Olympus 12mm Black
Score: 86/100
Sigma 16mm f.4
Score: 82/100Rankings
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is an ultra-compact, all-metal prime lens offering a fast f/2 aperture and excellent sharpness. Its trade-offs include noticeable vignetting and barrel distortion at the widest aperture. Ideal for street, travel and low-light shooters who value portability.
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary offers a fast 16 mm focal length with excellent low-light capability and quiet stepping AF. Corner softness at the widest aperture and its relatively large size are trade-offs. Perfect for Sony APS-C shooters needing a bright wide-angle prime for street and video work.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 mm | 16 mmbest | |
2best | 1.4 | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.2 mbest | 0.25 m |
| ↓ lower better | 130 gbest | 405 g |
— | 9best | |
0.1 | 0.1best | |
11 | 16best | |
8 | 13best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
Mount Compatibility | Micro Four Thirds System Camera | Sony E |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | MSC | Stepping |
Focus Type | MSC internal focusing system | Auto |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 12 mm | 16 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.0 | 1.4 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.2 m | 0.25 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.08 | 0.1 |
Number of Optical Elements | 11 | 16 |
Number of Optical Groups | 8 | 13 |
Coating | ZERO | Super multi-layer coating |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 46 mm | 67 mm |
Weight (g) | 130 g | 405 g |
Length (mm) | 43 mm | 92.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 56 mm | 72.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the OM System 12mm f/2 for its ultra-compact build, silent MSC autofocus, and outstanding sharpness across the frame even wide open. They highlight the premium all-metal construction, precise manual-focus clutch, and excellent flare resistance from the ZERO coating. The main criticisms focus on the visible vignetting at f/2, slight barrel distortion, occasional purple fringing, and the omission of a lens hood.
Everyday users love the lens's "true magic" image quality, rapid and accurate autofocus, and the lightweight, sturdy metal body that fits comfortably in a travel kit. Common praise centers on low-light performance, portability, and the satisfying manual-focus feel. Recurring complaints involve sample-to-sample variation, noticeable vignetting and distortion at wide apertures, purple fringing in high-contrast scenes, and the lack of an included hood.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 for its impressive center sharpness, bright aperture and quiet stepping AF, calling it a high-value option for Sony APS-C shooters. They note that while the lens excels in low-light and offers smooth bokeh, its corner performance at f/1.4 and occasional AF hunting in dim conditions are drawbacks, though in-camera distortion correction mitigates barrel distortion.
Everyday users generally praise the lens for its sharp images, pleasing bokeh, compact build and reliable AF in good light, appreciating the weather-sealed design for outdoor use. Recurring complaints focus on soft corners when wide open, AF inconsistency in low-light or close-up scenarios, and the lens being a bit bulkier than ultra-compact alternatives.
“"true magic" rendering”
“"super fast accurate focus (quicker than some full-frame lenses)"”
