Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) vs Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) at $599 versus the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) at $1,199. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $599 vs $1,199 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.32x.
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 18-50mm, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is $599, $600 under the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount).
- ›Weight: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 290g (10.2 oz) vs 735g (1.62 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) or the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) better?
There's a clear price gap: the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) at $599 versus the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) at $1,199. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you're on a budget — $599 vs $1,199 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 290g (10.2 oz) it's lighter than the 735g (1.62 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.32x.
Who should choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) and the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount)?
Focal range: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 18-50mm, Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art (L-mount) is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18-50mm | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 76° – 32° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 13 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 65.4mm | 87.8mm |
| Length | 76.9mm | 122.6mm |
| Weight | 290g (10.2 oz) | 735g (1.62 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |







