OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm
Score: 84/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
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 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 | | |
|---|---|---|
4best | 2.8 | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.15 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 561 g | 290 gbest |
8.3best | 2.8 | |
7best | 7best | |
0.3 | 0.4best | |
17best | 13 | |
11best | 10 |
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 | Autofocus |
Focus Type | autofocus | Autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 12-100 mm | 18-50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0 | 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.15 m | 0.121 m |
Zoom Ratio | 8.33 | 2.78 |
Macro Ratio | 0.32 | 0.36 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 72 mm | 55 mm |
Weight (g) | 561 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 116.8 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77.5 mm | 65.4 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 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.
