One of the biggest selling point of APS-C sized sensor cameras is that the promise of providing a pro level image quality in a compact package, and the compact F2.8 zoom lenses are the part of this equation. With the recent introduction of Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 lens, the number of f2.8 lens choices for the Sony E mount increased to three. The new Sigma is impressively compact and light for a fast standard zoom, and one step ahead of the others if compactness is your priority.
In order to give a better idea about how compact the new Sigma is, we put together the image in scale to compare these 3 lenses: Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G vs Tamron 17-70 F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD vs Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
The compact of the Sigma comes with a price though, both Sony and Tamron have a wider focal range. Sony goes down to 16mm and Tamron goes to 17mm on the wide end compared to Sigma's 18mm. On the tele end, Sony has a reach of 55mm and Tamron has a more significant extra reach at 70mm compared to Sigma's 50mm.
The other advantage that the Tamron have over the other two is the built-in optical image stabilization. Sony and Sigma relies on the built-in Sensor based image stabilization of the camera where available, Remember that the A6500 and the A6600 are the only APS-C cameras with IBIS.
To spice up the things, we add the Sony 16-70mm F4.0 and the tiny Sony 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 to the mix! The 16-50mm is the ultimate point in compactnes as you can see below but comes with a serious compromise in image quality and max aperture. Sony 16-70mm F4 on the other hand may probably be the best of both worlds for many who are happy with 1-stop slower aperture of F4 compared to F2.8 lenses while still having the compact size, optical image stabilization, versatile focal range of 16-70 and acceptable image quality.
Here is a specs and feature comparison of the Sony 16-55 f2.8 vs Tamron 17-70 f2.8 vs Sigma 18-50 f2.8 Lenses for Sony APS-C Cameras
We have to admit that it is not an easy choice, each lens has their unique advantage however there is another factor that we haven't mentioned so far that can become a big decision factor: prices! Sigma has an MSRP of $549 while Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 sells for $799 and Sony 16-55mm f2.8 has a price point of $1398 as of this writing.
Let is know what you think in the comments section, which one of these you would buy potentially?
Check prices of Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
Check prices of Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
Check prices of Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU