The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS and the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD 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. Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD with a length of 99mm, is 98mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD's 80mm 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. Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD weighs 575g, 49% (560g) lighter than the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS's weight of 1135g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has the Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3-P, Panasonic S1 II and Panasonic S1 IIE for the Leica L Mount and Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620 for the Four Thirds Mount.
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS is also available in the Sony E and Fujifilm X mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 OS has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD 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.
