Sony G Master SEL35F14GM 35mm
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
What Buyers Say
Sony G Master SEL35F14GM 35mm
The Sony/Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 FE lens is praised for its exceptional optical quality, delivering tack-sharp images with smooth bokeh and minimal chromatic aberration. Users love it for wedding and portrait photography, but note it is very large and heavy for a mirrorless lens, making it less ideal for casual walk-around use. The build quality is rock-solid, and the aperture ring with de-click option is a nice bonus, though the price is high and the lens is specialized.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Smooth and pleasing bokeh
- Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion
- Rock-solid build quality
- Aperture ring with de-click option
Cons
- Very large and heavy for mirrorless
- Expensive price point
- Not ideal for casual walk-around use
- Focus-by-wire system
- Heavy for long carry
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
| Sony G Master SEL35F14GM 35mm | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 15 |
| Groups | 8 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano AR coating II | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.52 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | XD Linear Motors★ | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 300 mm | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x★ | 0.12x |
Pros & Cons
Sony G Master SEL35F14GM 35mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (77th percentile)
- Strong build (68th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
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 21 specs.