Sigma DC 883101 18mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma DC 883101 18mm
This Sigma 18-250mm all-in-one zoom lens has won over most users with its flexibility and convenience for travel, despite some optical compromises. Several verified buyers praise the weight, build quality, and image stabilization, calling it a solid value for amateur photographers who want to avoid lugging multiple lenses. A few note issues like lens creep, slight distortion, and a noticeable click when the sleep mode activates, but these are widely seen as acceptable trade-offs for the range. Overall, it's a recommended "do-it-all" lens that balances price, portability, and performance well.
Pros
- Great all-in-one zoom range
- Lightweight for a superzoom
- Good image stabilization
- Solid build quality
- Good value versus Canon alternatives
Cons
- Lens creep when pointed down
- Audible click in sleep mode
- Manual focus adjustment needed after zoom
- Some pincushion and barrel distortion
- Slight vignetting at extremes
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its excellent optical performance, sturdy yet lightweight build, and fast autofocus. Users highlight its versatility as a workhorse zoom for both photo and video, with particular appreciation for the linear focus mode on compatible cameras. A few note the shallow depth of field is limited due to the Micro Four Thirds system, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent optical performance
- Sturdy yet lightweight build
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Versatile zoom range
- Linear focus mode for video
Cons
- Limited shallow depth of field
- Focus-by-wire system not linear
- No built-in gear ring for cine use
- Slight chromatic aberration in high contrast
Scores
Specifications
| Sigma DC 883101 18mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 250 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | — | 1★ |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 7★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.47 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | HSM | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.9★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Sigma DC 883101 18mm
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (81st percentile)81st %ile
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.