Thanks for watching! I have since seen some serious improvement with the continuous autofocus on the GH5. To learn more about the fix, watch this video: ruclips.net/video/_GcP0K26jEw/видео.html.
How would you compare the lumix 20mm 1.7 or leica 25mm 1.4 to this lens? Ive been thinking of getting this sigma but the lumix is way more affordable and these lenses add up quick.
I guess that would come down to the focal length you're going for. I really wanted something close to 35mm, so the 20mm Panny was a bit too close for me, and the Leica as well. The Panny lenses are good, but I also like the speed of the Sigma. Extra light is always handy.
“I’m not much of a professional lens reviewer.” How times have changed lol. You were even if you didn’t realize it back then. Learned so much from you, thank you!
Yeah, I've been using the 12-35, 35-100 and Voigtlanders for years, and a 58mm filter fits on all of them. When I got some Olympus lenses, the filter size difference was quite annoying!
Wow you really address all the concerns I’ve had. Was looking for a good low light , first prime for my g85, I’m still a newb to MFT but of the hundreds of lenses I’ve been checking out the 16mm and 30mm sigmas looked the most filmic. I was really disappointed when I read all the complaints people had about the MFT version, aps-c size , focus by wire and what have you, but you really eased my mind.
i have this lens for the e mount and its even a bigger beast on this mount. it is almost as good as the kit lens or any other native lens in autofocus and is crazy sharp. its a legendary lens for astrophotography and would be soooo good on a full frame sensor if they made it for full frame.
Super valuable info observing effect of stop down adapter ring... I was trying lense on basis of seeing it was yours and others favorite for gh5 based on fast and sharp and good video perspective. I was about facing the big cost increment to step up to new variable ND size and hesitating, until RUclips showed me this gem from near two years ago. Now a happy owner of a stepdown ring for lense that saved me hundreds $. Thanks! You're a great sensei gift to universe of hybrid cam learner's looking for depth and density. Your geeky passion for depth and attempt at objectivity impresses. 👍
For half astop in this case I would go with the very small and excellent 15 mm Leica F1.7. I do have the 56 mm f1.4 and love it. Just exceptional! But this one...is great too but I think for mFTs there is a more sensible alternative.
I was about to buy a 67mm nd filter for both lens (with step-up). After seeing your video, I will go with your solution, 58mm and Step-down ring. This option cost much cheaper! Thanks a lot!
Have you compared it with the Pana Leica 15mm 1.7? They are about the same price (new) at the moment. Sigma is slightly faster max aperture, but it's quite a bit bigger. Just wondered if any benefits to the sigma.
I'm still in talks with Aputure to create a custom dial with a smooth action that allows me to tweak the sun's power. They said they could probably do it, but it would be a bit pricey. Ha. Thanks, man. Appreciate the comment and sub. :)
Thanks for doing this, was looking forward to it and didn't disappoint. Love the seamless visuals demonstrating what you were talking about as you explained everything. Safe to say this will be on the camera for majority of the Undone content from now on? Be curious to see a bokeh comparison between the lenses. Definitely seems like you have a nicer separation from background 👍
Thanks, Matt! Yeah, I'll probably be using it most often. I'm still working out getting the lighting and the grade right now. It's funny how different a simple lens change can make the workflow.
Great stuff man, it's like you read my mind as the video went on. Great visual descriptions as well. Ive had my GH5 for about a week now so ill be going bank to your videos for reference often... First video of you ive seen but I'm subscribed
great work, I intent to buy a gh5, but was not sure with which lens (as first lens), but after this video i will buy gh5 with sigma 16 f1.4. Thank you!!!
Hey Gerald, if I hadn't already know the quality of your videos and content, I would probably be laughing my arse off at the home-spun techniques you used in this video. Like waving a white sheet of copy paper around to test vignetting!!!!! How funny!
I would, yes. It's a little cheaper, a little sharper, a little faster. The only con is a it's a bit bigger and no aperture ring, but I'd rather have the first three things I said. 😃
Not using the outside circle is why this lens is soooo super in focus around the edges. It is only using the center of the glass for the whole image. Unbeatable. Super secret weapon. Don't use autofocus on pro productions. Use Hyperfocal distance techniques for focus. Paired with the GH5 max settings and open gate mode 5K OMG!
Nice review, I was considering this lens until I saw the viltrox speedbooster knock off for $400 cheaper and Im going to get the sigma 18-35mm, canon 50mm 1.4, tokina 11-16mm instead. I got the SLR magic 77mm VariND mk2 a few months ago.
Thanks! I've always been a little weary of speedboosters. People have great results with Metabones, so I know I'm just being picky, but I like native lenses. Feels right to me. The lenses you listed are all pretty awesome though, except the Canon 50mm 1.4. I believe that one is often considered terrible value. It's only the smallest bit better than the 1.8, which is less than half the price, and not near as good as the 1.2. I'd get the 1.8 instead and put the savings toward something else. Just my two cents, but I've used Canon for a long, long time. Here's the one I'd recommend: amzn.to/2HfhinO
Mister Gerald, Great video as always, Few questions! 1. Whats your opinion on a 85mm lens for the gh5 for portrait shots? if so is there a certain lens your recommend in this range? im planning to purchase this 16mm and pair it with the sigma 18-35 i currently own, but would like a 3rd lens to have the best of all worlds. 2. Can you make a video on how to record and post youtube videos with a GH5 as you do in these videos? and maybe the same set up with how to stream on twitch with a gh5! would appreciate it a bunch thanks man!
For me, I like the Sigma a little more. I wanted a like-35mm lens, so the closer to 17.5mm the better. The Sigma's a bit faster and a bit cheaper. I think it's all around a little bit better of a buy.
