Samyang 24mm F1.8
Score: 83/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Samyang 24mm f/1.8 FE is a compact, weather-sealed wide-angle prime with fast autofocus and a bright f/1.8 aperture, delivering sharp images and good low-light performance. While its by-wire focus ring can feel stepped and bokeh isn't perfectly circular, it offers strong value for Sony E-mount users. Suited for landscape, astrophotography, and hybrid shooters.
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering sharp optics and close-focus capability. Its lack of image stabilization and reduced corner performance on very high-resolution sensors are notable trade-offs. Ideal for travel and street photographers who value portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
24 mmbest | — | |
1.8 | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.19 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 454 g | 290 gbest |
— | 2.8best | |
9best | 7 | |
0.2 | 0.4best | |
11 | 13best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mount Compatibility | Sony E | L-Mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | Silent STM | Autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 24 mm | 18-50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 1.8 | 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.19 m | 0.121 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.21 | 0.36 |
Number of Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 8 | 10 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 55 mm |
Weight (g) | 454 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 72 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 65 mm | 65.4 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Samyang 24mm f/1.8 for its impressive mid-frame sharpness, lightweight construction, and weather-sealed build, calling it a significant step up from earlier Samyang models and praising its quiet AF for video. They note the by-wire focus ring's tactile feel and the less than perfectly circular bokeh as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users repeatedly praise the lens's portability, feather-light weight, and sharp wide-angle results for landscapes, astrophotography, and portraits, often highlighting its excellent value. Common complaints focus on the stepped feel of the electronic focus ring and the desire for smoother bokeh, but overall sentiment is highly positive.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for its revolutionary compactness, sharp optics and bright constant aperture, calling it an "ultimate workhorse" that delivers excellent image quality in a tiny package. They also note its strong close-focus capability, but point out the lack of image stabilization, corner softness on very high-resolution sensors, and a slightly limited 18 mm wide-end compared with competing lenses.
Everyday users love the lens's pocketable size, sharpness for street and travel shooting, and the value it provides as a daily driver. Common praise centers on its lightweight feel, macro-style close-ups, and affordable price, while recurring themes of criticism include edge distortion, autofocus noise in video, and the missing stabilization feature.
“ultimate workhorse”
“excellent image quality”
“pretty sharp throughout”
