Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
This Nikon 70-300mm lens is widely praised as an excellent value for the price, delivering sharp images and fast, quiet autofocus. Users highlight the effective vibration reduction and solid build quality, though some note chromatic aberration in bright sunlight and a slightly stiff zoom ring. It is recommended for beginners and enthusiasts on a budget, especially for wildlife, air shows, and general telephoto use.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Effective vibration reduction
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Chromatic aberration in bright sunlight
- Slightly stiff zoom ring
- Softness at 300mm
- Autofocus slow in low light
- Heavy and large for handheld use
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Solid build quality
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
- Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
- Plastic lens hood
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 70 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 300 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 0 | 1★ |
| Coating | — | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 7★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.64 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Manual Focus Only | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 1.50 m | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G 70-300mm
- Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong stabilization (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Strong aperture (66th percentile)
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average optical (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.