Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Sony FE SEL2860 28-60mm
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
Sony FE SEL2860 28-60mm
This Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens is widely praised for its lightweight and compact design, making it an ideal travel companion for full-frame cameras like the A7C series. Users consistently note sharp image quality and good color rendition, especially when stopped down, but many point out compromises such as a stiff zoom ring, lack of a lens hood, variable aperture, and the need to extend the lens before shooting. It is seen as a good kit lens or starter lens but not for those seeking professional performance.
Pros
- lightweight and compact
- sharp image quality
- good color rendition and contrast
- ideal for travel
- affordable as kit lens
Cons
- no lens hood included
- stiff zoom ring
- variable aperture f/4-5.6
- must extend lens before shooting
- mediocre in low light
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Sony FE SEL2860 28-60mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 60 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 8 |
| Groups | 10 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.17 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 41 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Linear AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:6.25★ |
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
Sony FE SEL2860 28-60mm
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong versatility (74th percentile)
- Strong social proof (73rd percentile)
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
