Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
Sigma Art 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN

Sigma Art 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN

Sigma
82 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

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
👍 Optical performance 7
👍 Build quality 6
👍 Autofocus speed 5
👍 Versatility 4
👍 Video features 3
👎 Depth of field 2

Sigma Art 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN

85 out of 100 medium confidence 20 reviews

The Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is widely praised as a versatile all-around lens, ideal for events, weddings, and travel. Users appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture, extra reach over a 24-70mm, and high-quality glass at a lower cost than Sony equivalents. A few note the lens is heavy and the zoom ring can be stiff initially, but overall it delivers excellent performance and value.

Pros
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Extra reach over 24-70mm
  • High-quality glass
  • Lower cost than Sony equivalents
  • Versatile for events and travel
Cons
  • Heavy weight (2.2 lbs)
  • Stiff zoom ring initially
  • No image stabilization
  • Manual zoom only (no power zoom)
  • Vignetting (easily correctable)
👍 Versatility 8
👍 Image quality 6
👍 Value for money 5
👎 Weight 4
👎 Zoom ring stiffness 2
👎 Vignetting 2

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
98
Sigma
82
Professional
Panasonic
92
Sigma
81
Portrait
Panasonic
91
Sigma
90
Landscape
Panasonic
91
Sigma
71
Budget
Panasonic
90
Sigma
84
Street
Panasonic
83
Sigma
72
Travel
Panasonic
83
Sigma
72
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Sigma
68
Macro
Panasonic
76
Sigma
72

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmSigma Art 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min12 mm28 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm105 mm
Elements1418
Groups913
Aspherical Elements45★
ED Elements13★
CoatingNano Surface Coatingwater- and oil-repellent coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Min Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades712★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsSony E
Formatmicro-four-thirdsfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.31 kg★1.00 kg
Filter Thread58 mm82 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusHLA
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★401 mm
Max Magnification0.21x1:3.1★

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 (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile

Sigma Art 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN

  • Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong bokeh (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong versatility (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Below average stabilization (34th percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports