Lens comparison · Sony E / FE · updated 5 November 2026
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G16-55mm · f/2.8 · 494gSigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary18-50mm · f/2.8 · 290g
Verdict
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G has more in its favour on paper. The Sony lens is the mount maker's own, while the Sigma is a third-party alternative.
Choose the E 16-55mm f/2.8 G for
- more reach (55mm vs 50mm)
- a wider starting focal length (16mm vs 18mm)
Choose the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for
- less weight (290g vs 494g)
- a lower price (about £460 vs £710)
| E 16-55mm f/2.8 G | 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sigma |
| Focal length | 16-55mm | 18-50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 494 g | 290 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Made for | APSC | APSC |
| New price | £1,199 | £499 |
| Used at MPB (Sony E / FE) | £714–£714 | £434–£479 |
More lens comparisons
RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM vs 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN ContemporaryXC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ vs 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
See all Sony E / FE cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G better than the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary?
The E 16-55mm f/2.8 G offers more reach (55mm vs 50mm), a wider starting focal length (16mm vs 18mm); the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary offers less weight (290g vs 494g), a lower price (about £460 vs £710).
Which is better value, the E 16-55mm f/2.8 G or the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary?
On Sony E / FE, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary costs about £460 against about £710 for the Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Sony E / FE (and other mounts: Fujifilm X, Canon RF / RF-S, L-Mount). Both are made for crop sensors.