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Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 vs Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF

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Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8
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Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF

Wideangle Prime | Nikon F (DX)

Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF
CHECK PRICE

BUY from B&H PHOTO

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 vs Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 and Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF, two Wideangle Prime lenses from Zeiss and Sigma.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 Key Specs

  • 18mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 721g.
  • Diameter: 73mm
  • Length: 93mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.25m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF Key Specs

  • 20mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 520g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 90mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.2m

What type of photography are the Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 and Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 and the Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelAverageAverage
StreetAverageExcellent
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingVery GoodVery Good
LandscapeGoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 93mm. The Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF with a length of 90mm is 3mm shorter. On the other hand, the Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8's 73mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF weighs 520g, 27% (201g) lighter than the Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8's weight of 721g.


Lens Mounts

Both Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 is also available in Canon EF mount.

Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.

Focal Range

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 18mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27mm.
Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 20mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 30mm.

Reasons to choose Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 over Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF

Focal Length - Wide 18mm vs 20mm 2mm Wider coverage
Diameter 73mm vs 89mm 16mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 77mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Max Magnification 0.14x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF over Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8

Focal Length - Tele 20mm vs 18mm 2mm more Tele coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Weight 520g vs 721g 201g lighter
Length 90mm vs 93mm 3mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.2m vs 0.25m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 and Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs Yes able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Common Weaknesses of Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 and Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG Aspherical RF
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Zeiss Milvus 18mm F2.8 vs Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG RF Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Zeiss Sigma
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Prime Wideangle Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (DX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 18mm 20mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Unknown Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.8
Min Aperture F22 F22.0
Aperture Ring Yes Yes
Diaphragm Blades unknown 9
Optics
Optical Elements 14 13
Optical Groups 12 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.25m 0.2m
Max Magnification 0.14X unknown
Autofocus No Yes
AF Motor Type No AF unknown
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Unknown Rear
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 721g 520g
Diameter 73mm 89mm
Length 93mm 90mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 77mm 82mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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