That's a tough and interesting question, Craig. If I had to use a word, I would say "smoother". I like the 12-35, but the images seem a tad more clinical than the Sigma 16mm. More precise and rigid and harsh in a way. The Sigma seems to roll off more naturally and more smoothly. I realize that's probably a bunch of nonsense, but it's hard to describe the look sometimes. Also, none of those things I said are to a large degree. They are only subtly different.
It did the focus hunt POP thing at 11:21 when you were using the app. In fact you went to background and back to your face a couple of times, and it was quick to change focus, but it did that weird thing that the panasonic lens does too, which makes me think it's more about the camera than the lens in that case, but just wondering if you experienced that again without using the app. I realize this is an old AF video in technology times, but if I can get a better af lens by switching away from panny lenses, maybe olympus, if not sigma, I'll do it! I hate that damn bounce it does when hitting focus!
Sickest guy! Loved the info on the step down ring. What about step up ring if you want to use a 67mm filter on a 46mm lens presuming there would be no issues with this either ? Keep up the cracking content
Quite interesting lens but the question is: I'm using a GH5 + 12-60 Pansonic lens and I was looking for some improvement, like wide lenses, do you think it worth buying this lens? Thank you
If you like that focal length, then yes, definitely. I was using something similar, the 12-35, and I think it was definitely worth it, but I shoot a lot at the focal length.
Looked it up. Currently on Amazon the Sigma 16mm and Olympus 17mm are right at 400 USD. The PanaLeica 15mm is $150 more. Do you find any disadvantage with the size of the Sigma? It's significantly larger than the 15mm or 17mm.
I use the 12-35 on my GH5 but I'm not completly happy in low light situations... I'm not sure if the Sigma 16 mm is the right choice because I like the dual stabilisation 12-35+GH5... Are there some other possibilities..?
That focus in/focus out/focus back is probably Panasonics Depth From Defocus. You witness in slow motion what's happening when getting focus for taking photos. Looking back at certain Panasonic Mega OIS digital(!) video jitter, this is just another blunder of theirs, sigh.
The Olympus is a better lens for sure, but it comes down to the money. If money is no issue, get the Olympus. But value wise, I think you're getting more for your money with the Sigma. It's like 90% of the Olympus but for less than half the price.
Hi, Gerald, Great video. You seem completely rational too me (i.e. not crazy at all). I'm wondering if the Sigma MFT version is really f1.4. The reason I ask is because they offer an APS-C version. If they simply change the mount then the image circle will be bigger than the MFT sensor, hence an effective aperature of ~f1.86. Just wondering. Call me crazy.
Her Gerald. Love your videos. I have a gh5 and i have the panasonic 12-35 along with the sigma 16. I am contemplating getting the sigma 18-35 as well and would to know your thoughts on whether the sigma 18-35 is that much of a game changer when compared to the sigma 16 and panasonic 12-35?
Thanks, Jacob! Appreciate it. Okay, here's my thoughts on the 18-35: It's a great lens. It's fast, covers a decent range, and is pretty great bang for your buck. However, I don't like adapters that much, and once you add in the price of a metabones, it's no longer that great of value. It's also big and heavy and only gets bigger when you put an adapter on it. Although metabones is pretty good with firmware updates, there have been periods where there were serious issues/crashes with adapting the 18-35 and I have trouble trusting it in situations where you only have once chance to get the shot. Mind you, it does work pretty reliably these days. Lastly, the lens itself has been plagued with less than stellar quality control. Some of them focus great right out of the box, others require calibration in order to focus correctly. In both cases, you can expect reduced video AF performance with the lens because of 3rd party adaptation. Most people who buy the combo manually focus. I know many people loved the combo. It was a big favourite for the GH4, but I personally dislike it slightly more than I like it. I find that these days, I shoot mostly everything with the 16mm Sigma anyway. :)
thanks for the great video man! have you used Olympus 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens? I'm going to buy this sigma 16mm or an used Olympus 12-40. the sigma has a much faster wide aperture and the Olympus has a really pro quality , the aperture is less faster though.
I have! I like the Olympus lens a lot. It's great for a zoom. It's obviously 2-stops slower, so if lowlight or shallow DOF is important go with the Sigma. But if you don't care about that stuff and would rather have the reach, the Olympus will be better.
Gerald Undone thanks for the response! I don’t really use zoom when I’m shooting videos. I do kind a of vlog styles videos outside and inside as well Does the Olympus glass much more superior than the sigma in terms of quality?
@@MADEbyDANSHINO I wouldn't say "much more". The Sigma is very good quality and is very sharp. The Olympus has nice features and is built well, but the Sigma is very good too.
I'm curious, did you use Sigma 16mm f1.4 mft on a gh5s? I'm looking for new lenses, since I own the 25mm f1.7, 42.5mm f1.7 and the Samyang 12mm f2.0 for my GH5s but I want to switch to sigma 16,30 and 56. What do you think about them on a gh5s in comparison with the other lenses? I'm not a big fan of auto focus so I don't care about it
Still using this lens? How's it with the new 2.3 update for the the GH5? Just as good, better, any thoughts would be great. Wanting this lens over the pana 15mm lens. Thanks for the review. JD
Absolutely. I use this lens almost every day. It works beautifully with the update. I still manually focus more than anything, but when I do switch to auto, I'm pleased with the results. I'd definitely still recommend it today.
Hi Gerald, thank you for the video! We're looking for a lens to shoot some of our interviews and talking head (albeit with a GH4) and have just made the plunge on this lens with your video, so cheers for the thoughts. Also, the vid looks great 👍🏼 Have subbed.
