The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 and the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN with a length of 39mm, is 47mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 also has a larger diameter of 68mm compared to the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN's 61mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN weighs 135g, 57% (185g) lighter than the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0's weight of 320g.
Filter Threads
The Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN has a 46mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0:
And these are the 46mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN:
Lens Mounts
Both the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 and the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3.
Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN is also available in Sony E mount.
Focal Range
Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 has a focal range of 12-60mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-120mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 30mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 45mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
