Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar is a lens with legendary character, offering beautiful rendering and sharpness when stopped down, but it comes with a notable focus shift issue that requires compensation. Users praise its build quality, compact size, and value compared to Leica alternatives, though the focus shift and expensive hood are common complaints. It's a lens that demands patience but rewards with stunning portraits and a classic glow.
Pros
- Beautiful rendering wide open
- Very sharp when stopped down
- Solid build quality
- Compact size
- Great value for money
Cons
- Noticeable focus shift
- Expensive lens hood
- Focus shift requires compensation
- Not compatible with Contax IIIa
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 8 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 18 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 6 |
| Groups | 10 | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 3★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | T* |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 2.8-4 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 16★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | ARRI PL |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.22 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | 240-fps autofocus drive | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 230 mm★ | 460 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x★ | 0.0520833333 |
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
- Below average build (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 offers 81.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 21 specs.
