Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Olympus Zuiko Digital 261054 18-180mm
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
Olympus Zuiko Digital 261054 18-180mm
This superzoom lens is highly praised for its sharpness, versatility, and value, especially as a travel lens for Olympus DSLR users. Verified buyers report crisp images from 18mm to 180mm, with good low-light performance when used in manual focus mode. A few complaints mention missing accessories and slow autofocus, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Sharp images across zoom range
- Versatile travel lens
- Good value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Good low-light performance in manual mode
Cons
- Missing accessories in some orders
- Slow autofocus in low light
- Not ideal for sports or wildlife
- Higher price in some regions
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Olympus Zuiko Digital 261054 18-180mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 180 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.43 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Coreless motors |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | — |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 360 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Olympus Zuiko Digital 261054 18-180mm
- Strong versatility (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average optical (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.