Thanks for this comment! I'm glad I could help. It's been a few months now and I'm still really happy with this lens, so I think you'll be quite pleased. Thanks for the compliment and sub! :)
That is good to know! It's arriving tomorrow so am going to test it out on a G7 also. Very excited. What LED panels are you using in this vid? I've just bought some of these (www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-LED-Video-Light-Camcorder/dp/B00FVU8E3O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525101977&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo+yn600). Is there an LED panel softbox you recommend I get? I noticed you had some on your panels.
Here's my kit link if you wanna see all my gear: kit.com/GeraldUndone/video-gear I don't recommend the little panel softboxes like the one I tried in this video. I don't find they soften the light enough. I built some of my own, but I actually prefer umbrellas most of the time.
Is this a big error in your video? You said it can take your old filters with a step down ring but will the lens cap still work if you do this? Thanks for sharing the review BTW.
Such a great video, you totally saved me talking about the step down ring. Went from the 12-35 to the 16mm and you saved me $$$. Do you find that this lens airs on the lighter creamy side? The color science would be an interesting topic. I find that the new sigmas have a very specific look
Hey Gerald I bought this lens (16mm 1.4). Also looking to pick up one more lens for the GH5 as a companion lens of different focal length. Any suggestions in the Sigma line? I shoot travel videos and social media ads.
Alexander Deyev - It's okay. Not much better than the average focus by wire. These types are very hard to manually focus with. This one might be a tad better than the Panny lenses, but not much.
I can't say I would really recommend any focus-by-wire system for heavily manual focused work. You'd definitely be better off with a cine lens. The two main things you want are hard stops so that you will always know the range of your focus (Electronic focus rings spin and spin forever.), and you want a ring that moves in a logical way and is always the same so that you can repeat focus. (Electronic focus uses acceleration so the faster you move it the further it throws focus, this is very hard to predict.) There are some hybrids that do both reasonably well: Many Olympus lenses have a focus clutch that lets you switch between manual focus with hard stops and electronic focus with fast AF. Here's an example of one that's pretty similar in specs to the Sigma: amzn.to/2BYJBHz Hope all that helps.
Thinking about this one or the 18-35 sigma. I want to use it for weddings and stuff too. I think the 18-35 with speed booster would be a good choice but the 16mm will work better on gimbals , is much lighter and no noisy autofocus. Not sure about it. What do you think about it ? Thx
The 18-35 is a great lens. I personally never went that route because I've always been a little apprehensive when it comes to 3rd-party adapters for important shoots. I don't mean to be fear-mongering, but what if the adapter spazzes out during "the kiss". Also, if AF is important you'll get much better performance with the 16mm. All that being said, if you're going full manual and you have full creative control, the 18-35 will produce a better image with more versatility.
Gerald Undone okay. I think I will go with the16mm . Maybe the 18-35 as a second one in future. With the 16mm I think I can shoot weddings and vlogs or gimbal shots as well. So it’s more “Allround” with a nice 1.4 . Hopefully I can take some good cinematic stuff too. For GH5 with the newest firmware, you’re still using the same settings for AF as in the the video before?
For the most part, yes, I still have my aggressive settings and my slower settings. But I find the shutter angle is less important now. 181d vs 180d vs 179d all seem to be the same. Most of the time lately I've been doing Speed at -2 and Sensitivity at -1 for those smoother cinematic pulls. But even 0/0 works well.
I have 18 105 Sony lens. I wanted to buy something wider angle than that, as well as wide apperture. How much is the difference between 18 and 16 according to your experience? If we talk about only wide angle difference, is it worth?
The shorter the focal length gets the bigger impact a mm will have. So 16-18 is noticeable. It's not huge, but it's something. Here's a picture showing the difference: 1.img-dpreview.com/files/p/TS560x560~forums/55286613/5763142da6dc4d278d45f81a673c1ae3 As far as being worth the money, I would focus more on the getting the faster lens part and if you happen to get a little wider while doing that consider it a bonus, but I probably wouldn't invest hard just for those 2mm.
Gerald Undone Thank you very much for replying, that explains a lot. I wish there was a 12 or 14 prime in this serries. Sony 10-18 is f4, so no use. But I dont have a fast lens for night landscape either. So might have to consider the Sigma 16 for a6500. It is less than half the price of above Sony lens.
NAno González DJ It is the other way around, the sigma are the ones with the problem of double hunting. I had to return a Sigma 18-35 for that same reason. Even in this video if you look, when Gerald uses the phone and focuses on the wall and then to it every time Sigma makes a double hunt, however in the Panasonic does not. What he says does not correspond to what is seen in the video, it is just the opposite.
Hey man, love the review. I have recently started using the Panasonic GH 5. I got the 12-35 2.8 with it and am looking for a prime lens for video work (cinematic, shorts, etc) I was wondering, since this lens on the GH5 basically a 35mm equivalent, if it would be a go to lens for you?
Well, I can tell you this: I also have the 12-35 as a workhorse lens, but since getting the 16mm, I haven't really taken it off the camera. I've been shooting everything with it and just "zooming" with my feet. :) It just feels so good and natural. I really, really love it. Also, thanks for the comment and compliment. Hope the above helps. Cheers!
Great review! Can’t find too many reviews on the m43 version of it. I have it for my a6500, but have been considering it for my GH5. I think I’m convinced to part ways with my money.
