Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
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
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 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. The optical stabilization is highly effective, and the build quality feels solid and professional. However, the lens is noted to be very heavy, and its slow aperture (f/5-6.3) makes it challenging for indoor or low-light sports photography. Some users also reported autofocus issues after extended use or in low light.
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Great value for money
- Effective optical stabilization
- Solid and professional build quality
- Smooth zoom and focus rings
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- Slow aperture for low light
- Autofocus issues after extended use
- Autofocus unreliable in low light
- Lens cap feels flimsy
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 21 |
| Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | super multilayer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | 5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.78 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 86 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 2.20 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:5.2★ |
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
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (71st percentile)
- Below average build (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
