Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II 35mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Solid build quality
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
- Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
- Plastic lens hood
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II 35mm
The Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 is a manual focus lens that delivers stunning bokeh and excellent center sharpness wide open, making it a favorite for portrait and artistic photography on Fuji X-mount cameras. Users praise its solid build and smooth focus ring, but note significant chromatic aberration, a very shallow depth of field that requires practice, and quality control inconsistencies. The lack of EXIF data transfer is a common drawback, though focus peaking helps. Overall, it offers exceptional value for its price, especially for those willing to embrace manual shooting.
Pros
- Stunning bokeh at f/0.95
- Excellent center sharpness wide open
- Solid all-metal build quality
- Smooth and well-dampened focus ring
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Significant chromatic aberration wide open
- Very shallow depth of field at f/0.95
- No EXIF data transfer
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Heavy weight
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/0.95 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.46 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.13 |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II 35mm
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average macro (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.