Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sirui Venus 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic 50mm
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
Sirui Venus 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic 50mm
The SIRUI Venus 50mm T2.9 anamorphic lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its cinematic image quality, smooth bokeh, and solid build, especially given its price point. A few verified buyers report softness or receiving opened/dusty units, but most praise its sharpness, flare control, and value. The lens is seen as a budget-friendly entry into anamorphic filmmaking, though some note the lack of autofocus and the need for careful handling.
Pros
- Cinematic image quality
- Smooth oval bokeh
- Solid build and smooth rings
- Great value for the price
- Pleasant color rendition and contrast
Cons
- Some units arrived opened or dusty
- Occasional softness reported
- No autofocus
- Heavy and bulky design
- Premium price for some budgets
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sirui Venus 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.9 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.07 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 31 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:12.83 (V), 1:2★ |
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
Sirui Venus 50mm T2.9 1.6X Full-Frame Anamorphic 50mm
- Strong macro (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong social proof (70th percentile)
- Strong optical (67th percentile)
- Below average build (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
