Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is 18-55mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X)?
Focal range: Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS is 18-55mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Fuji X) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18-55mm | 18-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 76° – 29° | 76° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-84mm | 27-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 65mm | 65.4mm |
| Length | 70mm | 76.9mm |
| Weight | 310g (10.9 oz) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
