Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 18-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for zoom, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for standard.
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 290g (10.2 oz) vs 600g (1.32 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 18-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) for zoom, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) for standard.
Who should choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 600g (1.32 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. 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 Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Focal range: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 18-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° | 76° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 29-80mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 77mm | 65.4mm |
| Length | 130mm | 76.9mm |
| Weight | 600g (1.32 lb) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
