Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm
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
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm
The Sirui Sniper series lenses are widely praised for their outstanding value for money, delivering solid build quality and impressive image results at a budget-friendly price. Users highlight the fast f/1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, as well as reliable autofocus for both photo and video work. However, some reviewers note that sharpness is not optimal wide open and that chromatic aberration can be noticeable. A few users reported autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations, and one review mentioned a non-functional lens mount. Overall, this lens series is highly recommended for APS-C shooters seeking a cinematic look without the high cost, though minor optical and operational compromises exist.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Bright f/1.2 aperture
- Good build quality
- Reliable autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Soft wide open at f/1.2
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
- Autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations
- Heavy weight for some models
- Non-functional lens mount reported
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 12 |
| Groups | 10 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 3★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | high refractive elements |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.38 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x★ | — |
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
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm offers 3.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
