OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm
Score: 84/100
Sigma 16mm f.4
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is a professional-grade, weather-sealed zoom offering razor-sharp optics and industry-leading 7-stop image stabilization. Its trade-offs are a slower constant f/4 aperture, some distortion at extremes, and a heavier package. It excels for hybrid shooters and travelers needing a versatile, rugged all-in-one lens.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 16 mmbest | |
4best | 1.4 | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.15 mbest | 0.25 m |
| ↓ lower better | 561 g | 405 gbest |
8.3best | — | |
7 | 9best | |
0.3best | 0.1 | |
17best | 16 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | MSC | Stepping |
Focus Type | autofocus | Auto |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 12-100 mm | 16 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0 | 1.4 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.15 m | 0.25 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.32 | 0.1 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 16 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 13 |
Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 72 mm | 67 mm |
Weight (g) | 561 g | 405 g |
Length (mm) | 116.8 mm | 92.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77.5 mm | 72.2 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the OM System 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO for its razor-sharp optics, industry-leading up to 7-stop Sync IS, and rugged IP53-sealed construction. They commend its fast, quiet MSC autofocus and the versatile 24-200mm equivalent range, calling it a class-defining all-in-one solution, while noting the constant f/4 aperture and occasional distortion as the main trade-offs.
Everyday users celebrate the lens as a travel-friendly "do-it-all" tool that delivers sharp images, reliable weather sealing, and game-changing stabilization for handheld video. Common criticisms focus on the f/4 aperture being too slow for indoor events, occasional corner softness at 100mm, and the lens's size and weight on smaller bodies.
“do-it-all convenience for travel (one lens replaces multiple)”
“sharp images wide open”
“reliable weather sealing in rain/dust”
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.
