Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Zeiss 2103-749-cr
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
Zeiss 2103-749-cr
The Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 is lauded for its outstanding image quality, sharpness, and compact all-metal build, with many reviewers praising the Zeiss color rendition and the satisfying manual focus experience. However, a few users noted design flaws, including a tendency for the lens hood to detach accidentally and difficulty mounting/unmounting the lens. Overall, it is considered a premium manual lens that rewards deliberate photography, though it may not suit those needing rapid autofocus.
Pros
- Outstanding image quality
- Sharp even wide open
- Compact all-metal build
- Lovely Zeiss color rendition
- Satisfying manual focus experience
Cons
- Lens hood detaches accidentally
- Difficult to mount and unmount
- Focus magnifier malfunction on newer cameras
- No knurling on focus ring for tactile pre-focus
- Not suitable for action photography
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Zeiss 2103-749-cr | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Groups | 9 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✓★ | — |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.77 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:5.9★ |
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
Zeiss 2103-749-cr
- Strong user sentiment (76th percentile)
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.