Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. vs Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is 70-300mm, 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 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. for super-telephoto, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x.
Choose the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 790g (1.74 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is 70-300mm, Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 16-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) is 405g (14.3 oz) vs 790g (1.74 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. or the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. is 70-300mm, 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 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. for super-telephoto, the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.19x.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 405g (14.3 oz) it's lighter than the 790g (1.74 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. and the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount)?
Aperture: the Sigma 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary (L-mount) opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-300mm | 16-28mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| 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 | 34° – 8° | 107° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | HLA |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 84mm | 77.2mm |
| Length | 148mm | 100.6mm |
| Weight | 790g (1.74 lb) | 405g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