Help please. I want to buy a GH5 and a prime for product review videos. Since I don't have a lot of space I usually shoot from very short distances (1 Meter or less). Which prime/length would you recommend? Micro 4/3 has a crop factor of 2, right? So a 24 becomes a 48? (Sorry total newbie here)
Yeah, you've got it right. 24 becomes 48. The 16mm is pretty good for tight spaces, if you check out some of my more recent videos you can get an idea of the field of view. Those are all shot with the 16mm about 1.25m away. If you need something a little wider, I think a 12mm will work. It will have a bit more distortion in the face though, but a lot of people like the look.
@@geraldundone Will stick to my 18-35 on a MB SB for now. The 16 1.4 can't be better than the 18-35 in terms of pic quality right? I don't mind the extra weight...helps when I go handheld with my cage
I have the sigma 16 mm for the GH5, I bought it because it was recommended as a good wide-angle lens. I'm not hugely up to date with camera equipment as of now, but the lens is definitely no wider compared to my other lenses. Is this something to do with settings? Please may someone explain?
Are you comparing it to other lenses on other cameras or other lenses for the GH5? I ask because the GH5 has a 2x crop, so it's more like a 32mm if you were comparing it to a full frame camera.
Gerald Undone Comparing with my Leica 12-60 mm lens the size of view looks the same, even in your example of the Sigma 16 mm your video looks like a wide angle, whereas mine really doesn’t
Please stop the review at 4:04 and compare the cupboard colors with Panasonic 12-35 vs. Sigma 16mm!... Do you often experience such strong magenta discoloring in your praxis with the Sigma lens?
That's the colour grade. It wasn't meant for footage that blown out. I add purple to the shadows in post, but on the blown out image it looks crazy. 😃 On the unedited footage, no, I haven't experienced a magenta push. Good eye. I guess I could have explained that part better. Cheers.
Gerald Undone , thank you for your response! If the footage was taken with a Panasonic G9, I could explain this phenomenon with under- or overexposing. A well known and often discussed problem specific for the G9
Little tip, if you’re reviewing a lens and especially if you reference a camera in the title it would be good if we actually see the lens on a camera. Thank you
Because otherwise you'd think I was lying? Or does it help you with something I'm not thinking of? You can see it a little at 10:43, if that helps. Thanks for watching/commenting. :)
Thanks for watching! I have since seen some serious improvement with the continuous autofocus on the GH5.
To learn more about the fix, watch this video: ruclips.net/video/_GcP0K26jEw/видео.html.
How would you compare the lumix 20mm 1.7 or leica 25mm 1.4 to this lens? Ive been thinking of getting this sigma but the lumix is way more affordable and these lenses add up quick.
I guess that would come down to the focal length you're going for. I really wanted something close to 35mm, so the 20mm Panny was a bit too close for me, and the Leica as well. The Panny lenses are good, but I also like the speed of the Sigma. Extra light is always handy.
“I’m not much of a professional lens reviewer.” How times have changed lol. You were even if you didn’t realize it back then. Learned so much from you, thank you!
Thank you! I have a 12-35 and didn't want to buy filters bigger than a 58mm! Now I could buy this lens and use my filters still!
Yeah, I've been using the 12-35, 35-100 and Voigtlanders for years, and a 58mm filter fits on all of them. When I got some Olympus lenses, the filter size difference was quite annoying!
Bought this lens and haven’t used it much and because of this video, I’m going to use it for a project all next week
Awesome! Let me know how you like it. 👍
Thanks for reviewing this lens. I like your no BS approach in your videos, keep up the good work.
Thanks, Travis! Appreciate the comment. Will do. :)
This video had exactly the information I needed to take the jump and purchase the sigma 16mm f1/4. Thank you!
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. :)
Wow you really address all the concerns I’ve had. Was looking for a good low light , first prime for my g85, I’m still a newb to MFT but of the hundreds of lenses I’ve been checking out the 16mm and 30mm sigmas looked the most filmic. I was really disappointed when I read all the complaints people had about the MFT version, aps-c size , focus by wire and what have you, but you really eased my mind.
That focus hunting thing is really surprising between the two lenses.. good to know!
i have this lens for the e mount and its even a bigger beast on this mount. it is almost as good as the kit lens or any other native lens in autofocus and is crazy sharp. its a legendary lens for astrophotography and would be soooo good on a full frame sensor if they made it for full frame.
Super valuable info observing effect of stop down adapter ring... I was trying lense on basis of seeing it was yours and others favorite for gh5 based on fast and sharp and good video perspective.
I was about facing the big cost increment to step up to new variable ND size and hesitating, until RUclips showed me this gem from near two years ago. Now a happy owner of a stepdown ring for lense that saved me hundreds $. Thanks! You're a great sensei gift to universe of hybrid cam learner's looking for depth and density. Your geeky passion for depth and attempt at objectivity impresses. 👍
For half astop in this case I would go with the very small and excellent 15 mm Leica F1.7. I do have the 56 mm f1.4 and love it. Just exceptional! But this one...is great too but I think for mFTs there is a more sensible alternative.
I was about to buy a 67mm nd filter for both lens (with step-up). After seeing your video, I will go with your solution, 58mm and Step-down ring. This option cost much cheaper! Thanks a lot!
Have you compared it with the Pana Leica 15mm 1.7? They are about the same price (new) at the moment. Sigma is slightly faster max aperture, but it's quite a bit bigger. Just wondered if any benefits to the sigma.
That beat at the beginning got me rapping in my head. Somebody threw a tomato at me 😬
I really like your style man, definitely going to sub, “what are you gonna do turn down the sun” 😂
I'm still in talks with Aputure to create a custom dial with a smooth action that allows me to tweak the sun's power. They said they could probably do it, but it would be a bit pricey.
Ha. Thanks, man. Appreciate the comment and sub. :)
Gerald Undone That’s so typical of Aputure 😂
now you are one of the best lens reviewers
Thanks for doing this, was looking forward to it and didn't disappoint. Love the seamless visuals demonstrating what you were talking about as you explained everything.
