Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Jan 29, 2024When I purchased my a6700 camera back in 2023, one lens I was considering getting was the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens. Priced at just around $549 US, this lens definitely caught my eye. Sigma released this lens in October of 2021, and it boasts a minimum focus distance of 4.8 inches, weather sealing, and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22.
It's a great option for those who need a versatile lens for their camera. This lens can be used for a wide variety of photography and videography applications, and its small, lightweight design makes it perfect for those on-the-go. With a Sony E-mount, this lens offers a full-frame equivalent zoom range of 27-75mm, which is close to the equivalent of the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 that costs around $800.
One thing I really appreciate about this lens is that it has a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. This means that the aperture doesn't change as you zoom, unlike some of the Sony kit lenses I've used in the past. Not only is this lens versatile and compact, but it also produces great-looking images, and I found the autofocus to be fast, just like with all Sigma lenses I've used in the past. Anyone who has shot with this lens knows what I'm talking about. If you're anything like how I used to be, you might be tempted to go with a cheaper Sony kit lens, which is probably around $400 cheaper. But if you have the extra money, I would highly recommend going for the Sigma lens. It's definitely worth the investment.
One thing to note is that this lens does not have an optical stabilization system, which could be an issue if you plan on vlogging or shooting handheld. Out of the three cameras I used with this lens, the a6700 produced the best stabilized footage, but even then, it wasn't anything to write home about. If you're hoping to get some moving shots, I would recommend budgeting for a gimbal or monopod to pair up with this lens and camera setup. Once I threw it onto a gimbal, my images looked fantastic.
I found that this lens is great for anything that doesn't have a specific use. For example, if I didn't have a prime lens, I would use this lens for a headshot at 35mm f/2.8 or as an all-around lens for run-and-gun situations.
One thing to keep in mind is that the skin tones produced by this lens may not be the best in the world. This could be an issue with the Sony APS-C sensor, but I always find that I have to shoot in Cine2 with some minor color corrections to get the most realistic-looking skin tones, or Slog3 if I plan to color grade in post-production. It may seem strange to talk about skin tones when discussing lenses rather than the actual camera you're using, but there's clearly a difference with what lens you're using because skin tones varied from camera to camera.
Overall, if you're in the market for a versatile, compact lens for your Sony camera, I highly recommend giving the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens a try.
