Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
This Tamron 60mm f/2 macro lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, excellent bokeh, and versatile use for both macro and portrait photography. Users appreciate the good working distance, solid build, and value for money, though some note the autofocus can be slow and noisy, and one verified reviewer reported a severe front-focusing issue that could not be fully corrected. Overall, it is highly recommended for APS-C DSLR users seeking a capable macro and portrait lens.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great bokeh
- Versatile for macro and portrait
- Good working distance
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slow autofocus speed
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Front-focusing issues on some copies
- Autofocus hunts in low contrast
- Lens hood interferes at close range
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 60 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 60 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 14 |
| Groups | 10 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Broad-Band Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony A |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.39 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 231 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1:1★ |
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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong optical (73rd percentile)
- Strong social proof (69th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 21 specs.
