Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR vs Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓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 (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 18-140mm, Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is 18-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Durability: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it 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 (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. 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 Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18-140mm | 18-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 76° – 12° | 76° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-210mm | 27-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 13 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.36x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | 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 | 70mm | 65.4mm |
| Length | 88.5mm | 76.9mm |
| Weight | 315g (11.1 oz) | 290g (10.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
