Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 vs Sony 18-105mm f4 | What is the BEST sub £500 APS-C Zoom Lens

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Thank you for watching the video, if you have questions or comment, please post below. What lenses do you use? and what lens reviews would you like to see? Whilst your here, have you seen my Photographing Deer video? Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqHCZIZ3idxme7c

[@Kornholeeoo]

I have both of these lenses. The Sigma is super lightweight and great when you don’t need longer zoom. Great photos and bokeh is nice. The Sony G lens is superb to even though it’s a tad heavier but has more reach when you need it. Both are sharp and will serve you well. Thanks for posting!

[@randomrabitheii6484]

@kornholeeoo your comment (and video) definitely helped me decide which lens to go for. I am getting my first camera soon (Sony a6400) and was trying to decide between these two cameras. I’m going with the Sony G for my beginner lens! Thanks

[@garystackhouse5787]

For video, I'll take the SONY all day long.

[@mikepanton]

this is the only video i've found comparing these lenses...thanks! great job!

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Thank you

[@mikecrophone6673]

simple and straight review without too much gimmicks. Explanations are well-structured and articulated. Thank you for this video, sir!

[@johndonaldson5126]

I just did a second photo shoot tonight with the a6600/Sigma 18-50 2.8. It was a low key shoot. I'm very pleased with the outcome. My Sigma 56mm was available but I felt no need to use it. The pictures were so sharp I didn't feel the need to sharpen them in post. The Sigma 18-50 2.8 can't replace the Sigma trio but it comes close. For low light situations the trio is best. If anyone asks me what camera and lens to buy the 18-50 2.8 will be my recommendation in many cases. By the way I recently sold my Sony 18-105. It is a great lens and I used it often. But it is a bit on the large size, a bit heavy too. I opted to Keep the Sony 18-135 which I feel is just as sharp as the 18-105 and the variable 3.5-5.6 isn't all that far off from the f/4. The 18-135 has a bit more range, is lighter, and is smaller. There's nothing wrong with the 18-105. I don't shoot video which is where the 18-105 seems to be a better choice.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Great advice ^

[@kedelboys]

Thank you

[@marumaruko6512]

useful

[@nestikdnb]

Hi, thanks for your comment! I'm looking for a small travel zoom lense and i can't decide if i go for the sigma or the 18135. I do a of mountain sports (climbing, skitouring an hiking of course) and i ask myself if the 50mm from the sigma is enough. (For wide shots i've a samyang 12mm that i like) For sport fotos (like kitesurfing) i think the bigger zoomrange will be also great. But the sigma has so good reviews... damn i dont know. Maybe you could give me some info as you own both. Thanks im advance :)

[@scottwinton3698]

I have the sony 18-105, along with sony 70-350, I just ordered the sigma 18-50, it looks like it will be on my camera quite alot, thanks for making the video

[@bondgabebond4907]

Excellent video comparing two completely different zooms for aps-c. I got the Sigma for my son knowing it was sharp and faster than my 18-105. I think those who are interested in video work, the Sony will be fun, especially the zoom rocker switch. But if I want sharper images and closeup capability, there is no question, get the Sigma, but don't throw the Sony to the wind. You will find it useful in video work. I wish Sony would produce a better version of this lens; it is quite old.

[@chicken.productions]

You should also add the tamron 17-70 and 11-20 to this test. Nice review.

[@TexpatOTG]

My version of the Sony doesn't have either of the 2 focus problems you mentioned. Of course, it's not the sharpest lens in the Sony line-up, but I like it for my video needs. I bought it a gift, it's own body. It lives there happily now. Cheers.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

I know exactly what you mean. I wouldn't sell mine either. Its a good all round lens. Too good not to have.

[@chryseass.5143]

I own both of these lenses and absolutely concur with your results and conclusions. The Sigma is just the easier lens to use and is just so cute to look at on my a6500- a perfect pairing. The 18-105 is definitely front heavy but the power zoom is a joy to use in video mode.

[@tristanrujano]

I own both, I love the weight of the Sigma, close focal length, f2.8 and size (when storing in a small bag it's easier.) However for the times I need extra reach it is really nice to have. personally I think the Sony is the winner. constant f4, much more zoom and OSS, cheaper too.

[@ivorwindybottom77]

Thank you for this video this was the 2 lens I was looking at for my a6000 I only do photography not video.. Was leaning towards the sigma now I'm convinced after your video so thanks again

[@giansgomes1]

Very nice comparison and video! Congrats!

