Sigma Contemporary 10-18mm 2.8 DC DN

The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a wonder in terms of size and low weight - and it's even capable of delivering very good image quality. The resolution in the image center isn't top of the class but the border quality is still very good at all relevant settings. The corners are also fine at 10mm but suffer very slightly at longer focal lengths although the results stay easily on good level even at f/2.8. However, having said this - the focus field is somewhat uneven which can be noticeable at large apertures. Also - while the results are good on 26mp sensors, it's quite obvious that the pixel level sharpness drops visibly on the new 40mp sensors. That's a story that is going to be repeated with most zoom lenses, though. 40mp APS-C is a bit much, really (a good AI RAW converter goes a long way improving this). Unsurprisingly, image distortions are heavy in RAW images although they stay shy of excessive levels that we have seen elsewhere. There's also heavy RAW vignetting suggesting that the lens is somewhat underdesigned. However, auto-correcting will solve most issue quite nicely. Lateral CAs are quite low already. Sigma didn't go over board with the number of aperture blades which is good news for "sun star" lovers - they show up from about f/8 and are nice from f/11. The flare resistance is pretty good for a zoom lens. The build quality is impressive for a consumer-grade lens. Despite of its low weight it just feels sturdy. If we are nit-picky, we'd point to the extending zoom design and the simple weather sealing which only covers the mount. The AF speed is very decent despite of the use of a stepping motor. The small lens elements certain help here. Overall, it's easy to recommend the lens for use on 26mp cameras. The situation is more difficult at 40mp but then there aren't really any suitable options here at the time of writing either.

Highly recommended - A superb ultra-wide zoom lens that is a pleasure to use.

The Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN is another very welcome lens for APSC systems, and I’m delighted in Sigma’s World that now means not just Sony and Leica L mounts, but also Fujifilm X-mount from day-one. It’s compact, light and affordable, and capable of dramatic results ideal not just for landscapes and interiors, but also for presenting pieces to camera. On the downside, don’t expect miracles with the aperture wide-open. The image is sharp in the middle but there’s some softening as you approach the far corners, especially at the wider-end of the focal range. The lack of optical stabilisation also means video shooters will prefer to use it with a body with IBIS or digital compensation, or mount it on a tripod or gimbal. Fujifilm owners should compare it against the XF 10-24 f4 or 8 f3.5, while Sony shooters should weigh-up the 10-20 f4 PZ, or the 11 f1.8. The closest rival for both systems though is Tamron’s 11-20 f2.8. The Sigma doesn’t quite match its sharpness, but undercuts it on cost, length and weight.