Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
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
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
The Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 lens earns high praise for its sharpness and optical quality, especially in astrophotography and landscape use. Reviewers note excellent value for the price and compare it favorably to more expensive Canon and Nikon zooms. Some mention a lack of premium feel and potential de-centering issues, but the majority find it a reliable and capable manual-focus prime.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great for astrophotography
- Excellent value for money
- Good low-light performance
- Solid build
Cons
- Plastic feel
- Potential de-centering issues
- Manual focus only
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 20 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 20 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 13 |
| Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.50 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm | 200 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x★ | — |
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
Rokinon RK20M-C 20mm
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.