Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
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
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and beautiful rendering. Users highlight its versatility for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and even astrophotography, with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion when corrections are applied. A few note the reliance on digital corrections for distortion and vignetting, and some find the price steep, but the overwhelming sentiment is that it delivers outstanding image quality in a lighter, well-balanced package.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness wide open
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh and rendering
- Minimal chromatic aberration
- Versatile for multiple genres
Cons
- Relies on digital corrections for distortion
- High price point
- Noticeable vignetting without correction
- Some coma in extreme corners for astro
- No image stabilization
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Air Sphere (ASC) Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.56 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Nano USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 280 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.21x |
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
Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM 35mm
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 2.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
