups and content creators who need portable gear that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Versatile 18–50mm Focal Range (27–75mm Equivalent)

Covering the most useful focal lengths for everyday photography, this lens provides wide-angle coverage at 18mm for landscapes and group shots, a normal view around 35mm for street and documentary work, and a short telephoto reach at 50mm for portraits and close-ups. With its 27–75mm equivalent range on full-frame, it serves as an all-in-one standard zoom that can handle most shooting scenarios without constant lens changes.

Macro-Like Close Focusing Ability

With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.12m at 18mm and 0.30m at 50mm, the lens delivers near-macro performance with up to 0.36x magnification. This allows photographers to capture detailed close-ups of food, products, flowers, and textures without needing a dedicated macro lens. For creators, this adds tremendous versatility—especially in commercial or content-driven photography where close product shots are essential.

High-Quality Optical Construction

The optical formula consists of 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical lenses and 1 SLD (Super Low Dispersion) element. This advanced construction minimizes chromatic aberrations, distortion, and flare while maximizing sharpness and clarity across the frame. The result is professional-grade image quality with high contrast and accurate color rendition, even in demanding conditions.

Fast, Quiet, and Accurate Autofocus

The stepping motor (STM) system delivers fast, precise, and nearly silent autofocus, making it highly suitable for both still photography and video shooting. Silent AF ensures that camera mics won’t pick up focus noise during video recording, while the quick response helps track moving subjects with confidence—crucial for events, street photography, or vlog-style content.

Smooth and Pleasing Bokeh

Thanks to its 7 rounded diaphragm blades, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 produces smooth, circular bokeh when shooting wide open. This is particularly beneficial for portraits and product shots where background blur helps isolate the subject. Combined with the f/2.8 aperture, this creates a professional look usually associated with larger, heavier lenses.

Durable Build with Thermally Stable Composite

Constructed from Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material, the lens body is both lightweight and robust. TSC mimics the thermal behavior of metal, ensuring consistent performance in extreme temperature changes. Internal metal reinforcements improve durability, while a sealed mount protects against dust and moisture, making it a reliable tool for real-world shooting conditions.

Seamless Integration with Mirrorless Systems

Designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras, the lens is available in Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, and L-Mount versions. It takes advantage of in-camera corrections for distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration, ensuring polished results straight out of the camera. With a 55mm filter thread, it’s also easy to add ND or polarizing filters for more creative control.

Exceptional Value for Money

Despite its advanced optics, constant f/2.8 aperture, and robust build, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is priced competitively, offering professional performance at a fraction of the cost of larger alternatives. For creators looking for one lens that balances performance, portability, and affordability, this is a standout option in the APS-C lens market.

• Travel Photography – Lightweight and compact, it’s perfect for photographers who want a professional zoom lens that doesn’t add bulk to their gear bag.
• Street Photography – The versatile focal range and discreet size make it ideal for candid, everyday city scenes.
• Portraits – Constant f/2.8 aperture and rounded diaphragm blades create smooth bokeh and strong subject separation.
• Event Coverage – From weddings to parties, the 18–50mm range covers wide group shots to intimate close-ups with consistent low-light performance.
• Vlogging & Content Creation – Silent autofocus and portable design make it an excellent lens for handheld video or gimbal work.
• Product & Food Photography – The close focusing distance (0.12m at wide end) allows macro-like shots, perfect for e-commerce, food styling, or product detail capture.
• Landscape & Nature – Wide 18mm setting captures expansive scenery, while optical quality ensures sharp detail across the frame.
• Documentary & Lifestyle – A reliable everyday zoom lens that adapts seamlessly to storytelling, daily shoots, and lifestyle content.
• Educational & Tutorial Videos – Fast AF, bright aperture, and sharp results make it a strong choice for professional-looking YouTube or online teaching videos.
• Low-Light Shooting – The constant f/2.8 aperture supports clean results in dim environments without pushing ISO too high.
• General All-Purpose Photography – A true do-it-all zoom that reduces the need to carry multiple primes, especially useful for hobbyists and hybrid shooters.