Safe to say this will be on the camera for majority of the Undone content from now on? Be curious to see a bokeh comparison between the lenses. Definitely seems like you have a nicer separation from background 👍
Thanks, Matt! Yeah, I'll probably be using it most often. I'm still working out getting the lighting and the grade right now. It's funny how different a simple lens change can make the workflow.
3:15 "I don't have advanced testing techniques".... LOLOLOLOL
Exactly the comparison I was thinking about just a second before finding this video :D (G80 user)
Thanks heaps Gerald, great video, i've watched it a number of times and it's been quite a learning curve
You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment and support.
Great lens, great video. Thank You. Best regards, Kai the bee filmer. :)
Great stuff man, it's like you read my mind as the video went on. Great visual descriptions as well. Ive had my GH5 for about a week now so ill be going bank to your videos for reference often... First video of you ive seen but I'm subscribed
Thanks a lot, Gerardo. Appreciate the support. I'm glad I could help. Looking forward to seeing you in the comments. :)
Subbed simply based on that catchy as heck intro
Muahaha. Then my plan worked! :)
Cheers! Thanks.
Note to self: work on catchy intro this week!
Cool Review man, glad to know your a camera nerd like myself. I just got this same one in APSC for my a6500 and i love it.
Yeah? Good to know. I'm really happy with it so far.
Thanks for your comment. :)
great work, I intent to buy a gh5, but was not sure with which lens (as first lens), but after this video i will buy gh5 with sigma 16 f1.4. Thank you!!!
And how are you enjoying your lens
Hey Gerald, if I hadn't already know the quality of your videos and content, I would probably be laughing my arse off at the home-spun techniques you used in this video. Like waving a white sheet of copy paper around to test vignetting!!!!! How funny!
Excellent video, man! I'm very interested in picking up some good low light primes for a prospective G85 purchase i'm considering.
Thanks! I'd definitely recommend this one. Still no complaints. I use it all the time.
Would you recommend this Sigma 16mm over the Summilux 15mm 1.7?
I would, yes. It's a little cheaper, a little sharper, a little faster. The only con is a it's a bit bigger and no aperture ring, but I'd rather have the first three things I said. 😃
A bit bigger? It is easily 5 times the size and almost 4 times the weight. A little??
Not using the outside circle is why this lens is soooo super in focus around the edges. It is only using the center of the glass for the whole image. Unbeatable. Super secret weapon. Don't use autofocus on pro productions. Use Hyperfocal distance techniques for focus. Paired with the GH5 max settings and open gate mode 5K OMG!
Nice review, I was considering this lens until I saw the viltrox speedbooster knock off for $400 cheaper and Im going to get the sigma 18-35mm, canon 50mm 1.4, tokina 11-16mm instead. I got the SLR magic 77mm VariND mk2 a few months ago.
Thanks! I've always been a little weary of speedboosters. People have great results with Metabones, so I know I'm just being picky, but I like native lenses. Feels right to me. The lenses you listed are all pretty awesome though, except the Canon 50mm 1.4. I believe that one is often considered terrible value. It's only the smallest bit better than the 1.8, which is less than half the price, and not near as good as the 1.2. I'd get the 1.8 instead and put the savings toward something else. Just my two cents, but I've used Canon for a long, long time. Here's the one I'd recommend: amzn.to/2HfhinO
yeah my brother owns that lens, I might get somthing else not sure yet. Jus get sigma 18-35mm for now
Mister Gerald, Great video as always, Few questions! 1. Whats your opinion on a 85mm lens for the gh5 for portrait shots? if so is there a certain lens your recommend in this range? im planning to purchase this 16mm and pair it with the sigma 18-35 i currently own, but would like a 3rd lens to have the best of all worlds. 2. Can you make a video on how to record and post youtube videos with a GH5 as you do in these videos? and maybe the same set up with how to stream on twitch with a gh5! would appreciate it a bunch thanks man!
What do you think would be the best choice in between the Panasonic leica 15mm f1.7 and this lens? Price is almost the same.
For me, I like the Sigma a little more. I wanted a like-35mm lens, so the closer to 17.5mm the better. The Sigma's a bit faster and a bit cheaper. I think it's all around a little bit better of a buy.
Gerald Undone thanks for the info! I will try to test that lens somewhere.
How would you compare the look for video between the 16mm Sigma and the Panasonic 12-35? Does it look more cinematic?
That's a tough and interesting question, Craig. If I had to use a word, I would say "smoother". I like the 12-35, but the images seem a tad more clinical than the Sigma 16mm. More precise and rigid and harsh in a way. The Sigma seems to roll off more naturally and more smoothly. I realize that's probably a bunch of nonsense, but it's hard to describe the look sometimes. Also, none of those things I said are to a large degree. They are only subtly different.
I agree with your thoughts on the 12-35. I was thinking of modifying an old Contax Zeiss lens. But the Sigma 16mm might be a more affordable solution.
It did the focus hunt POP thing at 11:21 when you were using the app. In fact you went to background and back to your face a couple of times, and it was quick to change focus, but it did that weird thing that the panasonic lens does too, which makes me think it's more about the camera than the lens in that case, but just wondering if you experienced that again without using the app. I realize this is an old AF video in technology times, but if I can get a better af lens by switching away from panny lenses, maybe olympus, if not sigma, I'll do it! I hate that damn bounce it does when hitting focus!