[@FreeLensImage]

That bokeh at f4 and 105 and big versatility is the thing i decided to buy this lens when there was a good deal on used market. OFC sigma is also dreamy lens because of 2.8 🤪

[@edc5338]

Thanks for the good video. I have the Sigma lens and use it on my A6600. I like its compactness, lightweight and sharpness.

[@davidsuro8974]

Thorough and useful review that helped me decide for which lense to go. Thank you for such a professional video.

[@infinitesimulationstv]

I think the sharpness of the 18-105mm is good enough for 4K video at f/5.6, but not as good for high resolution photography. Green screen works best at f/5.6 at the camera base ISO or second native ISO and the lights turned up higher, and Sony also has that 10-18mm OSS lens so you can get 15-152.5mm with those two lenses, which is important for green screen.

[@ifeanyi_maduka]

Excellent video. I have to ask, do you think things will get closer between both lenses if you add a little sharpness and contrast in post? Or there's just no way of bridging the gap.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Hi you can get close if the Sony lens decides not to play up and go super soft. The Sony lens is a good lens, the Sigma is a great lens but limited by its features and reach.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

How much better is the 18-50mm f2.8 in low light compared to the Sony 18-105mm f4? Any direct comparisons IN LOW light as in indoors? a wedding reception? I have the Sony FX30 and the Sony 18-105mm f4 and is a great combo for VIDEO-as long as there is some decent lighting. I have the Sigma 16mm f1.4 and the Sigma 30mm f1.4 too for candlelight lit banquet Halls of course but if the Sigma f2.8 was REALLY amazing in low light i would consider it...but for most uses the Sony f4 is great. Not soft for 4k maybe for photos...but I do video ONLY. Any comparison in low light pls? Thanks

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Thanks for the comment. I find that F4 is right on the limit of low light acceptability on the Sony Crop Sensor cameras. You can get away with F4 but the ISO levels are right at the point where they begin to introduce noise levels that are noticeable. The F2.8 is perfectly fine I find with its ISO in any lighting conditions. I suppose what it really comes down to though is the reach advantage the 18-105 gives. The Sigma f2.8 is sharper no doubt about it, and can be used easily in any lighting situation, but then its stops at 50mm. Is 50mm enough for you? That is the real question.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@TheCameraManReviews right! It's always best to use low ISO...I wish I could have afforded the FX3 but the FX30 has a dual ISO at 800 and 2500...I would use up to 4000ISO with lights of course. No camera looks clean in the dark! The F4 may just be enough....barely...I own the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 for Canon...I wish Sigma made it for Sony too...I may get the Sigma MC-11 and see if that works with the FX30. A f1.8 zoom would be a dream!

[@steveolp1099]

@@TheFandangovideoguy I am in the same boat and have the Sigma 15-50MM but feel I need just a bit more reach and have been debating the 18-105.

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

@@steveolp1099 well..I decided to get the Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and is a good lens for sure. Better in low light than my older 18-105mm f4...I will keep them both. I have a FX30 and also a 6400 so I need two lenses.

[@youtubeseven8461]

Excellent comparison, well done👍🏻

[@henriettesc]

I just bought sony 18-105 lens

[@DroneZilla]

Very informative video! Thank you so much!!

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lucissheridan3201]

Great video! You did a great comparison.

[@unperfectcooking]

Just bought sigma, I'm very happy with this lens!

[@RockettheHedge]

exactly video I needed thank you!

[@eduardorodriguez5945]

When talking about sharpness, it is difficult for me to understand if this lens is rubbish or the photo was not well focused or taken well, since I have photos taken with the Sony kit lens and simply the difference is day and night before the What you show, and I find it hard to believe that a $150USD kit lens is much sharper than a $600USD one, being from Sony, too, how would you cut the RAW to analyze them? The 18-105mm is a super interesting distance and few to almost no lenses are stabilized in this range of distances, the Samyang 35-150 f2 is a spectacular lens, the problem is that it is not stabilized

[@ptrcz]

There is a firmware update for the 18-105, witch solves the focus tracking accuracy and stability.

[@anekagunaambon4537]

Link pleaase, it could be helpful for many people

[@TT-rl4su]

@@anekagunaambon4537 Google?

[@WilliamHenryAlbert]

Great comparison of these lenses. I couldn't notice too much sharpness difference on my 27in imac but the portrait shot seemed sharper on the Sigma. Can you tell me which gimbal you were using with the Sony 18-105 lens, it looked extremely stable. Thank you WIAW.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Hey Bill, The gimbal is the DJi Ronin SC. A very good gimbal. They have released a newer variation, the DJi Ronin RSC2 which may be worth checking out also. 🙂

[@WilliamHenryAlbert]

@@TheCameraManReviews Thanks, will definitely check that out.

[@paulaaraujo5258]

Thank you so much, just what I needed

[@fshirata]

Great comparison ! I’m trying to buy a Sony ZV-E10 and a zoom lens but I can’t find the camera due to the chip shortage. I’m curious to see how the Sigma footage would be in the gimbal

[@ThinksafeThinkEthereal]

Do you have any recommendations on a zoom lens that would accommodate the Sigma 18-50???

[@nyambe]

Debating between these 2. Interesting. I am very happy with the 18-105 at f4 and you say the sigma is sharper?

[@kaushaltiwari9773]

The A6600 has terrible stabilisation by the looks of it. Also the OSS in the Sony lenses should not be underestimated. The kit lens performs better than my Sigma 30 f2.8 once the light drops. I can handhold 1/5 shutter speed with the kit lens keeping the ISO on the lower side, thereby producing better results than the Sigma.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Yeh the stabilization in the a6600 is not good. Its ok for taking out very minor shakes, but not walking shakes :-)

[@rsmith02]

Stabilization works well when stationary or for photos. For walking, it has its limits but pairs nicely with a gimbal.

[@cristianozimermann6058]

Ótimo vídeo! Para vídeo qual seria a melhor opção, considerando utilizar um gimbal?

[@TheCameraManReviews]

18-105mm 100%

[@LiveGamingReal]

Good job

[@sdwanz]

Thanks a lot,at first I was confused to choose between the sony lens or sigma,and now I will go for the sigma lens🤌🏼Thank you buddy for making this video,it helps a lot

[@abhijit3207]

hi, can I go for 18-105 f/4 for my sony a6100? along with am planning for a prime lens(Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or sony 50mm OSS) Pl recommed me a right choice thanks!

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Yes 18-105 will be fine for a6100. I would go for the Sony 50mm OSS.

[@abhijit3207]

@@TheCameraManReviews thanks

[@MaxPhotoGraphic]

Very nice content, may you please suggest me which gimbal (not too big or costy or difficult to set and manage) can be used for a6600+ this sony lens (more heavy) and which for this sigma lens (more light but with an expanzion of lenght). Thanks a lot, corrently I have a Sony a6600 and I mostly use it with a sony 35mm f1.8 but the videos sometime look shaky even with the stabilizers on. Have a great day mate. Max

[@TheCameraManReviews]

I got a video coming out this Sunday with this exact question answered!

[@rikoh9918]

I have a Sony A6600 and was able to use the Ronin RSC2 with the Sony 18-105. Hope that helps.

[@hiepcongnguyen]

I just bought. Hope 18-50 better than 18-105. I come from Vietnam

[@scottiebumich]

Thanks for this review. I would love a head to head on the Sony 18-135 vs this Sigma 18-50. I ask since the Sony 18-135 is noted as being the best zoom for the E-Mount.

[@schnubbel76]

I own the Sony 18-135 and i bought the Sigma 18-50 as well, hoping for better sharpness and the faster aperture. My opinion: If you really need the constant aperture of f2.8 the Sigma might be a good choice. But other than that the 18-135 was winning for me. Almost the same size as the sigma, almost same sharpness (wich shocked me because i am used to the amazing sharpness of Sigmas prime lenses), much more focal range, stabilisation included and almost same price. If you own the Sony 18-135 and you have no need the f2.8 aperture, the sigma will do you no good. I personally chose the Tamron 17-70 for the aperture of 2.8. It is much bigger and heavier than both of the lenses and more expensive, but the very good.stabilisation and sharpness convinced me.

[@schnubbel76]

Would love to see a comparison video and a different opinion on that though.

[@scottiebumich]

@@schnubbel76 I disagree, My sigma 18-50 is MUCh sharper than the sony 18-135. Like night and day.

[@schnubbel76]

@@scottiebumich Well i did comparisons with test charts, there really was barely a difference. But maybe i got a broken one.

[@scottiebumich]

@@schnubbel76 it is possible that with bright light between 18 and 50 the images are of equal sharpness. Although when I was using my long and on the Sony I found the pictures to not be that sharp. As so many wide open Sony shots had such high ISO to compensate

[@pawelje]

I have a6000 and sigma 16mm 1.4, sigma 2.8 18-50 and cheap but good Sony 50-210 (in future change for Sony 70-350) Is it worth change a6000 for a6400? Thanks :)

[@TheCameraManReviews]

a6400 for video 100% , if you only do photography not so much.

