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

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

Panasonic
90 Overall Score
vs
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 45mm

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 45mm

Olympus
52 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

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

85 out of 100 medium confidence 21 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 12
👍 Build quality 8
👍 Autofocus performance 6
🤔 Image stabilization 7
👎 Weight 4
👍 Value for money 5

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 45mm

88 out of 100 medium confidence 21 reviews

This Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and compact size, making it a favorite for portraits and macro-like shots. Users highlight its lightweight design and excellent image quality, though some note the plastic build and lack of weather sealing. Overall, it is considered a fantastic value for Micro Four Thirds photographers.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Great for portraits
  • Fast and quiet autofocus
Cons
  • Plastic build quality
  • No weather sealing
  • Not compatible with full-frame cameras
  • Price considered high by some
👍 Image quality 8
👍 Bokeh 6
🤔 Build quality 5
👍 Size and weight 7
👍 Value for money 4
👎 Weather sealing 3

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
100
Olympus
45
Professional
Panasonic
92
Olympus
47
Landscape
Panasonic
91
Olympus
41
Budget
Panasonic
90
Olympus
48
Street
Panasonic
84
Olympus
53
Portrait
Panasonic
83
Olympus
33
Travel
Panasonic
82
Olympus
47
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Olympus
41
Macro
Panasonic
76
Olympus
40

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmOlympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 45mm
Optics
Typezoomprime
Focal Length Min12 mm45 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm45 mm
Elements149
Groups98
Aspherical Elements4★2
ED Elements12★
CoatingNano Surface Coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperturef/2.8f/1.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades77
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Formatmicro-four-thirdsmicro-four-thirds
Weather Sealed✓★✗
Weight0.31 kg0.12 kg★
Filter Thread58 mm37 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusMSC
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★500 mm
Max Magnification0.21x★0.11x

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

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 45mm

  • Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
  • Below average bokeh (13th percentile)13th %ile
  • Below average aperture (20th percentile)20th %ile
  • Below average macro (32nd percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Verdict

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

Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.

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

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports