Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon AF-S DX 16-35/4G ED
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
Nikon AF-S DX 16-35/4G ED
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this ultra-wide zoom lens, praising its sharpness, minimal distortion, and fast autofocus. It pairs well with various Nikon bodies, including the D850, D780, D6, and Z9, and is particularly favored for landscape and real estate photography. The moderate price and lightweight design are also appreciated, though some note it's not an f/2.8 lens. Overall, it's highly recommended for those seeking a wide-angle option.
Pros
- Sharp and crisp images
- Minimal distortion
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight design
- Moderate price
Cons
- Not f/2.8 aperture
- Limited use so far
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon AF-S DX 16-35/4G ED | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 17 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal Coat |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.68 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 2.5 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 290 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:4★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Nikon AF-S DX 16-35/4G ED
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong versatility (75th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.