Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO vs Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.

Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is $899, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO.
  • Close-up: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO reaches 1x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.

Frequently asked

Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO or the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.

Who should choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.

What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO and the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?

Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length100mm16-28mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements1313
Optical Groups1111
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountL-MountL-Mount
Angle of View24°107° – 75°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingHLA
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance30 cm25 cm
Max Magnification1x0.19x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$899
Filter Size67mm72mm
Diameter74mm77.2mm
Length100mm100.6mm
Weight430g (15.2 oz)405g (14.3 oz)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo