Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Pentax DA 21880 18-55mm
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
Pentax DA 21880 18-55mm
The Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL WR Zoom Lens is praised for its weather resistance, versatility, and good image quality, especially for daytime photography and low-light indoor use. Users appreciate its durability and value as a general-purpose kit lens, though some note it is optically just a kit lens with limitations in sharpness and speed. Delivery delays were mentioned but attributed to postal services, not the product itself.
Pros
- Weather resistant design
- Versatile for portrait and landscape
- Good image quality for kit lens
- Clear macro and wide-angle shots
- Vivid colors
Cons
- Optically just a kit lens
- Limited sharpness compared to better lenses
- Slower aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Delivery delays (postal service)
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Pentax DA 21880 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | SP (Super Protect) coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | 22-38★ |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 6 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.23 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 250 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2.94★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pentax DA 21880 18-55mm
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong macro (75th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Pentax DA 21880 18-55mm offers 2.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
