Need Advice

F

fromdecember

Member
I don't recall seeing this discussed unless I just didn't look hard enough, but I have some extra money laying around and wonder which option to go with. I have the GH4 and have the Sigma Art 18-35 EF (no speedbooster, just basic adapter). Would you purchase the Speedbooster or get the Pana 12-35? Why would you choose that option?
 
speedbooster. get more out of the lenses you already have rather than just another ho hum lumix lens
 
I'd go for the Panasonic 12-35, Sigma 18-35 will probably vignette some with a speed booster because it is designed to be used with full frame lenses. I've used the Panasonic 12-35 on the GH4 and it is very good, a wide lens shooting 4K gives many options for re-framing in HD. It's also lighter and more compact.
 
Straight story from owning both combinations (albeit the Nikon version 18-35):

- The 18-35 does not vignette with the MFT Speedbooster on any GH camera
- 18-35 has a slightly nicer image and is faster, and with a properly collimated adapter is parfocal with repeatable focus. It is much larger and is unbalanced on the camera when handheld. It is also fully manual on a Speedbooster.
- 12-35 can exploit auto features very well, has better range, OIS, and is more compact and balanced. It exhibits minor aperture changes while zooming and has an infinite, non-repeatable focus-by-wire system.

In short, they are different lenses for different purposes - which is why I still own both.
- I use the 18-35 (with or w/o SB) when shooting with support (sticks or rig) and require the extra speed and/or want to use with follow focus
- I use the 12-35 for photography and low-profile handheld shooting, or any situation where I can exploit autofocus. It's also the best "walk around" lens for the system.
 
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I mirror exactly what mcbob says, and also own both.

If you NEVER need auto anything, or point and shoot ease, get the booster.

If you desire an auto option that is lighter, add the 12-35.
 
To further complicate your decision, there's also the Olympus 12-40/2.8, which I've heard has a better focusing and zoom mechanism and comparable size to the 12-35, but lacks OIS. I haven't tried that lens, though, so I can't offer it in a definitive comparison.
 
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