Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
What Buyers Say
Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
The Rokinon 300mm f/6.3 mirror lens is a mixed bag: users praise its compact size, lightweight build, and low price, noting that it can produce sharp images when focus is nailed. However, many struggle with manual focusing, the very thin depth of field, the need for high shutter speeds or a tripod, and the characteristic donut bokeh. It's best suited for patient photographers who understand the limitations of a mirror lens.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Low price
- Good value for money
- Solid build quality
- Acceptable sharpness when focused correctly
Cons
- Difficult manual focus
- Very shallow depth of field
- Donut bokeh (out-of-focus highlights)
- No image stabilization
- Requires tripod or high shutter speed
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
| Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | telephoto | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 300 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 15 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | UMC (Ultra Multi Coated) | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/6.3 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.34 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 900 mm | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | Not specified by | 0.12x★ |
Pros & Cons
Rokinon Reflex 300M-M-BK 300mm
- Strong build (68th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- 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
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
