Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
This Tamron 60mm f/2 macro lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, excellent bokeh, and versatile use for both macro and portrait photography. Users appreciate the good working distance, solid build, and value for money, though some note the autofocus can be slow and noisy, and one verified reviewer reported a severe front-focusing issue that could not be fully corrected. Overall, it is highly recommended for APS-C DSLR users seeking a capable macro and portrait lens.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great bokeh
- Versatile for macro and portrait
- Good working distance
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Slow autofocus speed
- Noisy autofocus motor
- Front-focusing issues on some copies
- Autofocus hunts in low contrast
- Lens hood interferes at close range
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 60 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 60 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Broad-Band Anti-Reflective Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony A |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.39 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 231 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:1★ |
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
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong optical (73rd percentile)
- Strong social proof (69th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II 1:1 Macro 60mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
