Olympus 12mm Black
Score: 86/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
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 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering sharp optics and close-focus capability. Its lack of image stabilization and reduced corner performance on very high-resolution sensors are notable trade-offs. Ideal for travel and street photographers who value portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12 mmbest | — | |
2 | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.2 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 130 gbest | 290 g |
— | 2.8best | |
— | 7best | |
0.1 | 0.4best | |
11 | 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 | L-Mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | MSC | Autofocus |
Focus Type | MSC internal focusing system | Autofocus |
Optics(6) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 12 mm | 18-50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.0 | 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.2 m | 0.121 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.08 | 0.36 |
Number of Optical Elements | 11 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 8 | 10 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 46 mm | 55 mm |
Weight (g) | 130 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 43 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 56 mm | 65.4 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 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for its revolutionary compactness, sharp optics and bright constant aperture, calling it an "ultimate workhorse" that delivers excellent image quality in a tiny package. They also note its strong close-focus capability, but point out the lack of image stabilization, corner softness on very high-resolution sensors, and a slightly limited 18 mm wide-end compared with competing lenses.
Everyday users love the lens's pocketable size, sharpness for street and travel shooting, and the value it provides as a daily driver. Common praise centers on its lightweight feel, macro-style close-ups, and affordable price, while recurring themes of criticism include edge distortion, autofocus noise in video, and the missing stabilization feature.
“"true magic" rendering”
“"super fast accurate focus (quicker than some full-frame lenses)"”
“ultimate workhorse”
