Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
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
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and robust build quality. Many users consider it a workhorse for sports, portraits, and low-light photography, though the lack of image stabilization is a notable drawback for some. A significant number of reviews highlight the lens's weight and the potential for focus inconsistencies, particularly with moving subjects. Concerns about Canon's support for older models and the tripod collar design also appear in negative feedback.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Fast and silent autofocus (USM)
- Excellent for low-light photography
- Versatile for sports and portraits
- Robust build quality
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy and bulky
- Tripod collar design issues
- Inconsistent autofocus with moving subjects
- Canon no longer supports repairs
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 17 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Dual Nano USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 700 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.23x★ |
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
Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average macro (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 2.0x better value for money
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 wins 4 specs while Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM wins 6.
