Shopping for camera lenses and filters can feel like a trade-off between reach, speed, and cost. The four lenses here span Sony E-mount zooms and primes plus one Canon DSLR zoom, with listed prices spread from a low-priced used lens to a brand-new Sigma standard zoom. The real challenge is matching focal length, aperture, autofocus, and condition to your shooting style. This guide compares them by listed price and practical use.
Quick take
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Sony E: A bright standard zoom for Sony E.
- Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Sony E: A long telephoto, sold as open box.
- 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III for Sony E: A manual-focus prime with a large aperture.
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II: The only Canon DSLR zoom here.
Listed Price Comparison
| Lens | Listed Price | Price Bar | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (Sony E) | USD 399.00 | Bright standard zoom | |
| Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Sony E) | USD 349.95 | Long telephoto reach | |
| 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III (Sony E) | USD 189.00 | Fast manual prime | |
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | USD 49.99 | Standard Canon zoom |
Decision Matrix
| If you need... | Choose... | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A do-it-all Sony E zoom with a bright, constant aperture | Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary | Practical focal length, close focus, and a fast maximum aperture |
| Extra reach for sports or wildlife | Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD | 70-300mm range with weather sealing |
| A fast prime with manual focus for low light | 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III | f/1.4 aperture plus full-frame coverage |
| The lowest-priced lens for a Canon DSLR | Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | Useful 18-55mm range |
Product Notes
Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E - Zoom lens - BRAND NEW
At the top of the price range, this Sigma is a bright APS-C standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture for Sony E cameras. The 18-50mm focal length covers a full-frame equivalent of 27-75mm, which makes it a practical everyday lens for landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and events. It also focuses as close as 12.1cm, with a maximum magnification of 1:2.8 for macro-style shots. Autofocus is fast and quiet, and the 55mm filter thread is a common size. The main trade-offs are the $399 listed price, the highest here, and the plastic exterior. It comes with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and is described as brand new.
Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD A047S Lens for Sony E Mount New Open Box
If your Sony E camera needs reach, this Tamron offers a 70-300mm zoom range with a maximum aperture that shifts from f/4.5 at the wide end to f/6.3 at the long end. The RXD stepping motor is designed to be fast and quiet, and the lens is compatible with Sony's Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF systems. It's weather sealed and uses a 67mm filter thread. The big consideration is that it's described as open box, so it isn't a brand-new sealed copy; the package includes front and rear caps and original retail packaging. At $349.95, it's the second-highest listed price in this comparison.
7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III Full-Frame Manual Focus Prime Lens for Sony E Mount
Manual-focus shooters get a lot here. This 7artisans prime is a full-frame 35mm lens with a bright f/1.4 aperture, so it's suited to low-light work and shallow depth of field. The all-metal aluminum barrel and chrome-plated mount add durability, and the aperture ring can switch between click stops and stepless rotation for video. The multilayer coating and extra-low dispersion elements are designed to reduce flare and chromatic aberration. The catch is that there's no autofocus, so you'll be focusing by hand every time. It's sold as new at $189.00, making it the mid-priced option in this group, and it uses a 52mm filter thread.
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Zoom Lens
This is the only lens here for Canon DSLRs and the least expensive by a wide margin. The 18-55mm range covers standard wide-to-portrait focal lengths, and the f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture is typical for a standard zoom. It's lightweight at 0.44 lbs, which makes it easy to carry. The lens is listed as used but described as in very good condition with little to no signs of wear, and it's been tested thoroughly for full functionality. One limitation is that it's sold as lens only, so you won't get any accompanying accessories. At $49.99, it's the lowest listed price in this comparison and a sensible starting point for a Canon DSLR shooter.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- If you want one lens for everyday Sony E shooting, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a strong option.
- If sports, wildlife, or distant subjects are your priority, the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD gives you the longest reach.
- If you're comfortable focusing manually and want a fast, compact prime, the 7artisans 35mm f/1.4 III is the lens to consider.
- If you're shooting with a Canon DSLR and want a standard zoom, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is the one to get.
