The Canon RF mount has been limited in its lens options, particularly for APS-C users. If you've found yourself frustrated with the lack of fast, versatile lenses for Canon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, you're not alone. However, there's good news. Canon is finally allowing third-party manufacturers to develop for the RF mount, and Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is a standout in this new lineup.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this detailed video review explores the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens for Canon APS-C users. The lens, which has previously been available for Sony and Fuji mounts, is now offered for Canon RF, and it brings a lot to the table. Abbott highlights the build quality of the lens, noting its weather-sealed gasket at the mount, constant f/2.8 aperture, and its strong close-up performance. These features make it a versatile tool, ideal for a range of shooting scenarios. With a price tag around $600, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but the value it provides makes it a top contender for anyone invested in the RF system.
Abbott also discusses the build and handling differences that come with using the lens on Canon RF. Due to Canon's larger mount, the lens has a slightly different design compared to its counterparts on Sony and Fuji. This results in a slightly larger and heavier lens, though the difference is minimal. The lens still maintains a compact profile, making it a great match for smaller APS-C bodies like the EOS R50. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and well-damped, giving the lens a premium feel that’s often lacking in other RF-S lenses. However, Abbott notes that the flare at the lens mount can make the focus ring a bit less ergonomic, which is something to consider if you rely heavily on manual focus.
Autofocus performance is another area where the Sigma 18-50mm excels on Canon RF. Abbott is particularly impressed by the autofocus speed and accuracy, which he finds to be the best among the three platforms he’s tested this lens on. Canon's autofocus system is already known for its reliability, and this lens seems to integrate seamlessly, providing fast and accurate focus in a variety of conditions. This makes it a strong option for both stills and video, with smooth focus pulls and minimal focus breathing.
The lens delivers sharp images with good contrast and detail. There are some optical imperfections, such as barrel distortion at 18mm and slight vignetting, but these are easily corrected in post-processing. Overall, the 18-50mm f/2.8 stands out as one of the best lenses currently available for Canon’s APS-C RF cameras, offering a balance of performance, build quality, and affordability that’s hard to beat. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
