Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR 18mm
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
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR 18mm
The Fujifilm XF 18mm f/2 R lens is widely praised for its compact size, sharp image quality, and fast aperture, making it a favorite for street and indoor photography. Users appreciate its lightweight design that pairs well with smaller camera bodies like the X-E3 and X-T1. However, some note minor chromatic aberration at wide apertures and a poorly designed lens hood cap that tends to fall off. Overall, it's considered a solid walk-around lens with excellent value, especially when purchased at a discount.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast f/2 aperture
- Great for street and indoor photography
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Lens hood cap falls off easily
- Chromatic aberration at wide apertures
- Softer corners at wider apertures
- Mediocre included cleaning kit
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR 18mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 8 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super EBC |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.12 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 180 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.14x |
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
Fujifilm XF 18mm f/1.4 R LM WR 18mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (72nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (31st 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 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
