Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
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
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
Most buyers are thrilled with this macro lens, praising its sharpness, lightweight build, and value for money. However, a few received units with cosmetic damage or focus issues, and one reviewer reported a cracked lens hood. Overall, the lens performs well for product and toy photography, but quality control on refurbished units is inconsistent.
Pros
- Sharp macro detail
- Lightweight and sturdy build
- Great value for money
- Excellent for product photography
- Quiet autofocus operation
Cons
- Inconsistent refurbished quality
- Cracked lens hood in shipping
- Focus fading issue on some units
- Visible scratches and wear on glass
- Motor noise during autofocus
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 100 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 15 |
| Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 | 4 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:1★ |
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
Canon L EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM 100mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
