Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Tamron All-In-One Zoom AFB028N700 18-400mm
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
Tamron All-In-One Zoom AFB028N700 18-400mm
The Tamron 18-400mm lens is widely praised for its incredible zoom range and versatility, making it an ideal all-in-one travel lens. Users highlight its sharpness, quiet autofocus, and close-focus capability, though some note minor compromises like weak image stabilization at long focal lengths and chromatic aberration at 400mm. Overall, it is seen as a fantastic value for those prioritizing convenience over absolute optical perfection.
Pros
- Incredible 18-400mm zoom range
- Excellent sharpness across focal lengths
- Quiet and fast autofocus
- Versatile all-in-one travel lens
- Good close-focus / macro capability
Cons
- Weak image stabilization at 300mm+
- Chromatic aberration at 400mm
- Slow aperture (slow lens)
- Minor distortion at edges
- Tripod collar cannot be mounted without affecting zoom
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Tamron All-In-One Zoom AFB028N700 18-400mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.70 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 79 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | HLD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 79 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2.9★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Tamron All-In-One Zoom AFB028N700 18-400mm
- Strong versatility (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.