Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD vs Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary 021

Pick the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD if

• You need 1 stop more light for low light or background blur (f/2 vs f/2.8)
• You need more reach: 150mm vs 50mm at the long end
• You shoot full frame: the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary 021 is made for APS-C
• You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 7
• Our notes say it suits: Weddings and events, portraits, stage and indoor work

Pick the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary 021 if

• You want the lighter lens to carry: 875 g lighter (290 g vs 1165 g)
• You want a wider view: 18mm vs 35mm at the wide end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.12 m vs 0.33 m
• You want bigger close-ups: 0.36× vs 0.18× maximum magnification
• You want a compact lens: 76.5 mm vs 158 mm long
• Our notes say it suits: Everyday APS-C shooting, vlogging and travel, low-light snapshots

Our notes

Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD

A fast zoom for full-frame mirrorless running from f/2 at 35mm to f/2.8 at 150mm. It uses VXD linear motors and weighs about 1,165 g.

Pros

• f/2 at the wide end for strong subject separation
• 35mm to 150mm in one lens
• VXD linear motors for fast autofocus

Cons

• Heavy for a standard zoom
• Aperture drops to f/2.8 at the long end

Our notes

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary 021

A compact f/2.8 standard zoom for APS-C E-mount cameras, weighing about 290 g. It takes 55mm filters and offers a close focus distance of 0.121 m.

Pros

• Constant f/2.8
• Very light at 290 g
• Close focus 0.121 m
• Stepping motor autofocus

Cons

• APS-C only
• No stabilization in the lens
• Less range than a kit zoom