Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its lightweight design, sharp image quality, and fast autofocus, making it a favorite for bird and wildlife photography. A few users report autofocus issues in low light or with small subjects, but most find it a significant upgrade over heavier alternatives like the 200-500mm. The lens is praised for being handholdable and well-balanced on cameras like the D500 and D850, though some note minor wear on button lettering over time.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Excellent VR for handheld shooting
- Well-balanced on D500 and D850
Cons
- Autofocus issues in low light
- Autofocus hunts with small subjects
- Button lettering wears off over time
- Swirly backgrounds when pointed at sun
- Expensive for non-professionals
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 500 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 19 |
| Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.46 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 3.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:5.55★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (23rd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 7.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
