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Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

Both are Canon RF zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM if

  • You need more reach: 70mm vs 50mm at the long end
  • You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary does not
  • You shoot full frame: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is made for APS-C
  • You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 7
  • You prefer a newer design: released 2024 vs 2021
  • Our notes say it suits: Everyday photography, travel, video

Pick the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary if

  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 195 g lighter (300 g vs 495 g)
  • You want a wider view: 18mm vs 28mm at the wide end
  • You want bigger close-ups: 0.36× vs 0.24× maximum magnification
  • You want a compact lens: 74.5 mm vs 92.2 mm long

Spec differences

14 differences
Specifications that differ between the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Brand
Canon
Sigma
Format
Full frame
APS-C
Focal length
28-70mm
18-50mm
Weight
495 g
300 g lighter
Length
92.2 mm
74.5 mm shorter
Diameter
76.5 mm
69.2 mm slimmer
Filter thread
67 mm
55 mm
Min focus distance
0.27 m
not listed
Max magnification
0.24×
0.36× larger
Aperture blades
9 more blades
7
Optical design
15 elements / 12 groups
not listed
Autofocus motor
STM
Stepping motor
Image stabilization
Yes stabilized
No
Released
2024
2021
3 identical specs hidden: mount, type, max aperture. Show all
Mount
Canon RF both
Type
Zoom both
Max aperture
f/2.8 both

Our notes

Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM

A compact f/2.8 standard zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with stabilization and stepping-motor autofocus.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8
  • Small and light (495 g)
  • Image stabilization

Cons

  • Starts at 28mm
  • Narrower range than a 24-70
  • Relies on digital corrections

Our notes

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

More comparisons

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