If you’re looking for a wide-angle zoom that delivers sharp images, fast performance, and durable construction, the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary might be worth a closer look. This lens aims to fill a gap in Canon’s APS-C lineup with impressive features for a variety of users.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this thorough review video highlights why the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary might be the best wide angle zoom available for Canon's APS-C mirrorless cameras. Unlike Canon’s own RF-S lens, which are mostly slow and plastic, this Sigma lens boasts a constant f/2.8 aperture and higher build quality, including a weather-sealed gasket and metal mount. This sturdier construction helps with durability, and it feels less like a budget option, especially compared to Canon's own 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens. The Canon lens may be cheaper, but it lacks the fast aperture and the same level of build quality.
The Sigma lens has a few standout features that make it a competitive option, even at a higher price. Its fast f/2.8 aperture means it performs better in low light, and it allows for a shallower depth of field when needed. Abbott mentions that while the Canon equivalent costs around $300, this Sigma lens retails for $659, which is more than double. However, you’re getting better optics, a more robust build, and features like a spring-loaded hood that make it easier to pack and use. The improved up-close performance and strong autofocus also add to its appeal, especially for those who prioritize quality over price.
The video dives into specific build details, noting that the Canon APS-C sensor has a 1.6x crop factor, which means this lens provides a full-frame equivalent of 16-29mm. This range is slightly longer on the telephoto end compared to what you'd get on Sony or Fuji APS-C models, but that extra bit of wide angle coverage on other mounts can sometimes be more useful than a slight increase in telephoto reach. This version of the Sigma lens has been tweaked to fit Canon’s larger RF-S mount, making it slightly heavier than its Sony counterpart, yet still compact enough to carry around without feeling cumbersome.
The Sigma lens uses a stepping motor (STM), providing smooth and quick autofocus across various situations. You can see it perform seamlessly in different scenarios, transitioning from foreground to background with no noticeable lag. Video users will appreciate the minimal focus breathing, making focus transitions less jarring and more professional-looking. However, Abbott does note that the lens is not parfocal, meaning it will lose focus when you zoom in and out during video recording, which may be a downside if you need smooth zooms during shoots.
The image quality is another area where this lens shines. While Abbott doesn’t break down all the optical tests in this review, he refers to his previous assessments of the Sony and Fuji versions, confirming that the Canon model holds up similarly. The lens offers sharpness at the center of the frame, and while the edges may soften slightly, stopping down helps improve corner sharpness. There is some barrel distortion at 10mm and minor pincushion distortion at 18mm, but these are easy to correct in post-processing. Chromatic aberrations and flare are well-controlled, and colors render beautifully, in line with Canon’s well-known color science. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
This version for the Canon mount is $659, while the same lens made for the Sony mount is $599. And several other lenses that Sigma makes are available for Sony and L mount, but not available for Canon or Nikon.
Hmmmmm
Makes me think that moving forward, I will be switching over to Sony and slowly abandoning my Canon gear which I have used for decades. And of course the reason will be because Sony seems to play nicer with the 3rd party lensmakers.
As far as this 10-18mm lens is concerned, it could be quite useful for some of the herpetology photography I do, but it would be much more useful if the maximum magnification ratio were closer to 0.45x instead of 0.25x. 0.25x is rather limiting, especially with some of the very small creatures that I want to photograph at wide angle, such as some Gecko and Toad species that are barely as big as my pinky finger.