Sigma has revealed the 50-120mm F2.8 OS DC Contemporary, a tiny constant-aperture telephoto zoom built for crop-sensor mirrorless bodies. Priced at $799 in the United States and £699 in the United Kingdom, the optic hits retail shelves on October 22.
The lens wraps up an f/2.8 zoom set for APS-C systems, slotting alongside the existing 10-18mm F2.8 and 18-50mm F2.8 options. It covers an equivalent focal length of 75-180mm on Sony E and Fujifilm X bodies, or roughly 80-192mm when attached to Canon RF cameras. Nikon Z shooters get left out of the party for now, though Sigma did confirm its 16-300mm all-in-one zoom is heading to Nikon's mount.
Fast telephoto zooms typically weigh down camera bags. Sigma aimed directly at that pain point. The E-mount version measures 67mm wide and 99mm long in its retracted state, extending by about 25 percent when pushed out to the 120mm mark. Tipping the scales at 390 grams, the whole assembly stays remarkably close to the dimensions and heft of a standard beverage can.
That makes it dramatically lighter than native options like Fujifilm's XF 50-140mm F2.8, while Canon and Sony do not currently offer dedicated APS-C equivalents in this bracket. Sigma also managed to match the 55mm front filter thread used on its 18-50mm standard zoom, which saves users from juggling multiple step-up rings.
Inside, the optical layout packs 18 elements across 13 groups, including one fluorite-like FLD piece, three super-low dispersion elements, and four aspherics. An 11-blade rounded diaphragm handles out-of-focus highlights. Sigma claims the construction keeps focus breathing minimal to aid video creators. Autofocus duties run on a high-response linear actuator.
Stabilization and Controls
Unlike its shorter f/2.8 siblings, the 50-120mm includes built-in optical image stabilization. That system is rated according to CIPA standards for 6.5 stops of shake compensation at the wide 50mm setting and 4.5 stops out at 120mm.
The barrel controls vary slightly depending on the camera mount you buy. Sony E and Fujifilm X editions feature a dedicated, click-equipped aperture ring with an automatic "A" lock position. The Canon RF edition swaps that out for a clickless, smooth-turning control ring. Weather sealing is present around key points to fend off dust and splashes.
One trade-off is reach. The lens caps out at 180mm equivalent rather than the conventional 200mm, and it does not support teleconverters. Even so, shaving hundreds of grams off typical telephoto kits gives crop-sensor owners a very persuasive travel alternative when sales open later this month.
GDFiled by The Gadgets Desk
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