Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN C (Contemporary) Autofocus APS-C Lens for Sony E-Mount, Black {55}

Sigma's 290g APS-C zoom holds f/2.8 across the full range

At 290g and 74.5mm long, this is one of the smallest constant-aperture standard zooms built for APS-C mirrorless. The 18-50mm range translates to 27-75mm full-frame equivalent, covering wide-angle, normal, and short-telephoto perspectives without a lens change. That f/2.8 aperture doesn't compress as you zoom, which matters when light drops and you need consistent exposure across a scene.

The optical formula runs 13 elements across 10 groups, with three glass-molded aspherical elements and a special low dispersion element working together to keep chromatic aberration and distortion in check while keeping the element count low. Minimum focusing distance sits at 12.1cm, giving a maximum magnification of 1:2.8, close enough for product details and food shots without a dedicated macro lens. The stepping motor AF runs fast and quiet, making it a natural fit for video work on a gimbal or handheld rig.

For Sony E-mount shooters building a compact APS-C kit, this lens does the work of two or three primes in a package that slips into a small bag. The 55mm filter thread is standard enough to share glass with other lenses. At this size and aperture combination, there's nothing else in the Sony APS-C ecosystem that competes directly.

Who It's For

Street photographers who need to move fast will appreciate the 290g body and silent stepping motor AF, no hunting noise, no conspicuous size. Travel shooters get 27-75mm equivalent coverage from a single lens that won't fatigue the wrist or fill a bag. Video creators working handheld or on a gimbal benefit from the near-silent AF and the consistent f/2.8 exposure that holds through focal length changes. Portrait and event photographers shooting in mixed or low light get a workable shallow depth of field and the 12.1cm minimum focus distance adds close-up flexibility that a standard zoom rarely offers.

Key Features

• Sony E-mount APS-C zoom with 27-75mm full-frame equivalent coverage
• Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout entire focal range
• 13 elements across 10 groups with three aspherical and one LD element
• 12.1cm minimum focus distance with 1:2.8 maximum magnification
• 290g weight and 74.5mm length, smallest constant-aperture standard zoom for Sony APS-C
• Stepping motor AF with silent, fast autofocus for video and fast subjects
• 55mm filter thread

FAQ

What's the full-frame equivalent focal length?

27-75mm. That covers wide-angle at 18mm, normal perspective around 35mm, and short telephoto at 50mm without changing lenses.

Does the f/2.8 aperture stay constant throughout the zoom range?

Yes. f/2.8 holds from 18mm to 50mm, so exposure and depth of field remain consistent as you zoom. Most variable-aperture zooms fall to f/4 or worse at the long end.

How close can you focus?

12.1cm minimum focusing distance with 1:2.8 maximum magnification. Close enough to shoot product details and food without a dedicated macro lens, though not true 1:1 macro territory.

Is autofocus suitable for video?

The stepping motor AF is fast and nearly silent, making it natural for gimbal rigs, handheld video, and one-person shooting. No focus breathing or loud motor noise.

How does this compare to using two or three primes?

At 290g and 74.5mm long with a 27-75mm range, it covers the ground of a wide prime, standard prime, and short tele in one package. Trade some optical perfection for convenience and bag space.

What's the optical design doing to keep weight down?

Three glass-molded aspherical elements and a low dispersion element minimize total element count to 13 across 10 groups. Fewer elements mean less glass and less weight without sacrificing sharpness or distortion control.

What mount options exist?

Sigma makes this lens for Sony E, Fujifilm X, and L-mount. This is the Sony E version for APS-C mirrorless bodies.