Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens, Sony E

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary - Really affordable basic zoom for Sony E

Sigma is continuing with the hard line and making a miniature size basic zoom, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary obisca. The lens is designed from the ground up for APS-C mirrorless cameras where it produces a 27-75mm cinema equivalent focal length. It is a lens designed specifically for mirrorless systems, not modified from old lenses with elevation rings. This makes the lens smaller, better performing and optically superior. It is quite handy for architectural photography, for example. The lens offers excellent performance, functionality and manufacturing quality, considering its affordable price.

The lens shows a nice bokeh despite the typical f/2.8 maximum of zoom lenses. However, the aperture remains the same throughout the zoom range. Optical aberrations are kept well under control because the optical formula of the lens uses precision-moulded aspherical glass elements, interspersed with a single SLD (special low dispersion) element. Fast and accurate autofocusing is achieved by a stepper motor. The dust and splash resistant construction is a surprising addition for a device in this price range and you can easily go into almost any shooting environment.

The close focusing distance is a very smart 12.1 centimetres, not a macro, but a magnification of 0.36X.

Key features:

• Compact wide-angle lens with a good design
• Firing range: 18-50mm
• Designed for Sony E APS-C bodies with a focal length of 27-75mm
• Nearly silent and fast autofocus
• Very well controlled flare and chromatic aberrations that are refined by in-camera processing
• The 7-leaf rounded dimmer creates a beautiful bokeh, i.e. an unstarred area
• Dust and splash-proof construction
• Maximum aperture f/2.8
• Minimum aperture f/22
• Viewing angle 76,5°- 31,7°
• Closest focusing distance: 12,1cm
• Maximum magnification 0.36x
• Optical structure 13 elements in 10 groups
• Automatic focus
• Filter thread 55 mm
• Size 64,5 x 74,5 mm
• Weight 290 g