Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
The Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and outstanding low-light performance, making it a favorite among professionals. However, a significant number of users report autofocus issues, particularly at distances beyond 30 feet or at wide apertures, which can be inconsistent across copies. Despite its high price, most agree it delivers superb image quality, though some note it is slightly soft wide open and heavy.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Excellent low-light performance
- Fast aperture f/1.4
- Good build quality
Cons
- Autofocus issues at distance
- Inconsistent AF across copies
- Soft wide open at f/1.4
- Heavy weight
- High price
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 24 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 250 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:5.55★ |
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED 24mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (78th percentile)
- Strong macro (75th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
