The new Sigma 10-18mm DC DN |Contemporary is a small, lightweight, wide angle APS-C zoom lens with L-Mount. It’s great news for the health of the L-Mount alliance. But it is also ironic that Sigma continues to innovate in a space now vacated by Leica. Sigma’s continued innovation in the L-Mount APS-C market is also welcome news for owners of the now-discontinued TL and CL ranges. It could help stimulate interest in used Leicas as part of an affordable crop-sensor outfit.
Ultra-sharp optics
Its manufacturer claims that the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is the world’s smallest and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras. It covers an effective focal range of 15-27mm (35mm equivalent). It is said to possess ultra-sharp optics, a bright f/2.8 aperture and a newly developed push-on petal type lens hood.
The lens apparently features a unique aspherical element, enabling a reduction in overall size and enhanced image quality. Its 11.6cm (1:4) minimum focusing distance should offer photographers interesting compositions, with expansive backgrounds and bokeh.
With a weight of only 260g, a fast AF stepping motor and minimal focus breathing, Sigma claims that owners can easily mount the new lens onto a motorised gimbal. By this, users will have a capable tool to create video content for social media use and professional projects. In addition to L-Mount, the lens is available for Sony E-Mount and Fujifilm X Mount systems.
Multiple aspherical lenses
Sigma claims the 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary produces photographs that are sharp across the entire image. The use of a special aspherical lens suggests this could be a future trend in Sigma lens design. This element has, according to a Sigma press release, large eccentricity and refractive index. Located as the first lens element, it has enabled a construction with a reduced number of elements. Used with multiple aspherical lenses and special low-dispersion glass, the lens can produce high-resolution images while remaining compact and lightweight.
With a weight of only 260, it should be a comfortable carry-around lens. Its compact size is also remarkable, with a length of just 62.0mm and a maximum diameter of 72.2mm. Attached to an APS-C mirrorless camera and a gimbal, it is capable of creating an ultraportable video setup.
A newly developed push-on petal type hood comes with the lens. Unlike the conventional bayonet type lens hoods that attach with a rotating movement, this push-on type lens hood is attached to the lens using a spring and lever system. This new design reduces the size and thickness of the hood. According to Sigma, thanks to this design, it ideally matches the compact size of the lens.
Video capabilities
When users combined the new lens with the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary, they can cover a total, unbroken focal range of 15-75mm (35mm equivalent). And all this with an f/2.8 aperture! The combined weight of both lenses is only 550g.
The lens mount incorporates rubber sealing to protect it from dust and water drops, helpful for landscapes, travel, video and online content creation.
The lens is compatible with the electronic image stabilization function, aberration correction function, DMF, and AF+MF in camera bodies from various manufacturers. Sigma uses a fast and quiet stepping motor to deliver precise AF when shooting stills and video. It is fully compatible with in-camera AF tracking modes.
Hope for all who invested in APS-C L-Mount?
All in all, good news for any Leica CL, TL2, TL or T owner. They can get now a very reasonably priced ultra-wide zoom lens. And it’s even a design which is both wider and faster than Leica’s discontinued 11-23/3.5-4.5. Truth to be said, the Leica covers a significantly better range on the long end, up to a 35mm FF equivalent. So, more light on the horizon for everyone who has invested in APS-C L-Mount. Whoever wants to benefit from the small and affordable Sigma APS-C lenses will find some suggestions for suitable camera bodies in this Macfilos article.
The lens will be available in the UK from October 26, with a suggested retail price of £599.99.
More Sigma news and reviews on Macfilos
Read Patrick Leong’s review of the new Sigma 10-18mm
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FWIW, in a recent podcast the guys from PetaPixel were actively speculating about Sigma potentially releasing an APS-C camera. Two of them thought Sigma would, the third one (Chis) didn’t think Sigma would. Time will tell, I guess.
Thorsten von Overgaard has been speculating (in his article on the Leica Q3) that the CL will return, but as a small full-frame camera. I have not heard this from other independent sources, but I suppose it is something we always have to bear in mind. I had assumed that the development costs would be too great for Leica. After all, there are “similarities” between the SL2 and Panasonic S models, which create economy of scale. But the S5 is the smaller option and could be a basis for a lighter SL.
The linked article by Patrick Long is well worth the read if you are interested in a good travel lens for either your Leica CL, TL and even an SL2. I use my TL 11-23mm as a light weight travel lens with my Leica SL2 for city scapes and the like. I recently travelled to London with the SL2, TL 11-23mm, TL 55-135mm and the SL 50mm Summicron. A versatile and relatively light weight kit, and the 20MP images from the APS-C lenses are more than enough for my usual 13 in x 11 in photo books.
Not sure whether I fully grasp why Sigma keeps on releasing lenses in APS-C L-mount. I guess perhaps the incremental effort of releasing them in Leica L-Mount in addition to the Sony E-mount and the Fuji X-mount might not be that significant. Anyway, kudos to them!