Pros

• Constant f/2.8 aperture: Across the zoom range for consistent low-light performance and depth-of-field control.
• Extremely lightweight (≈290g) and compact: One of the smallest constant-aperture APS-C zooms available.
• Versatile 18–50mm focal range (27–75mm equivalent): Covers wide-angle to short telephoto needs.
• Near-macro capability: With a 0.12m minimum focusing distance and up to 0.36x magnification.
• Sharp optics: 13 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical and 1 SLD glass to reduce distortion and aberrations.
• Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus: Stepping motor (STM), excellent for both stills and video.
• Smooth bokeh rendering: With 7 rounded diaphragm blades.
• Durable construction: Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material and a sealed mount for added protection.
• Affordable price point: Compared to larger f/2.8 zooms, offering strong value for money.
• 55mm filter thread: Makes it easy to use common filters and accessories.

Cons

• No optical image stabilization: Best paired with camera bodies that feature IBIS.
• Limited weather sealing: Only mount gasket, not fully weatherproof for harsh conditions.
• Extending zoom barrel: May introduce the risk of zoom creep over time.
• Not designed for full-frame: Usable only in crop mode, limiting versatility for mixed sensor users.
• Only 7 diaphragm blades: While rounded, may not deliver as creamy bokeh as higher-end alternatives.
• Relatively short telephoto reach: Stops at 50mm, limiting use for wildlife or distant subjects.
• Plastic construction (TSC): Lightweight and durable but feels less premium than all-metal designs.

• Fujifilm X, Leica L & Sony E-Mount Lens
• 27-75mm (35mm Equivalent)
• Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.8"
• Three Aspherical Elements
• Special Low Dispersion Element
• Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
• Super Multilayer Coating
• Mount with Dust and Splash Resistant Structure

• Focal Length: 18–50mm (≈27–75mm full-frame equivalent)
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 constant
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups (3 aspherical, 1 SLD)
• Angle of View (APS-C): Approx. 76.5°–31.7° (varies by mount)
• Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded)
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.12m (wide) / 0.30m (tele)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.36× at wide end
• Autofocus Motor: Stepping Motor (STM), internal focus
• Zoom Mechanism: Rotary extending barrel
• Filter Size: 55mm
• Lens Hood: Petal-type, model LH582-02 (included)
• Weather Sealing: Yes, mount seal
• Dimensions: Approx. 65.4mm diameter × 74.5mm length (varies slightly by mount)
• Weight: Approx. 285–290g depending on mount
• Build Material: Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) with internal metal parts
• Mount Compatibility: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, L-Mount
• Format: APS-C (usable on full-frame in crop mode)
• Color/Finish: Black, matte Contemporary design
• Release Date: October 19, 2021

• Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Fujifilm X, Leica L, or Sony E
• Sigma LCF-55 III 55mm Lens Cap
• Sigma Lens Hood for 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
• Sigma LCR II Rear Lens Cap
• Limited Warranty

Is the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens compatible with full-frame cameras?

This lens is designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It can be mounted on full-frame systems, but it will automatically switch to crop mode, giving you an equivalent focal length of approximately 27–75mm.

Does the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 have image stabilization?

No, this lens does not feature built-in optical stabilization. However, it pairs well with camera bodies that have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for steady results when shooting handheld.

What types of photography is this lens best suited for?

The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN is highly versatile, making it suitable for travel, street photography, portraits, events, product photography, and even close-up shots thanks to its 0.12m minimum focusing distance.

How is the autofocus performance on this lens?

Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor (STM), which ensures fast, accurate, and nearly silent performance. This makes it an excellent choice for both still photography and video recording without distracting focus noise.

Does the lens come with weather sealing?

The lens includes a mount seal that offers basic protection against dust and splashes. While it is durable, it is not fully weather-sealed, so extra care should be taken in extreme shooting environments.

What kind of bokeh does the lens produce?

With its constant f/2.8 aperture and 7 rounded diaphragm blades, the lens creates smooth, natural-looking bokeh. This is especially useful for portraits and product shots where subject separation is key.

What is included in the box with the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN?

Alongside the lens itself, you receive a petal-type lens hood (LH582-02), front and rear lens caps, and standard packaging. The hood helps reduce flare and enhances contrast in bright conditions.

How close can this lens focus for macro-like shots?

At 18mm, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.12m, allowing near-macro magnification of 0.36x. This makes it excellent for capturing fine product details, textures, and creative close-ups.

Which mounts is this lens available for?

The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN is available in Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount, Canon RF-mount, and L-Mount, ensuring wide compatibility with leading APS-C mirrorless systems.

What is the weight and size of the lens?

The lens weighs only around 285–290g and measures approximately 65.4mm in diameter with a length of 74.5mm, making it one of the most compact and lightweight constant f/2.8 zooms on the market.