Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens
Score: 60/100Rankings
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.
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is a compact, fast-aperture prime that delivers sharp images and quiet AF, making it a strong value for Micro Four Thirds shooters. Its lack of IS and weather sealing keep it from harsher environments, but its portability and price are hard to beat.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 70 mm | 25 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 25 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 f | 1.7 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 540 g | 222 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 119 mm | 82 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 95 cm | 25 cmbest |
0.5 xbest | 0.14 x | |
— | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
Autofocus Motor Type | Motorized | Stepper motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 70 mm | 25 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 25 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 1.7 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 95 cm | 25 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.5 x | 0.14 x |
Coating Type | Super Multi-Layer | Nano Surface Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 222 g |
Length (mm) | 119 mm | 82 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 46 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 Panasonic 25mm F1.7 as one of the best value-driven primes for Micro Four Thirds, highlighting its sharpness, compactness, fast aperture, and quiet stepping motor for video.
Everyday users echo the experts, lauding the lens as a perfect walk-around option with strong low-light capability, fast and silent AF, and impressive sharpness. Common complaints focus on flare, the absence of weather sealing, and occasional focus quirks on older bodies.
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
“softness at 300 mm is the most common critique”
“Extremely lightweight (125 g) and compact (52 mm length) for travel and street photography”
