Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Review Fuji X:
For those looking for an ultra wide angle zoom for their Fujifilm X Series camera, Sigma has recently announced the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary. On an APS-C camera, this equates to a 15-27mm, which is a range that covers quite a bit. I had the pleasure of getting a pre-launch L mount sample to test a while back, and it worked superbly with my L mount system. The review is here. I still wanted to give it a go with my Fuji system, so thanks to Sigma, I was able to get a Fuji X mount version of this lens as well. Here is what I think of it.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review! If it helped, please consider purchasing from any of the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site. I get a small commission but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X Build Quality:
Starting off with build, the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary definitely impresses. Like nearly every Sigma lens, the 10-18mm f2.8 is made from a combination of polycarbonate, and metal. The result is something that not only feels very solid and robust but also light. Features include the zoom ring, which has a very smooth feel. There’s a slight resistance to it, which gives it better feel, and something I really like. The focus ring is also smooth in operation. A high-precision, durable brass bayonet mount with a dust and splash-resistant structure are also built into the lens. Now, let’s dive into two areas where I think this lens really shines: size and weight.
↑ The Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary attached to the Fujifilm X-T3.
If you value portability, this is the lens for you. In fact, Sigma says the 10-18mm f2.8 is the world’s smallest, and lightest ultra-wide angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras, as of this writing. The X mount version measures just 2.8 x 2.5 in./72.2 x 64.3mm., and weighs just 8.8 oz./250g.
↑ Here’s a top view of the lens attached to the X-T3.
The size and weight are perfect because a lens with a focal length range like this is designed for travel, street photography, and landscape. These are areas in photography where having something that is easy to manage, and carry around are especially important. Often times, for example, when you are traveling you might be walking around, and enjoying the sites all day long. If you are shooting street photography, you might also be walking around for a good portion of the day, and besides that, you will benefit from something that is more compact, if you’re after candid shots of people on the street, for example.
↑ Here’s another view.
I was walking around New York City with the 10-18mm f2.8, and it felt pretty much perfect in terms of size, and weight. The great thing is I’m also not really sacrificing in terms of aperture speed as well, since I get a constant maximum aperture of f2.8. This lens really balances well with Fujifilm bodies, and I can see this being an alternative for those that are interested in the XF 8-16mm f2.8 R LM WR lens.
Speaking of the XF 8-16mm f2.8, the focal length ranges of these two lenses are not exactly the same but they are close to each other. I reviewed the XF 8-16mm a while back (review here), and it is a superb piece of glass. There’s no doubt about that but there is a huge difference in size, and weight between these two lenses. Here are the specs for the XF 8-16mm f2.8: 3.46 x 4.78″/88 x 121.5 mm and 1.8 lb/805 g. Plus, the Fuji has a permanently attached lens hood, and no filter thread on the front of the lens. So, as I said earlier, the 10-18mm f2.8 can really serve as an alternative for those that need something more compact and light weight.
What is also really cool, and definitely worth mentioning is Sigma also makes the 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary, which is currently the smallest and lightest in its class. Together, the 10-18mm and the 18-50mm make perfect companions. Both are light weight and compact yet will give you a range from 10-50mm (15-75mm equivalent). Both lenses also have a constant maximum aperture of f2.8. If you want more info, I’ve reviewed both the L mount and X mount versions of the 18-50mm f2.8.
As for accessories, the 10-18mm comes with a newly designed lens hood that is different than the typical bayonet design. The lens hood is a push-on petal type that is attached onto the lens using a spring and lever system. This helps further reduce the size, and thickness of the lens hood making it even more of a match with the compact nature of the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
↑ Here’s the new style lens hood.
Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X Autofocus:
I’m also happy to report the autofocus is drama free. The stepping motor that is used is both silent, and ultra fast. Focusing on my subjects felt instantaneous, and the lens is also very accurate. I didn’t run into any issues while I was using the 10-18mm. Focus breathing is also kept at a minimum.
A great point worth mentioning is the minimum focusing distance is just 11.6cm with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. This means you can create some really cool images that also have a unique flare to them given that you’re able to focus so closely with an ultra wide angle lens.
Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X Image Quality:
As you can see, the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary definitely has some great features but what really seals the deal for me is the image quality, which I found impressive. It’s such an easy lens to live with on a daily basis but it can still definitely deliver the goods.
↑ I used 18mm focal length and had the lens set at f11. 250 ISO was used.
↑ Here’s another photo shot at f11. I used 640 ISO and the 17.3mm focal length.
↑ Here’s a photo taken with the 10mm focal length. The settings were f7.1 and 320 ISO.
This lens produces crisp and clean photos, for example. I found sharpness to be excellent. At f2.8, this lens is sharp as a tack in the center with even detail in the edges holding up quite well. As you stop down just a little, sharpness improves. I wouldn’t be too nitpicky about aperture though; this lens performs quite well throughout the range. I tested this version along with the L mount version quite a bit, and was very happy with the end results (you can find more photos in my L mount review).
↑ This was taken with the 18mm focal length. I used f2.8 and 160 ISO here.
↑ This was taken with the 18mm focal length using f5.6 and 160 ISO.
↑ This photo was taken with the 10mm focal length. The settings were f8 and 320 ISO.
Besides sharpness, the 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary excels in other areas as well. Flare is well-controlled, and the lens also does a great job controlling vignetting. There is a little vignetting at wide open aperture but stopping down just one stop reduces it significantly. Color and contrast are also excellent. Overall, the 10-18mm is a top performing lens that, in my opinion, should help its user produce superb photos.
↑ This was taken using f8 and 160 ISO. The focal length was 18mm.
↑ This was taken early in the morning with the 10mm focal length. The settings were f8 and 160 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the 11.9mm focal length. Settings were f8 and 160 ISO.
Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Fuji X Bokeh:
A lens like the 10-18mm f2.8 isn’t really designed to give you the isolation effects of say a short tele prime with a very fast maximum aperture. With that said, this lens does come with a pretty fast constant maximum aperture, and you can also focus very closely, so there are times where you can produce a thinner depth of field. When you do, the bokeh effects are velvety smooth and inviting.
↑ This is a close example of the bokeh. The settings were wide open and 160 ISO using the 18mm focal length.
↑ Here’s another photo taken with f2.8 and 160 ISO. The focal length used was 18mm.
↑ Here’s one more photo with the same settings as above.
Pros And Cons:
Pros:
- Solid, well-built lens.
- Because of how compact and light this lens it, it really makes the perfect travel companion.
- Dust and splash-resistant.
- Fast, accurate, and silent autofocus.
- Excellent image quality.
- Constant and fast maximum aperture.
- Decent price.
- Perfect match with the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
- The lens feels great on Fujifilm bodies.
Cons:
- For some, lack of image stabilization but even this feels like I’m stretching it. IS really isn’t needed here.
Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary Verdict:
The 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a great option for those looking for an ultra wide zoom option for their Fujifilm X bodies. It’s difficult for me to even find much fault here given the lens really does tick all the right boxes for me. For instance, build wise, the 10-18mm is excellent. Even with such a great focal length range, and having a constant maximum aperture of f2.8, the 10-18mm is extremely compact and light. Autofocus continues to be fast, and best of all, the image quality is superb.
↑ This was taken with the 10mm focal length. Settings were f8 and 640 ISO.
↑ Here’s a photo taken with the 18mm focal length. Settings were f8 and 200 ISO.
↑ The settings were the same as above except 200 ISO was used.
Actually, I should say the best would be that the 10-18mm retails for just $599. In my opinion, you’re really getting a lot here for this price. Just so all of you know, Fuji’s zoom in this range, the XF 8-16mm f2.8, while also a superb lens, currently retails for $1,499.
↑ This was taken in the morning using the 10mm focal length. Settings were f8 and 500 ISO.
↑ This was taken with the 18mm focal length using f2.8 and 160 ISO.
↑ Here’s one last photo of the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 DC DN Contemporary attached to the Fuji X-T3.
So, I definitely recommend taking a closer look at the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8, if you’re in the market for a lens with this kind of a range. I really enjoyed my time with it, and I truly believe this lens would make a great addition to anyone’s Fujifilm X Series system.
Thanks for taking the time to read my review! If it helped, please consider purchasing from any of the links mentioned in this post, which in turn, helps support this site. I get a small commission but it will not cost you anything extra. Thank you!
