Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Zeiss 000000-2136-691
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 000000-2136-691
The Zeiss Batis series lenses receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional image quality, beautiful bokeh, and solid build. Users praise the sharpness, color rendering, and fast autofocus, though one reviewer noted a defective unit with packaging issues. Overall, these lenses are highly recommended for portrait and outdoor photography, despite being heavy and requiring distance for portraits.
Pros
- Exceptional image sharpness
- Beautiful creamy bokeh
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Solid weather-sealed build
- OLED focus distance display
Cons
- Heavy weight
- Requires distance for portraits
- Packaging issues reported
- Defective unit received by one user
- Focus ring could be more textured
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Zeiss 000000-2136-691 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 | 4 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 7★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | ZEISS T* coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 16★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.33 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | linear motors★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 250 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Zeiss 000000-2136-691
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
