Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
What Buyers Say
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
The Samyang AF 35mm f/1.8 FE is widely praised as an affordable, sharp, and lightweight prime lens that delivers excellent image quality for its price. Users love its compact size and fast autofocus, though a few report compatibility issues with certain Sony cameras and note that the autofocus can be slightly slower than premium lenses. Some also wish for weather sealing and a bundled lens station, but overall it is considered a fantastic value for Sony full-frame shooters.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great value for money
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Pleasant bokeh
Cons
- No weather sealing
- Autofocus slightly slower than premium lenses
- Compatibility issues with some Sony cameras
- Lens station not included
- Some sample variation (decentering)
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 lens is highly praised for its excellent image quality, sharpness, and build. Users appreciate its compact size, light weight, and the ability to use screw-on filters, which is a key advantage over some competitors. While a few users noted it is pricey and one had sharpness issues on an Olympus body, the overwhelming majority recommend it for landscapes, interiors, and travel photography.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Sharp and crisp
- Compact and lightweight
- Accepts screw-on filters
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Pricey
- Variable aperture
- No OIS
- Sharpness issues on some Olympus bodies
- Slight distortion at 8mm
Scores
Specifications
| Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 10 | 15 |
| Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.8 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.21 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | linear STM★ | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 290 mm | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.88★ | 0.12x |
Pros & Cons
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Strong optical (70th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
Pricing
Samyang AF SYIO3518-E 35mm offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