Sickest guy! Loved the info on the step down ring. What about step up ring if you want to use a 67mm filter on a 46mm lens presuming there would be no issues with this either ? Keep up the cracking content
Quite interesting lens but the question is: I'm using a GH5 + 12-60 Pansonic lens and I was looking for some improvement, like wide lenses, do you think it worth buying this lens? Thank you
If you like that focal length, then yes, definitely. I was using something similar, the 12-35, and I think it was definitely worth it, but I shoot a lot at the focal length.
Cool, thank you!
Thanks for a very informative video
Good work Undone, thanks.
You're welcome. Thanks for the comment. :)
You are a professional lens reviewer now :)
Pretty cool video. Nice job
Looked it up. Currently on Amazon the Sigma 16mm and Olympus 17mm are right at 400 USD. The PanaLeica 15mm is $150 more.
Do you find any disadvantage with the size of the Sigma? It's significantly larger than the 15mm or 17mm.
Thanks, this is informative.
Great video Gerald !
do you know how the manual focus performs on this lens? I shoot a lot handheld and almost never use the AF
Thanks
Is GH5 any good to buy now like the colors are a Sony or Canon
What is that sound popping up in the background ? Every 20 sec or so wth Gerald?
Thanks for this vid!
I use the 12-35 on my GH5 but I'm not completly happy in low light situations... I'm not sure if the Sigma 16 mm is the right choice because I like the dual stabilisation 12-35+GH5... Are there some other possibilities..?
+1 for Hoya filter!
What is the handheld focus device you're using in this video?
That focus in/focus out/focus back is probably Panasonics Depth From Defocus. You witness in slow motion what's happening when getting focus for taking photos. Looking back at certain Panasonic Mega OIS digital(!) video jitter, this is just another blunder of theirs, sigh.
Hi there! Any thoughts comparing Olympus 17 f1.2 Vs Sigma 16?
The Olympus is a better lens for sure, but it comes down to the money. If money is no issue, get the Olympus. But value wise, I think you're getting more for your money with the Sigma. It's like 90% of the Olympus but for less than half the price.
@@geraldundone Thinking of getting it second hand if possible...thanks for replying!
What about the Panasonic 12mm f1.4 or the 15mm f1.7 native lenses. Or were you just looking at the sigma because it was cheaper?
Hey there, where did you buy the bag for the LED light? Looks good
Hi, Gerald, Great video. You seem completely rational too me (i.e. not crazy at all). I'm wondering if the Sigma MFT version is really f1.4. The reason I ask is because they offer an APS-C version. If they simply change the mount then the image circle will be bigger than the MFT sensor, hence an effective aperature of ~f1.86. Just wondering. Call me crazy.
Her Gerald. Love your videos. I have a gh5 and i have the panasonic 12-35 along with the sigma 16. I am contemplating getting the sigma 18-35 as well and would to know your thoughts on whether the sigma 18-35 is that much of a game changer when compared to the sigma 16 and panasonic 12-35?
Thanks, Jacob! Appreciate it.
Okay, here's my thoughts on the 18-35: It's a great lens. It's fast, covers a decent range, and is pretty great bang for your buck. However, I don't like adapters that much, and once you add in the price of a metabones, it's no longer that great of value. It's also big and heavy and only gets bigger when you put an adapter on it. Although metabones is pretty good with firmware updates, there have been periods where there were serious issues/crashes with adapting the 18-35 and I have trouble trusting it in situations where you only have once chance to get the shot. Mind you, it does work pretty reliably these days.
Lastly, the lens itself has been plagued with less than stellar quality control. Some of them focus great right out of the box, others require calibration in order to focus correctly. In both cases, you can expect reduced video AF performance with the lens because of 3rd party adaptation. Most people who buy the combo manually focus.
I know many people loved the combo. It was a big favourite for the GH4, but I personally dislike it slightly more than I like it.
I find that these days, I shoot mostly everything with the 16mm Sigma anyway. :)
Thanks so much Gerald :)
Actually, the version 1 of the 12-35 has dual is support with its new firmware update!
Yeah. I noticed that when I was updating the camera firmware the other day that there are quite a few lenses that got updates.
Can i use sigma 56mm f1.4 on lumix GH4 without adpter? And which once should I choose For canon or Sony??
good review. i will have to check this lens out.
Thanks! Several months later and I still use it every day. :)
thanks for the great video man!
have you used Olympus 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens? I'm going to buy this sigma 16mm or an used Olympus 12-40. the sigma has a much faster wide aperture and the Olympus has a really pro quality , the aperture is less faster though.
I have! I like the Olympus lens a lot. It's great for a zoom. It's obviously 2-stops slower, so if lowlight or shallow DOF is important go with the Sigma. But if you don't care about that stuff and would rather have the reach, the Olympus will be better.
Gerald Undone thanks for the response! I don’t really use zoom when I’m shooting videos. I do kind a of vlog styles videos outside and inside as well
Does the Olympus glass much more superior than the sigma in terms of quality?
@@MADEbyDANSHINO I wouldn't say "much more". The Sigma is very good quality and is very sharp. The Olympus has nice features and is built well, but the Sigma is very good too.
Gerald Undone thanks 🙏
I'm curious, did you use Sigma 16mm f1.4 mft on a gh5s? I'm looking for new lenses, since I own the 25mm f1.7, 42.5mm f1.7 and the Samyang 12mm f2.0 for my GH5s but I want to switch to sigma 16,30 and 56. What do you think about them on a gh5s in comparison with the other lenses? I'm not a big fan of auto focus so I don't care about it
Still using this lens? How's it with the new 2.3 update for the the GH5? Just as good, better, any thoughts would be great. Wanting this lens over the pana 15mm lens. Thanks for the review.
JD
Absolutely. I use this lens almost every day. It works beautifully with the update. I still manually focus more than anything, but when I do switch to auto, I'm pleased with the results. I'd definitely still recommend it today.
Hi Gerald, thank you for the video! We're looking for a lens to shoot some of our interviews and talking head (albeit with a GH4) and have just made the plunge on this lens with your video, so cheers for the thoughts. Also, the vid looks great 👍🏼 Have subbed.
Thanks for this comment! I'm glad I could help. It's been a few months now and I'm still really happy with this lens, so I think you'll be quite pleased. Thanks for the compliment and sub! :)
That is good to know! It's arriving tomorrow so am going to test it out on a G7 also. Very excited. What LED panels are you using in this vid? I've just bought some of these (www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-LED-Video-Light-Camcorder/dp/B00FVU8E3O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525101977&sr=8-1&keywords=yongnuo+yn600).
Is there an LED panel softbox you recommend I get? I noticed you had some on your panels.
Here's my kit link if you wanna see all my gear: kit.com/GeraldUndone/video-gear
I don't recommend the little panel softboxes like the one I tried in this video. I don't find they soften the light enough. I built some of my own, but I actually prefer umbrellas most of the time.
Ah that is useful! I will have a browse.
I was thinking of getting some umbrellas, but was just trying to figure out the mounting situation.
Very useful thank you
Hi ... beter then the 20 1.7 ?
Is this a big error in your video? You said it can take your old filters with a step down ring but will the lens cap still work if you do this?
Thanks for sharing the review BTW.
😐
Such a great video, you totally saved me talking about the step down ring. Went from the 12-35 to the 16mm and you saved me $$$. Do you find that this lens airs on the lighter creamy side? The color science would be an interesting topic. I find that the new sigmas have a very specific look
That's awesome! I'm glad I could help. Thanks for saying so.
I do find they have a slightly different look, yeah. Creamier is a good word.
Hey Gerald I bought this lens (16mm 1.4). Also looking to pick up one more lens for the GH5 as a companion lens of different focal length. Any suggestions in the Sigma line? I shoot travel videos and social media ads.
@@jostalking The 30mm is good too. It's a lot tighter of a shot than the 16mm, but similar optical quality.
Nice review! What about manual focusing ring? How it works for video??
Alexander Deyev - It's okay. Not much better than the average focus by wire. These types are very hard to manually focus with. This one might be a tad better than the Panny lenses, but not much.
So you don't recommend it for video shooting with 80% of manual focusing?
I can't say I would really recommend any focus-by-wire system for heavily manual focused work. You'd definitely be better off with a cine lens. The two main things you want are hard stops so that you will always know the range of your focus (Electronic focus rings spin and spin forever.), and you want a ring that moves in a logical way and is always the same so that you can repeat focus. (Electronic focus uses acceleration so the faster you move it the further it throws focus, this is very hard to predict.) There are some hybrids that do both reasonably well: Many Olympus lenses have a focus clutch that lets you switch between manual focus with hard stops and electronic focus with fast AF. Here's an example of one that's pretty similar in specs to the Sigma: amzn.to/2BYJBHz
Hope all that helps.
Thanks for your help Gerald!
Thinking about this one or the 18-35 sigma. I want to use it for weddings and stuff too. I think the 18-35 with speed booster would be a good choice but the 16mm will work better on gimbals , is much lighter and no noisy autofocus. Not sure about it. What do you think about it ? Thx
The 18-35 is a great lens. I personally never went that route because I've always been a little apprehensive when it comes to 3rd-party adapters for important shoots. I don't mean to be fear-mongering, but what if the adapter spazzes out during "the kiss". Also, if AF is important you'll get much better performance with the 16mm. All that being said, if you're going full manual and you have full creative control, the 18-35 will produce a better image with more versatility.
Gerald Undone okay. I think I will go with the16mm . Maybe the 18-35 as a second one in future. With the 16mm I think I can shoot weddings and vlogs or gimbal shots as well. So it’s more “Allround” with a nice 1.4 . Hopefully I can take some good cinematic stuff too. For GH5 with the newest firmware, you’re still using the same settings for AF as in the the video before?
For the most part, yes, I still have my aggressive settings and my slower settings. But I find the shutter angle is less important now. 181d vs 180d vs 179d all seem to be the same. Most of the time lately I've been doing Speed at -2 and Sensitivity at -1 for those smoother cinematic pulls. But even 0/0 works well.
Hi Gerald, in that shoot (you talking at camera) is the lens wide open?
I'm pretty sure it is, yeah. f/1.4
Thanks!
I sold this lens but when I look back. I miss it
So would I experience a lot of shaky video with a GH4 I just placed an order and now I’m worried.
does this sigma lens suits LUMIX G85 for Vlogging??
So, from a beginners perspective, you dont need a speedbooster or any sort of adapter to use the Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN on a GH5?
No, its very fast. Great value!
Yep... That's what I was thinking.
Haha. This made me laugh.
Those bass frenquencies in the background, what a pain!
beautiful
intro
Do you need a speed booster for this lens on gh5?
This is a native MFT lens. Can't use a speedbooster
I have 18 105 Sony lens. I wanted to buy something wider angle than that, as well as wide apperture.
How much is the difference between 18 and 16 according to your experience? If we talk about only wide angle difference, is it worth?
The shorter the focal length gets the bigger impact a mm will have. So 16-18 is noticeable. It's not huge, but it's something.
Here's a picture showing the difference: 1.img-dpreview.com/files/p/TS560x560~forums/55286613/5763142da6dc4d278d45f81a673c1ae3
As far as being worth the money, I would focus more on the getting the faster lens part and if you happen to get a little wider while doing that consider it a bonus, but I probably wouldn't invest hard just for those 2mm.
