Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) vs Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)
The bottom line
The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is a zoom (10-18mm) and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is a 12mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 18mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is 10-18mm, Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is 12mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) or the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) better?
The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) is a zoom (10-18mm) and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) is a 12mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 18mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 10-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Choose the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 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 12mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF) and the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Sigma 12mm F1.4 DC Contemporary (Canon RF) opens to f/1.4 vs the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-18mm | 12mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 110° – 76° | 99.6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 16-29mm | 19-19mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $629 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 67.2mm | 68mm |
| Length | 73.3mm | 69mm |
| Weight | 260g (9.2 oz) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
