Sigma has announced the launch schedule for the highly anticipated SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens designed specifically for Canon RF Mount. This latest addition to Sigma’s lineup of RF mount lenses is engineered for APS-C cameras and promises to deliver an impressive blend of versatility, performance, and portability.

Key Features of the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Lens

• Ultra-Wide Zoom Range: The lens offers a dynamic zoom range from 10mm to 18mm, perfect for capturing a variety of scenes from broad landscapes to tight interiors.
• Bright Maximum Aperture: With a maximum aperture of F2.8, this lens is geared for low-light conditions and the creation of a shallow depth of field.
• APS-C Size Mirrorless Dedicated Zoom Lens: This lens is specifically optimized for APS-C cameras, ensuring improved performance with the smaller image circle.
• Weather-Resistant: Built to withstand dust and splashes, making it suitable for various weather conditions.
• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing only around 260g, this lens is both small and lightweight, enhancing portability and ease of use.

Build Quality and Handling

The SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it a practical choice for on-the-go photographers. Constructed from high-quality plastic, the lens feels solid and well-built in the hand. The new plastic and rubber hood attaches via a clip mechanism, providing a secure fit without the need for twisting.

The focus ring operates smoothly and is highly responsive to the lens’s motor, offering precise control over manual focus adjustments. This design ensures that photographers can rely on the lens in a variety of shooting scenarios, from quick snapshots to carefully composed images.

Performance and Image Quality

In terms of performance, the autofocus system is a standout feature of this lens. It operates silently, quickly, and with high accuracy. The lens also excels in autofocus tracking, making it an excellent choice for capturing moving subjects.

Image quality is another strong suit of the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens. At its widest apertures, the center of the image remains impressively sharp, though the corners tend to be softer. Stopping down the aperture to F5.6 or F8 leads to a noticeable improvement in edge sharpness. It is important to note that at F11, the image can become softer again.

Comparison with Canon’s 10-18mm RF Lens

When comparing Sigma’s new lens to Canon’s 10-18mm RF lens, the differences are quite significant. The Canon lens has a maximum aperture ranging from F4.5 to F6.3, which limits its low-light capabilities and depth of field control. In contrast, the Sigma lens can capture significantly more light at its widest angle and more than double the amount of light when zoomed in, making it the superior choice for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field.

Pricing and Availability

Sigma has priced the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens at £649 in the UK. While this might seem high to some, its unique blend of features and performance justifies the investment for avid photographers looking for a high-quality ultra-wide lens compatible with Canon RF mount.

Conclusion

The introduction of the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens is a noteworthy addition to the Canon RF mount family. It delivers a versatile ultra-wide zoom range along with a bright maximum aperture and reliable weather resistance. Despite its higher price point, the lens’s performance and feature set make it a compelling option for those using APS-C cameras.

Source: ePHOTOzine / Sigma Blog

What Others Say About the 10-18mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens

Image Quality

The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens offers excellent image quality, with strong center and midframe performance throughout the zoom range. The lens features 13 elements in 10 groups, including four aspherical elements and three FLD elements, which contribute to its high image quality.

“The MTF chart shows a very strong center and midframe at both ends of the zoom range with minimal falloff in the corners at 10mm. There’s a stronger falloff at 18mm in the corners.”

– Dustin Abbott

This lens is particularly noted for its ability to correct distortion and vignette effectively, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios, including interior spaces.

Compactness and Portability

The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens is the world’s smallest and lightest f/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras, weighing only 260 grams. This compact design makes it ideal for travel and video production.

“Despite its compact size, it offers features typically found in much larger and heavier ultra-wide zooms.”

– Park Cameras

This lens is praised for its ease of use and portability, which is particularly beneficial for photographers who need a versatile and lightweight lens.

Autofocus and Build Quality

The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens features quick and quiet autofocus, which is particularly useful for capturing moving subjects. The lens also has a smooth and responsive manual focus ring.

“The lens’s autofocus motor works silently, accurately, and almost instantaneously.”

– YouTube Review

The build quality of the lens is highlighted for its high-quality plastic and rubber components, which provide a durable and comfortable grip.

Price and Value

The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens is priced competitively at $609 (on 9 September 2024), offering a high-quality and versatile option for Canon RF users.

“The price is a bit much for a few small glasses, but it’s worth double the price.”

– Reddit User

While some users may find the price high, the lens’s unique features and performance justify its cost, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit.

10-18mm F2.8 Ultra-Wide Lens Tech Specs

Specification	Value
Product Name	SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
Manufacturer	Sigma
Key Features	Ultra-Wide Zoom Range (10mm to 18mm), F2.8 Aperture, Weather-Resistant, Compact and Lightweight
Technical Details	Constructed from high-quality plastic, Smooth focus ring, New plastic and rubber hood with clip mechanism
Compatibility	Canon RF Mount (APS-C)
Price	$609 on 9 September 2024