Hands on with the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Fast zoom lens for APS-C cameras

Sigma announced a new compact fast APS-C zoom lens in the form of the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN that can serve as an interesting upgrade for those looking for a more advanced kit lens.

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN – APS-C step UP

While Sony didn’t introduce and major updates to its APS-C line of cameras in a while (even the A6600 was arguably only a minor step up compared to the A6500 with the same image quality and sensor), its current line of APS-C cameras has been fairly popular for a long time.

Having quality APS-C lenses is a different story and while Sigma has some fantastic APS-C prime lens offerings for Sony shooters (just check our reviews on the Sigma 16mm, the Sigma 30mm, and the Sigma 56mm lenses) finding a decent affordable and compact APS-C zoom lens with a fast aperture is not easy.

Sony did release a fantastic lens in this category about a year ago – the Sony 16-55, but at almost $1300 for an APS-C lens, this makes very little sense for most budget shooters.

The Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens

Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN main features

The Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN is a very compact lens and part of the Sigma contemporary line of lenses from Sigma. It weighs in at only 290g/10.2oz and is only 7.4cm long when closed down which is great for those looking for a compact fast zoom travel lens.

It has no buttons or switches (it is fully controlled from the camera) and it has 7 aperture blades with a 55mm front filter thread. The optical design includes 13 elements in 10 groups (with 4 advanced elements).

One of the key points of this lens is how close you can focus with it – up to 12cm from the sensor plane (this means that the lens might cast a shadow on your subject so keep this in mind). the maximum macro magnification ratio is 1:2.8 which is also very good.

The lens is offered in either an E-mount for Sony APS-C E-mount cameras or L mount although it isn’t exactly clear at this point who will purchase this lens with this mount (most L mount cameras have a FF sensor and the few that doesn’t are unlikely candidates due to their different target audience and high price tag).

A strange combination – the Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN on a Sigma Fp full-frame camera

A strange combination - the Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN on a Sigma Fp camera

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

Here are some of the main specs for the  Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN lens:

  • 18-50mm F/2.8 APS-C lens (27-75mm in 35mm equivalent).
  • The lens has 13 elements in 10 groups (1 SLD and 3 aspherical elements).
  • Stepping AF motor.
  • Dust and water-resistant.
  • Min focus distance – 12-30cm (18-50mm) with 1:2.8 maximum macro magnification.
  • 7 rounded blades aperture.
  • 55 mm filter.
  • Weight – around 290g (10.2oz).
  • Mounts – Sony E and L mount.

Pricing and availability

The Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN will start selling for $550 at the end of October 2021.

Hands-on reviews from across the web

There are already a small number of hands-on videos from across the web featuring the new Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens and we collected some of them for your viewing pleasure below:

Chris from DPR testing the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

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Christopher Frost testing the Sigma 18-50mm

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Gordon Laing looks at the Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

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Dustin Abbott review of the Sigma18-50mm F2.8 DC DN

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Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

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