Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16-75mm
What Buyers Say
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
Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16-75mm
The Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 lens receives high praise for its build quality, sharpness, and value for money, especially on APS-C cameras like the Sony a6400 and Nikon Z50. Users highlight its sturdy construction and excellent image quality, with one reviewer calling it the best bang for your buck in wide-angle APS-C lenses. However, a Q&A warns that using it on a full-frame camera may cause vignetting and distortion.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Sharp images and videos
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and high-quality feel
- Fast autofocus
Cons
- Vignetting on full-frame cameras
- Distortion on full-frame cameras
- No aperture ring
- Limited to APS-C sensor size
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16-75mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 16 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 14 |
| Groups | 10 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | state-of-the-art coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 13★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.38 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.5x★ |
Pros & Cons
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
Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16-75mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong optical (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 16-75mm offers 4.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
