Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
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 Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art Lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified buyers, who praise its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and stellar performance for astrophotography. Users note it is heavy and large, but consider the trade-off worthwhile for the unique fisheye perspective. A few practical concerns include limited bag compatibility and the lack of filter options.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent for astrophotography
- Unique fisheye perspective
- Great build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited bag compatibility
- No front filter thread
- Expensive
- Not for everyone
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 13 |
| Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Front 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 | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.22 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 385 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:7.9★ |
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
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average social proof (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 5 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 21 specs.
