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Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

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

Pick the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM if

  • You want a wider view: 15mm vs 18mm at the wide 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
  • Our notes say it suits: Landscapes and astro, events and interiors, video

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

  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 540 g lighter (300 g vs 840 g)
  • You need more reach: 50mm vs 35mm at the long end
  • You shoot video: Stepping motor autofocus is smooth and quiet (the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM uses USM)
  • You want bigger close-ups: 0.36× vs 0.21× maximum magnification
  • You want a compact lens: 74.5 mm vs 126.8 mm long

Spec differences

15 differences
Specifications that differ between the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Brand
Canon
Sigma
Type
Wide Zoom
Zoom
Format
Full frame
APS-C
Focal length
15-35mm
18-50mm
Weight
840 g
300 g lighter
Length
126.8 mm
74.5 mm shorter
Diameter
88.5 mm
69.2 mm slimmer
Filter thread
82 mm
55 mm
Min focus distance
0.28 m
not listed
Max magnification
0.21×
0.36× larger
Aperture blades
9 more blades
7
Optical design
16 elements / 12 groups
not listed
Autofocus motor
USM
Stepping motor
Image stabilization
Yes stabilized
No
Released
2019
2021
2 identical specs hidden: mount, max aperture. Show all
Mount
Canon RF both
Max aperture
f/2.8 both

Our notes

Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM

A wide-angle zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a constant f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization, for landscape, event and video work.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8
  • Image stabilization
  • Weather-sealed L build
  • Sharp across the frame

Cons

  • Heavy for a wide zoom (840 g)
  • 82mm filter thread
  • Relies on in-camera correction

Our notes

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

More comparisons

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