First Sigma mid-range zoom for Sony APS-C cameras incoming?

Sony A6600
(Image credit: Sony)

We’ve seen a lot of news about lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras of late, so it’s interesting when something for smaller crop-sensor cameras appears on the horizon. 

That’s especially true considering the popularity of models in Sony’s A6000 range, including the A6000 itself and newer cameras like the A6600, A6400 and A6100. These smaller and lighter cameras share the same mount as the full-frame models, but come in at much more consumer-friendly prices, and are loved by a wide range of users, including vloggers and travel snappers.

So we're excited to hear that, if rumors are to be believed. Sigma is about to launch its first mid-range zoom for Sony APS-C in the shape of an 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens. 

Reliable leaker Nokishita has shared a few speculative features (via Sony Alpha Rumors), which includes 13 elements in 10 groups, a minimum shooting distance of 12.1cm and a filter diameter of 55mm. 

With a constant f/2.8 aperture, and a 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-75mm, it would make for an ideal walk around, high-quality 'ordinary' lens well suited to a wide variety of situations, being akin to the classic 24-70 mm f/2.8 type optics that many full-framers are accustomed to.

Weighing in at just 290g (apparently) and with relatively compact measurements of 61.6 x 76.5mm, it’ll likely be a lovely addition to the kit bag of anybody toting one of Sony’s APS-C bodies. 

Analysis: Could this be travel perfection?

If the rumors about this lens prove to be true, then it’ll mark the first time that Sigma has created a zoom lens for Sony’s APS-C range of models. Hitherto the brand has concentrated on optics for full-frame Alphas, as well as lenses for other manufacturers. 

It signals that manufacturers are expecting some demand for versatile, flexible and high-quality lenses that are well-suited to a number of situations. 

In short, this is the ideal travel lens, and after a lengthy period during which many of us have been in lockdown to varying degrees, it perhaps also signals some confidence that things are staring to return to normal – both inside the camera industry and out in the wider world. 

On top of that, if the build and image quality of the 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is anywhere near Sigma’s 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens for full-frame E-mount cameras then we’ll very much be in for a treat – and likely an affordable one at that. 

It’ll go up against Sony’s own Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8G lens, but the Sigma version is likely to be launched at a lower price than the manufacturer’s own optic – if it comes soon, expect to see it at the top of the Christmas lists of many a Sony APS-C shooter.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar. 

Read more
Sigma 23mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary lens on a chess board
Sigma announces two more prime lenses for Canon cameras, but I'm still waiting for full-frame third-party glass
The Lumix S1R II in the hand / the Sigma BF on a white surface with hard shadow / the Canon PowerShot V1 vlogging compact in the hand
The 6 most exciting cameras and lenses from CP+ 2025: from Sigma’s radical full-frame camera to Sony’s mega zoom lens
Sigma
I’ve tested all 4 of Sigma’s bargain f/1.4 primes for Canon cameras – here’s how to decide which one to buy
Sigma BF mirrorless camera
The new Sigma BF is a boldly minimalist full-frame camera that looks as beautiful as it does impractical – I wish it had this one feature
Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS indoors
Sony unveils its first lens with a massive 800mm reach – and it could be a dream optic for wildlife photography
Sigma BF silver camera in the hand at The Photography Show, UK
I tried the Sigma BF camera everyone is talking about – it's truly stunning, but has one fundamental flaw
Latest in Cameras
Lunar eclipse
I'm a pro photographer – here's how I'm shooting the total lunar eclipse blood moon with my camera and phone
Sigma BF silver camera in the hand at The Photography Show, UK
I tried the Sigma BF camera everyone is talking about – it's truly stunning, but has one fundamental flaw
A young man takes a portrait photo with a DSLR.
Sell Smart: Quick, easy, and secure camera gear solutions with MPB
Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera on green background with lowest price text overlay
These record-low Nikon Z5 prices suggest the cheap full-frame camera’s Z5 II upgrade could land soon
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro in flight over some mountains
Upcoming DJI Mavic 4 Pro premium drone could deliver new camera skills and LiDAR – here’s what the latest leaks tell us
Latest in News
Google Gemini Flash 2.0 Images
I tried Gemini's new AI image generation tool - here are 5 ways to get the best art from Google's Flash 2.0
An image of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from a hands-on event
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra could resurrect an intriguing camera feature
Eurocom Raptor X18
At $15,000, this massive 256GB RAM laptop makes Apple's MacBook Pro look affordable, tiny and very, very slow
Cristin Milioti in Black Mirror season 7
Netflix launches trailer for Black Mirror season 7, giving us a look at its first-ever sequel episode and an unexpected returning character
A graphic of the PC Gaming Show
Get ready for a bounty of PC games on June 8, as the PC Gaming show is back
A close up of The Daily podcast from Pocket Casts' web page
‘Podcasting shouldn’t be locked behind walled gardens’: Pocket Casts slams Spotify and makes its web player free to all