Sigma Releases 50-120mm f/2.8 Lens That Fits in Your Hand, Weighs Just 390 Grams

Sigma has officially launched the 50-120mm f/2.8 DC OS Contemporary telephoto zoom lens, a compact optic for APS-C mirrorless cameras available in Sony E, Fujifilm X, and Canon RF mounts. The launch on October 8 completes Sigma's lineup of constant f/2.8 lenses for the APS-C format, following the earlier 10-18mm f/2.8 and 18-50mm f/2.8.

The lens offers an equivalent range of 75-180mm on full-frame, differing from the common 70-200mm standard. This decision was made to tailor the design to the smaller APS-C bodies. It weighs only 390 grams and is less than 10 cm long, far lighter than full-frame f/2.8 telephoto lenses that typically weigh more than 1 kg. Sigma claims that all three lenses in this series, when packed into a bag, stay under 1 kg.

On the technology side, Sigma has embedded a responsive Linear Actuator autofocus motor and the latest stabilization system. The lens is also designed to minimize focus breathing, making it suitable for video creators. Its design is minimalist: there is no focus or stabilization mode button, but it still has weather-sealing and an anti-oil coating on the front element. Its zoom type is external, meaning the lens length changes when the focal length is adjusted.

This lens raises the standard for constant-aperture APS-C zooms, as Sigma claims in its press release.

The APS-C lens market does have several options, but very few offer a constant f/2.8 aperture. Fujifilm has the XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR, but it weighs more than twice as much and costs nearly twice as much. Sony offers the 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 OSS and 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS, but their apertures are not constant. Canon has the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6, which is also not a constant f/2.8. The arrival of the Sigma 50-120mm f/2.8 has its own appeal for APS-C users who want a fast telephoto lens without having to carry a heavy load.

Unfortunately, this lens is not available for the Nikon Z mount. Nevertheless, Sigma announced that the 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary lens will arrive for the Nikon Z mount this November. This move shows that Sigma remains selective in supporting the Nikon ecosystem, even as demand for lightweight APS-C lenses continues to rise.

For the Indonesian market, the arrival of this lens could be a breath of fresh air. APS-C camera users such as those with the Sony A6000 series, Fujifilm X-T series, and Canon R series are growing among content creators and street photographers. The price of US$799 (around Rp12.4 million) is fairly competitive for a constant f/2.8 lens, though import costs and taxes still need to be added. If Sigma brings this lens officially to Indonesia, it has the potential to shift the choice away from kit lenses or non-constant telephoto lenses that have long dominated.

Looking ahead, competition in the APS-C lens segment will become even more interesting. Sigma has shown that compact size and a large aperture are not impossible. The question is, will other manufacturers like Tamron or even Nikon respond with a similar lens? And will Sigma expand mount support to Nikon Z for this lens? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: APS-C photographers now have a more tempting option.