Sigma
100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
Sony E Mount
100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary — 100–400mm f/5-6.3 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$949
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Sigma
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Sony E Mount
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary — 18–50mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$549
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
Wins
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- A100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Weight (290 g vs 1140 g)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Length (91 mm vs 210 mm)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary supports it
Reasons to choose the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
- ✓
Weight
290 g vs 1140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
91 mm vs 210 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 38 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary and 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary at major authorized retailers.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.