Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is a zoom (18-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 290g (10.2 oz) vs 415g (14.6 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is a zoom (18-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 415g (14.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.15x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 18-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 47° – 47° | 76° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 40 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 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 | 62mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 76mm | 65.4mm |
| Length | 86.5mm | 76.9mm |
| Weight | 415g (14.6 oz) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
