Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO vs Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — 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 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO reaches 1x magnification vs 0.15x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 430g (15.2 oz) vs 750g (1.65 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO or the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm, the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) is 50mm — 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 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 50mm 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 value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Choose the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO and the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art (L-mount) opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 24° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 85mm |
| Length | 100mm | 102mm |
| Weight | 430g (15.2 oz) | 750g (1.65 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
