Unleashing Exquisite Detail and Vibrant Color: We Review the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 for Fuji X Mount
Sigma is constantly increasing their range of contemporary lenses for various mounts. The quality of these lenses is constant in terms of build and sharpness, and with each new lens, we already know that the high quality we expect is there.
Adding to their Fujifilm X Mount range is the recently released Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary wide angle zoom specifically designed for APS-C sensor cameras. The lens offers an f/2.8 aperture with a full frame equivalent focal range of 15-27mm. The constant aperture throughout the range is sure to offer versatility for various photography needs. This is now the seventh addition to the ever-increasing Sigma X Mount Contemporary range, so does this lens bring a unique set of features and capabilities worth exploring? We tested it to find out.
Build Quality
The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 lens is lightweight and compact, measuring just 62 mm and weighing 260 g, making it ideal for everyday use when you need extra focal range in your photography. This lens consists of 13 elements in 10 groups, includes 9 diaphragm blades, and features Sigma’s multi-layer coating to reduce flare and ghosting. With an angle of view ranging from 109.7 to 76.5 degrees (APS-C) and a minimum focusing distance of 11.6 cm at the wide end, it offers excellent creative potential for foreground compositions.
The STM is fast and silent and compatible with the Fuji tracking modes. I had no issues whatsoever locking onto any of the subjects. The manual focusing ring is nicely damped for precise control. The petal-shaped hood has a newly developed push-on attachment, which worked great both for attaching and detaching with ease.
The lens is a polycarbonate construction with a high precision brass bayonet mount. It’s a compact lens, but in no way feels cheap and indeed replicates the quality and the construction of the other Contemporary lenses.
Performance
Optically, the lens excels considering the compact size. Every image reproduced sharp details and vibrant colors. Although the lens doesn’t have OIS, I was able to handhold at 1/8 sec for some of the images. Although I would not normally do this, it was interesting to see the results.
With a minimum aperture of f/2.8 and a wide field of view, the lens enhances creative possibilities for landscape, architecture, interior, and astrophotography. Granted, I don’t usually photograph landscapes at f/2.8, but it’s nice to have the option. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, becoming visible only in areas of high contrast and can be easily corrected in post-processing.
Optically, the lens delivers sharpness across all apertures. There is a slight distortion at the edges, which I find adds character to wider shots and is a common trait of most wide-angle lenses. I primarily shot between f/5.6 and f/9, as these apertures are the lens’s sweet spots, occasionally using f/2.8 for detail shots to test its performance at this aperture.
The autofocus is quick, accurate, and consistently locks onto the subject without any issues of the focus point jumping or searching. The silent motor ensures smooth and quiet focusing, which is advantageous for both photography and videography.
Pros
- Sharp
- Great color reproduction
- Lightweight and compact
- Value for money
Cons
- It’s only weather-sealed at the mount, which may dissuade some
Conclusion
The lens is ideal for landscape photography and for photographers seeking extra focal distance in their compositions. It’s lightweight, compact, and effortlessly reproduces vibrant colors. While sharp at all apertures, there’s some slight distortion at the wider end, typical for this focal length, but not enough to deter its consideration for your kit.
Alternatives include Fuji’s XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS WR lens, which is fully weather-sealed and comparable in sharpness, color reproduction, and usability. However, the price may be a significant deciding factor, with the Fuji priced at $999 and the Sigma at $599. Weather sealing might also influence your choice, depending on your preferred shooting locations and local climate.
Choosing either lens won’t lead you astray, but if you’re seeking a lightweight, compact, and sharp lens for everyday use and capturing special landscapes within a budget, the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 is an excellent choice without any drawbacks.
