Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100
Panasonic LUMIX 45-150mm
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Panasonic 45-150 mm f/4-5.6 is a ultra-compact telephoto zoom that delivers solid central sharpness, effective optical stabilization, and quiet autofocus, making it ideal for travel and video. Its plastic build, lack of weather sealing, and soft corners at full zoom keep it in the budget-friendly tier.
The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro offers an affordable telephoto zoom with a 1:2 macro capability, suitable for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. While it provides decent sharpness at shorter focal lengths, it suffers from softness at the long end, vignetting, and lacks image stabilization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 70 mm | 45 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 150 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 fbest | 4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 540 g | 318 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 119 mm | 102 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 95 cm | 90 cmbest |
0.5 xbest | 0.17 x | |
58 mmbest | 52 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
Autofocus Motor Type | Motorized | Stepping Motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 70 mm | 45 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 150 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 4.0 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 95 cm | 90 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.5 x | 0.17 x |
Coating Type | Super Multi-Layer | Multi-coated |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 318 g |
Length (mm) | 119 mm | 102 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 52 mm |
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its sharpness at the wide end and mid-range, the inclusion of SLD glass, and the rare 1:2 macro capability at an entry-level price. However, they consistently note corner softness at full telephoto, noticeable vignetting on full-frame, slow autofocus and the absence of stabilization, making it more of a walk-around lens than a professional workhorse.
Everyday users love the macro function, the reach for wildlife and travel, and the reliable performance of the built-in motor on Nikon entry-level DSLRs. Common complaints revolve around softness at the long end, autofocus hunting, occasional internal haze, and the lack of image stabilization, but most owners consider the lens a durable, good-value tool for hobbyist photography.
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its ultra-compact footprint, effective MEGA O.I.S., and solid central sharpness, while noting softened corners at the telephoto extreme and a basic build compared to higher-end alternatives.
Everyday users love the lens's portability, stabilization, and price-to-performance ratio, but complain about a stiff zoom ring, corner softness at full zoom, and the all-plastic construction.
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
“softness at 300 mm is the most common critique”
“"barely noticeable" - Adorama user review (4/5)”
