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Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images

19 October 2021
Arkadiusz Olech

2. Build quality

The following chart presents a comparison between basic parameters of different universal zoom lenses designed for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor which are a tad faster than typical kit lenses. It is clear that physical dimensions and weight of the Sigma are very close to the parameters of the slower Fujinon. The Sony and the Tamron are distinctly bigger and heavier but they also come with a wider focal range.

In the photo below the Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN is positioned next to the Sigma C 30 mm f/1.4 DC DN.

Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The new Sigma C lens starts with a metal mount surrounding contacts and a rear element. That element doesn't move and is positioned about 7 mm deep inside the casing. The nearby area is properly blackened, ribbed, and matted – from this side everything looks as it should and it seems to be weather-sealed as well.

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Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

The proper body of the lens starts with a smooth ring painted black that is made of plastic and doesn't move. The ring features a white dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, and the model year of the instrument, in this case 021.

Further on you see a manual focus ring,12 mm wide, without any markings. It is a focus-by-wire construction and it moves quite smoothly. Even if you turn it quite quickly the focus throw amounts to over 400 degrees, a huge value, certainly allowing you very precise settings.

Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

Another ring, also immobile, features some fine ribs, an inscription with the name and basic parameters of the lens, the logo of the producer, a serial number, and the 'C' letter, meaning the lens belongs to the 'Contemporary' series.

A zoom ring, 28 mm wide, is the biggest visible part of the barrel. Most of its surface occupy rubber ribs and below you can find focal lengths markings at 18, 24, 28, 35, and 50 mm, along with information that the lens was produced in Japan, and its minimum focusing distance that changes from 0.121 of a meter at 18 mm to 0.3 of a meter at 50 mm.The ring works properly well with a noticeable but still acceptable resistance that becomes more pronounced in a range from 35 to 50 mm.

Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

With the increase of the focal length the front element system extends on a homogeneous tube made of plastics, making the lens longer by 23 mm.

The front element is 40 mm in diameter, quite flat, surrounded by a part of the barrel with basic parameters of the lens and information that it was produced in Japan. Then you find a non-rotating filter thread, 55 mm in diameter, and a mount for a hood that is added to the box with the lens.

Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality

When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 13 elements positioned in 10 groups. Three elements are aspherical and one is made of low dispersion SLD glass. Inside you can also find a round aperture with seven diaphragm blades.

Buyers get in the box with the lens: both caps, and a petal-type hood.

Sigma C 18-50 mm f/2.8 DC DN – first impressions and sample images - Build quality