BUYERS’ GUIDE
SONY FE 20-70MM F/4 G £1399/$1098 sony.com
SIGMA 18-50MM F/2.8 CONTEMPORARY £430/$549 sigmauk.com Fujifilm users rejoice – the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary zoom is the fourth lens in Sigma’s growing range to fit X Mount cameras. An affordable, portable option, a new algorithm improves AF drive and camera communication. It supports Continuous AF and in-camera correction of aberration. The 18-50mm f/2.8 is an ideal upgrade for Fujifilm models that have APS-C sensors. It gives a full-frame equivalent zoom range of 27-75mm, with edge-to-edge sharpness from an optical design of 13 elements in ten groups, including one SLD and three aspherical. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 12.1cm/4.8in and a maximum magnification of 1:2.8 – perfect for capturing close- ups. Weighing 290g/0.64lb and measuring 76.8mm/3in in length, the 18-50mm is the smallest, lightest lens in its class.
Sony claims the FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens redefines the standard zoom – it has an ultra-wide focal length range in a compact full- frame lens with a constant f/4 aperture. The ultra-wide 20mm end of the zoom range enables a wide-angle view when shooting video with a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The lens is designed for filmmakers, reducing focus breathing, focus and axial shift when zooming. Advanced XD linear motors and a newly developed aperture unit reduce noise dramatically. Compatible with Alpha cameras, you can easily acquire accurate focus and smoothly track fast-moving subjects thanks to two high-thrust XD Linear Motors. Linear Response MF ensures the focus ring responds to subtle control when focusing manually and an independent aperture ring offers direct, intuitive control.
Pros: Wide zoom range Cons: Pricey, not the fastest aperture
Pros: Great value, compact AF lens Cons: Crop sensor only
FUJINON MK18-55MM T2.9 £3499/$3799 fujifilm-x.com
SIGMA 18-35MM T2 £3899/$3999 sigmauk.com
Fujifilm is famous for mirrorless cameras and high-end Fujinon cine lenses. Marrying the two technologies, targeting the growing band of independent filmmakers using DSLR-based lenses, the firm’s pair of cinema-style zooms are aimed at transforming image quality and usability. They retain the optical quality of Fujifilm’s premium lenses but everything else is reduced – weight, cost and size – for suitability in small productions. The standard focal length zoom is the MK18-55mm, featuring a consistent and fast T2.9 speed through the whole zoom range – ideal for creating a shallow depth-of-field. Available in Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X Mount to cover Super 35-size sensors, the 18-55mm is superb for a variety of subjects, helped by low distortion and excellent optical performance.
The Sigma 18-35mm T2 cine zoom has been the top dog in the Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year Awards three times in a row – it’s a stunner. Many zooms are the ultimate in flexibility and speed, but compromise in optical performance and maximum aperture; Sigma bucks this trend, rivalling primes in image quality and speed. The Sigma is parfocal and has a very fast maximum aperture, virtually zero distortion and a total lack of focus breathing. The fast T2 maximum aperture means it can replace a set of primes as it offers a very shallow depth-of-field and sublime image quality. Its high-resolution images are crisp and contrasty. The lens controls flare well, has beautiful bokeh and no serious aberration or vignetting. The Sigma 18-35mm T2 is a magnificent lens with stunning image quality and the flexibility of a zoom.
Pros: Suitable for small productions Cons: Higher price tag
Pros: Awesome MF cine zoom Cons: Not light or cheap
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