Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
The OM System 50-200mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers. Users highlight its versatility with teleconverters and solid build quality, though some note it is bulky and expensive compared to alternatives like the 40-150mm f/2.8. Overall, it is considered a high-performance lens worth the investment for dedicated Micro Four Thirds shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Versatile with teleconverters
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Bulky compared to alternatives
- Expensive
- Short reach for small wildlife
- Loss of light with teleconverter
- Heavier than 40-150mm f/2.8
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 21 |
| Groups | 10 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | ZERO II Coating, Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 780 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.5x★ |
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 4.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
