Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sirui 23AS12E-B
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 23AS12E-B
The Sirui Sniper series lenses are widely praised for their outstanding value for money, delivering solid build quality and impressive image results at a budget-friendly price. Users highlight the fast f/1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, as well as reliable autofocus for both photo and video work. However, some reviewers note that sharpness is not optimal wide open and that chromatic aberration can be noticeable. A few users reported autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations, and one review mentioned a non-functional lens mount. Overall, this lens series is highly recommended for APS-C shooters seeking a cinematic look without the high cost, though minor optical and operational compromises exist.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Bright f/1.2 aperture
- Good build quality
- Reliable autofocus
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Soft wide open at f/1.2
- Noticeable chromatic aberration
- Autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations
- Heavy weight for some models
- Non-functional lens mount reported
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sirui 23AS12E-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | high refractive elements |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.38 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 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
Sirui 23AS12E-B
- Strong social proof (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong macro (71st percentile)
- Strong build (65th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sirui 23AS12E-B offers 2.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.