[@shenzhen8302]

Very informative video, thanks sir for sharing.

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SayaniChatterjee]

Hi, i own a sony zve10, looking for an all round travel zoom lens. Which one do you recommend sigma 18-50 or sony 18-135? Thanks

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Hi thanks for watching. That is a great question, if you didnt want to spend much, then the 18-135 would be fine. But you are compromised with its low light performance. If you want a really good set-up and dont mind spending a little bit then have a watch of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hojLqauCdtqYmpI

[@maciejm6656]

For me Sigma wins 🥇 Sharpness >all in my case

[@BhawinJagad]

This was really helpful thanks

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Glad it helped

[@lvc394]

I find that if you are going to hand hold for photo or video the 18-105 is better all around. If you are using a tripod or monopod the 18-50 is good. I love the 18-50 on my a6700 but I find that if you are trying to shoot wildlife you need more reach of the 18-105 and the power zoom is nice.

[@leedmin]

very useful advice. thank you. :)

[@novasomar2623]

you did a great job

[@zarihanraduan]

nice explain.. :) im gonna take 18-50

[@TheCameraManReviews]

thank you

[@soarornor]

I wish that you had covered the power zoom aspect of the Sony lens a lot more. Power zooms are only good if they function smoothly and easily. I just bought this lens and the power zoom is a real oddity. At 3/4’s into the zoom range mine abruptly slowed down for the rest of the range. It’s not a graceful transition either. It would useless in video work. The first 3/4’s of the range is ok but there is no consistent speed throughout the zoom range. I don’t if I got a defective one or not. It wouldn’t be bad if they had finely tuned the transition between the 3/4 range and the last 1/4, but they don’t. Is your like this?

[@Danumals]

Check if you have "clear image zoom" turned on in the camera menu. You can turn it off to avoid that jump.

[@efficaciousuave]

do one with tamron 1770 vs sigma1850 please

[@瀧君-v3h]

Sony 18-105mm f4 is actually more suitable for use in full-frame cameras, and then turn on Super35 to shoot videos. It is a complete video lens and can be regarded as a lightweight version of 18-110, but its size is not suitable for apsc, and the image quality It is also not suitable for taking photos.

[@Josh-bt5db]

Your accent is the best part of the video :D

[@bunmeng007]

Simple: photo centric go sigma, video focus go 18-105

[@KNAPPAID]

Youd be forgiven to think that video people dont need light , especially if youre shooting slog and ettr 2.8 to 4 means iso 1600 where it would be a noisy 3200

[@bunmeng007]

@@KNAPPAID I didn't say videopeople don't need light. It's about priority and trade off. Lose one stop but gain the flexibility of the reach.

[@PeterPaoliello]

Quite sure my Sigma on a6000 and a6400 has digital read out of the focal length.

[@MobileCanal]

Sony is much better for me.

[@ahmedibrahim2686]

How can image quality and stabilization be different from each other. You need stabilization to get high image quality because you can adjust your shutter speed. Without stabilization you lose light stop or two by increasing shutter speed!

[@georgealexander2599]

The 18-105 is not a vlogging lens and this test is somewhat impractical. Vlogging is better suited using the Sony 10-18mm range.

[@s_t_r_a_y_e_d]

the f4 sounds bad until you remember it has OSS that's worth 2-3 stops of shutter speed.. also the kit lenses only open up to f3.5 anyway

[@bigmitchduncan]

new subscriber. thanks for the video. I'm buying the Sigma. I got a great deal on a used Sony 18-105 but decided to buy the Sigma.

[@fugui166]

特别棒的分享

[@wielpaquay1932]

The Sony 18-135 is the best

[@Jameshhl]

Thank you for this, I was debating on which one to get for video, and with Sony's catalyst browse software stabilization, that advantage of Sony 18-105 is gone...

[@pureheartvisuals]

Wow that IBIS is horrendous

[@falented2]

I SOLD my sony 18-105 to buy a tammy 17-70...then sigma released this bad boi 18-50.... and thats what i got instead..... no regrets... the sony was too gad damn soft

[@Piotrkoscik]

I understand this transformation, but losing 50-105 of focal is still a big loss.

[@flxdcat]

isnt 17-70 better than sigma 18-50?

[@KNAPPAID]

​@@flxdcat 17-70 is a bit softer due to the extra reach they try to offer

[@ChocoLater1]

I'm not even watching this video. That Sony lens sucks. Especially at the long range. Glad I sold it.

[@hadrienkubilaydourthe2317]

What makes you say that ? Really curious because I’m stuck between the two

[@m1kel]

lol its apsc :)