Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
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 24-120mm f/4 S
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.
Pros
- Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
- Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
- Sharp image quality across focal lengths
- Solid build and durable construction
Cons
- Heavier than some comparable lenses
- Relatively expensive (new)
- Some copies have softness issues
- Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
- Zoom ring position can be awkward
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 120 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/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★ | 0.63 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2.56★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
