The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN and the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G are two standard zoom lenses for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. In this article, we will compare the main features, and pros and cons of Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN vs Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G, based on various sources¹².
These lenses offer a versatile focal length range that covers wide-angle to short telephoto perspectives, equivalent to 27-75mm and 24-82.5mm on full-frame cameras, respectively. They also have a bright and constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 that enables low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects.
They also have fast and quiet autofocus systems that work well with Sony's eye AF and tracking modes. However, they have different optical designs, features and prices that may affect their performance and suitability for different needs and preferences.
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN is a newer lens that offers a more compact and affordable option than the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G, which offers a more refined and robust option.
Introduction
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN was announced in October 2021 as a standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount and Leica L-mount cameras with APS-C sensors. It is part of Sigma's Contemporary line of lenses, which are designed to balance image quality and portability.
It claims to be the smallest and lightest f/2.8 zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras on the market, measuring 99 x 67mm and weighing 290g. It has a mixture of sharpness, contrast, color and minimal aberrations across the frame. It also has a smooth and circular bokeh that enhances the subject isolation and background blur.
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G was announced in August 2019 as a standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras with APS-C sensors. It is part of Sony's G series of lenses, which are designed to deliver high image quality and performance.
It covers a slightly wider range of 24-82.5mm equivalent on APS-C sensors and also has a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. However, it is larger and heavier than the Sigma lens, measuring 100 x 73mm and weighing 494g. It is also more expensive vs the Sigma lens.
Features
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN and the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G have similar features, but they also have some unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main features of each lens:
| Feature | Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G |
| Mount | Sony E (APS-C) | Sony E (APS-C) |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Lens Construction | 13 elements in 10 groups | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Special Elements | One SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element, three aspherical elements, Super Multi-Layer coating | Two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, one Super ED element, Nano AR coating |
| Angle of View | 76° -31° | 83° -29° |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.12m /0.4ft at wide-angle end; 0.25m /0.82ft at telephoto end | 0.33m /1ft at wide-angle end; 0.39m /1ft at telephoto end |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 0:28x at wide-angle end; 0:17x at telephoto end | 0:24x at wide-angle end; 0:12x at telephoto end |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 67mm |
| Dimensions | 99 x 67mm /3.9 x 2.6in | 100 x 73mm /3.9 x 2.9in |
| Weight | 290g /10.2oz | 494g /17.5oz |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Yes | Yes |
Pros and Cons of Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN vs Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent image quality for a standard zoom lens | No optical image stabilization |
| High sharpness, contrast, color and minimal aberrations across the frame | No weather sealing |
| Smooth and circular bokeh | Some vignetting and distortion on wider apertures |
| Bright maximum aperture | Limited macro capability |
| Fast and quiet autofocus system | |
| Compact and lightweight design | |
| Affordable price |
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent image quality for a standard zoom lens | Expensive |
| High sharpness, contrast, color and minimal aberrations across the frame | No optical image stabilization |
| Smooth and circular bokeh | Large and heavy design |
| Bright maximum aperture | Limited macro capability |
| Fast and quiet autofocus system | |
| Weather-sealed construction | |
| Robust on-barrel controls |
Conclusion
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN and the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G are both superb standard zoom lenses for Sony E-mount photographers who need a high-quality and versatile lens for various situations and subjects. They both offer excellent image quality and performance, with high sharpness, contrast, color and minimal aberrations across the frame.
They also have a smooth and circular bokeh that enhances the subject isolation and background blur. They have a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 that provides excellent low-light performance and bokeh quality. They also have a fast and quiet autofocus system that works well with Sony's eye AF and tracking modes.
However, they also have some differences that may make one more suitable than the other for different needs and preferences.
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN is a newer lens that offers a more compact and affordable option than the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G, which offers a more refined and robust option. It has a slightly better image quality and performance than the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G, especially in terms of aberrations and vignetting.
It also has a smaller and lighter design that makes it more portable and convenient to use.
The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is an older lens that offers a more refined and robust option than the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN, which offers a more compact and affordable option. It has a slightly wider focal length range that covers more angles of view.
It also has robust on-barrel controls, including an aperture ring, an AF/MF switch, an AF hold button and a focus mode switch. It also has weather-sealing that makes it more durable and reliable in harsh conditions.
If you are looking for a standard zoom lens that offers excellent image quality and performance, a bright maximum aperture, a fast and quiet autofocus system, and a compact and affordable design, then the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN may be the better choice for you.
But if you are looking for a standard zoom lens that offers excellent image quality and performance, a bright maximum aperture, a fast and quiet autofocus system, robust on-barrel controls, and weather-sealing, then the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G may be the better choice for you.
Both lenses are highly recommended for photographers who use Sony E-mount APS-C cameras and need a fast and sharp standard zoom lens.
Further Reading
(1) Comparing Sigma’s New 18-50mm f/2.8 to Sony’s 16-50 f/3.5-5.6