Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
Pentax Star-series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW
Pentax
50 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
92 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews
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
Optical performance 7
Build quality 6
Autofocus speed 5
Versatility 4
Video features 3
Depth of field 2
Pentax Star-series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Video Cinema
Landscape
Professional
Portrait
Travel
Budget
Street
Wildlife Sports
Macro
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Pentax Star-series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | HD Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.71 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | PLM (Pulse Motor) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.24x★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pentax Star-series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm0.088score per dollar
vs
Pentax Star-series 16-50mm f/2.8 ED PLM AW0.026score per dollar
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 3.4x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
