Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
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 AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
The Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and outstanding low-light performance, making it a favorite among professionals. However, a significant number of users report autofocus issues, particularly at distances beyond 30 feet or at wide apertures, which can be inconsistent across copies. Despite its high price, most agree it delivers superb image quality, though some note it is slightly soft wide open and heavy.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Excellent low-light performance
- Fast aperture f/1.4
- Good build quality
Cons
- Autofocus issues at distance
- Inconsistent AF across copies
- Soft wide open at f/1.4
- Heavy weight
- High price
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 24 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 12 |
| Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 250 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:5.55★ |
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (78th percentile)
- Strong macro (75th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.