Sigma 18-50mm Contemporary Lens
Sigma 18-50mm Contemporary Lens

SIGMA Corporation has announced the launch of its 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens for FUJIFILM X Mount cameras. It’s SIGMA’s first dedicated zoom lens for APS-C size mirrorless cameras. There are also three F1.4 prime lenses in SIGMA’s X Mount lineup: the wide-angle prime 16 mm, the standard prime 30 mm and the telephoto prime 56 mm.

Fast aperture

The SIGMA 18-50mm Contemporary lens has a constant wide aperture of F2.8 throughout the zoom range. This is ideal for video use as it means that the exposure doesn’t alter when you change focal lengths. The iris has 7 blades and closes down to F22. The maximum aperture is not as wide as with the prime lenses in the X Mount lineup. However, you will still be able to achieve a shallow depth of field, especially at 50 mm.

Optical construction

The SIGMA 18-50mm Contemporary lens is constructed with 13 elements in 10 groups. These also include one special low-dispersion lens and three aspherical lenses. The 18-50mm zoom range is equivalent to 27 mm to 75 mm on a full-frame camera.

Autofocus

The SIGMA 18-50mm Contemporary lens has a minimum focusing distance of 12.1cm and a maximum magnification of 1:2.8 at 18mm. The 18-50mm lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF) and in-camera aberration correction on supported cameras. In addition, the control algorithm, including AF drive and communication speed optimization, has been developed specifically for X Mount interchangeable lenses.

Build

The SIGMA 18-50mm Contemporary lens has a lightweight body, weighing only 10.1 ounces (285g). It’s also a compact lens, measuring only 3 inches (76.8 mm) in length. The filter size is 55 mm. In addition, the mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments.

Verdict

SIGMA lenses are renowned for their optical quality. The 18-50mm Contemporary lens is a great addition to the X Mount range alongside the three existing prime lenses. If you use an APS-C X Mount mirrorless camera, then you should consider taking the new lens for a test drive.

Pricing and availability

The SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens for FUJIFILM X Mount cameras is scheduled to be released in December at $549.

Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.