Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Pentax DA 21430 70mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its excellent optical performance, sturdy yet lightweight build, and fast autofocus. Users highlight its versatility as a workhorse zoom for both photo and video, with particular appreciation for the linear focus mode on compatible cameras. A few note the shallow depth of field is limited due to the Micro Four Thirds system, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
Pros
- Excellent optical performance
- Sturdy yet lightweight build
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Versatile zoom range
- Linear focus mode for video
Cons
- Limited shallow depth of field
- Focus-by-wire system not linear
- No built-in gear ring for cine use
- Slight chromatic aberration in high contrast
Pentax DA 21430 70mm
The Pentax HD DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited is a compact prime lens that delivers outstanding sharpness, beautiful color rendition, and smooth bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and travel photography. Users praise its weather-resistant build, fast autofocus, and the retractable hood, though some note it can be a bit long on APS-C cameras for tight spaces. The HD coating improves flare resistance and color transmission compared to the older SMC version. Overall, it is highly recommended for Pentax shooters seeking a high-quality, portable telephoto prime.
Pros
- Outstanding sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition
- Smooth bokeh
- Compact and portable
- Weather-resistant build
Cons
- Slightly long on APS-C for tight spaces
- Bokeh not spectacular for some
- Focus ring feel not premium
- Lens cap can fall off if hood retracted
- Only for cropped sensor cameras
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Pentax DA 21430 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 6 |
| Groups | 9 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | HD coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.15 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 701 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:8★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pentax DA 21430 70mm
- Strong build (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average optical (31st percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
No current pricing available
Pentax DA 21430 70mm
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
