Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737306 150-500mm
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
What Buyers Say
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737306 150-500mm
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this Sigma 150-500mm lens, praising its excellent image quality, sharpness, and value for money compared to expensive Nikon alternatives. Many note it is heavy and requires good technique, especially at 500mm, but the optical stabilization works well. A few mention autofocus issues over time or in low light, and the f/6.3 aperture limits indoor use, but overall it is highly recommended for wildlife and outdoor sports photography.
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Great value for money
- Effective optical stabilization
- Solid build quality
- Good autofocus speed
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Soft at 500mm end
- f/6.3 aperture limits low-light use
- Autofocus issues in low light
- Autofocus may fail over time
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
| Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737306 150-500mm | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | telephoto | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 150 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 500 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 21 | 15 |
| Groups | 15 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Coating | super multi-layer lens coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/5 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 5-6.3 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.91 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | — | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | — | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.12x★ |
Pros & Cons
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737306 150-500mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong bokeh (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average build (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average macro (12th percentile)12th %ile
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
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.