Gerald Undone
Thank you very much for replying, that explains a lot. I wish there was a 12 or 14 prime in this serries. Sony 10-18 is f4, so no use. But I dont have a fast lens for night landscape either. So might have to consider the Sigma 16 for a6500. It is less than half the price of above Sony lens.
Yeah, I really like the Sigma 16mm f1.4. I think it would work well for what you want. And it's a great value.
Hello. have you found any fix or tip for that "double hunting" autofocus with Panasonic lenses? Thank you
NAno González DJ It is the other way around, the sigma are the ones with the problem of double hunting. I had to return a Sigma 18-35 for that same reason. Even in this video if you look, when Gerald uses the phone and focuses on the wall and then to it every time Sigma makes a double hunt, however in the Panasonic does not. What he says does not correspond to what is seen in the video, it is just the opposite.
Hey man, love the review. I have recently started using the Panasonic GH 5. I got the 12-35 2.8 with it and am looking for a prime lens for video work (cinematic, shorts, etc) I was wondering, since this lens on the GH5 basically a 35mm equivalent, if it would be a go to lens for you?
Well, I can tell you this: I also have the 12-35 as a workhorse lens, but since getting the 16mm, I haven't really taken it off the camera. I've been shooting everything with it and just "zooming" with my feet. :)
It just feels so good and natural. I really, really love it.
Also, thanks for the comment and compliment. Hope the above helps. Cheers!
Gerald Undone thanks so much. And of course, love the intro!!!!!!!!!
Gerald Undone hey when you soon in with your feet do you use manual focus or CAF on this lens? Thx
Great review! Can’t find too many reviews on the m43 version of it. I have it for my a6500, but have been considering it for my GH5. I think I’m convinced to part ways with my money.
Thanks! Appreciate that. My gut tells me it's probably 95% the same as the Sony version. So, if you like it there, you should like it m4/3. :)
Help please. I want to buy a GH5 and a prime for product review videos. Since I don't have a lot of space I usually shoot from very short distances (1 Meter or less). Which prime/length would you recommend? Micro 4/3 has a crop factor of 2, right? So a 24 becomes a 48? (Sorry total newbie here)
Yeah, you've got it right. 24 becomes 48.
The 16mm is pretty good for tight spaces, if you check out some of my more recent videos you can get an idea of the field of view. Those are all shot with the 16mm about 1.25m away.
If you need something a little wider, I think a 12mm will work. It will have a bit more distortion in the face though, but a lot of people like the look.
@@geraldundone Thanks Gerald! Liked and subbed!
Hey Gerald, is this a better buy than a Voigtlander 17.5? I know very different price range...
Tough to compare. The Sigma is an autofocus lens.
@@geraldundone Will stick to my 18-35 on a MB SB for now. The 16 1.4 can't be better than the 18-35 in terms of pic quality right? I don't mind the extra weight...helps when I go handheld with my cage
And thanks for all the videos G:) Really digging them:)
The 18-35 is great. I wouldn't say the 16mm is better, but it is surprisingly good.
Thanks bro:) I use a lot of adapted lenses. Just for future proofing. Might pick this one up as my first native glass:)
Why even mention lens stabilization? For m43 at that wide focal length the ibis common on most m43 is gonna be buttery smooth.
How about infinity with this lens
Now watch this being you're most viewed video behind the obs one because it's a tech one xD
Yeah. It wouldn't surprise me. :)
Does it work on canon 7d?
I have the sigma 16 mm for the GH5, I bought it because it was recommended as a good wide-angle lens. I'm not hugely up to date with camera equipment as of now, but the lens is definitely no wider compared to my other lenses. Is this something to do with settings? Please may someone explain?
Are you comparing it to other lenses on other cameras or other lenses for the GH5?
I ask because the GH5 has a 2x crop, so it's more like a 32mm if you were comparing it to a full frame camera.
Gerald Undone Comparing with my Leica 12-60 mm lens the size of view looks the same, even in your example of the Sigma 16 mm your video looks like a wide angle, whereas mine really doesn’t
Is it possible you turned on the Extra Tele Conversion setting in your camera? It crops in on the image to give you a bit more reach.
Is it really good AF like u said?
I found it to be quite good, yes.
Which app you use for control af ?
Panasonic Image App.
do you use a metabones speedbooster or a adaptater ?
I do not. This lens is a native lens.
On which camera because I own the GH5 but this lens isn’t fitting?
Hi man,Is this lens for M4/3 OR sony E ?
马超毅 Made for both, but I have the m4/3 version.
Gerald Undone Thanks Have a good day
Please stop the review at 4:04 and compare the cupboard colors with Panasonic 12-35 vs. Sigma 16mm!...
Do you often experience such strong magenta discoloring in your praxis with the Sigma lens?
That's the colour grade. It wasn't meant for footage that blown out. I add purple to the shadows in post, but on the blown out image it looks crazy. 😃
On the unedited footage, no, I haven't experienced a magenta push.
Good eye. I guess I could have explained that part better. Cheers.
Gerald Undone , thank you for your response! If the footage was taken with a Panasonic G9, I could explain this phenomenon with under- or overexposing. A well known and often discussed problem specific for the G9
Little tip, if you’re reviewing a lens and especially if you reference a camera in the title it would be good if we actually see the lens on a camera. Thank you
Because otherwise you'd think I was lying? Or does it help you with something I'm not thinking of?
You can see it a little at 10:43, if that helps.
Thanks for watching/commenting. :)
Gerald Undone No, it is just pointless if we don't see it on a camera, that's all.
David Murray how is it pointless? Wasn’t it on the camera in the video?