The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II is the longer of the two lenses at 95mm. The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM with a length of 89mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II also has a larger diameter of 78mm compared to the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM's 74mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM weighs 395g, 3% (15g) lighter than the Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II's weight of 410g.
Filter Threads
The Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II has the Fujifilm X lens mount whereas the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has the Sigma SA lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Fujifilm X-T30 III, Fujifilm X-E5 and Fujifilm X-M5 for the Fujifilm X Mount and Sigma SD1 Merrill, Sigma SD1 and for the Sigma SA Mount.
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
Focal Range
Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 II has a focal range of 16-55mm and
3.4X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM has a focal range of 18-50mm and 2.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.