Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
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
Sigma DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
This Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC OS HSM lens is widely praised for its versatility, sharpness, and fast aperture, making it an excellent upgrade from kit lenses. Users highlight the close focus capability, effective optical stabilization, and natural color rendition. Some note trade-offs like softness at the telephoto end, lack of full-time manual focus, and slightly higher weight. Overall, it offers great value for amateur photographers seeking a walkaround lens.
Pros
- Fast f/2.8 aperture at wide end
- Excellent close focus capability
- Effective optical stabilization (OS)
- Sharp images at wide focal lengths
- Natural color rendition
Cons
- Softness at 70mm f/4
- No full-time manual focus
- Slightly heavy weight
- Vignetting and barrel distortion at 17mm
- OS drains battery faster
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 4 |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 220 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2.7★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Sigma DC Macro OS HSM 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average build (21st percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.