Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is widely praised as a compact, lightweight, and sharp standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Users consistently highlight its excellent image quality, fast f/2.8 aperture, and affordable price as major strengths, making it a popular upgrade from kit lenses. Common criticisms include the lack of optical stabilization and a poorly designed lens hood, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
- Great value for the price
- Fast and silent autofocus
Cons
- No optical image stabilization
- Poorly designed lens hood
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality
- Zoom ring direction opposite to Fujifilm
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 Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 14 |
| Groups | 10 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.29 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | stepping motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 121 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.8★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
