Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

OM System
59 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

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

85 out of 100 medium confidence 27 reviews

This M.Zuiko 40-150mm lens is widely praised for being lightweight and compact, delivering sharp images for its price point. Users are impressed with its value as a budget telephoto zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system, especially for outdoor daytime photography. A few note it struggles in low light and with fast-moving subjects, but most consider it a fantastic deal for hobbyists and travelers.

Pros
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Sharp image quality for the price
  • Excellent value for money
  • Good for daytime outdoor photography
  • Quiet and fast autofocus
Cons
  • Struggles in low light
  • Not suitable for fast-moving subjects
  • Plastic build feels cheap
  • Not weather sealed
  • Tromboning zoom mechanism
👍 Price value 18
🤔 Build quality 7
👎 Low light performance 6
👍 Weight and portability 10
👍 Image sharpness 9
👎 Weather sealing 3

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
98
OM System
47
Landscape
Panasonic
95
OM System
54
Professional
Panasonic
92
OM System
42
Portrait
Panasonic
89
OM System
38
Travel
Panasonic
86
OM System
75
Budget
Panasonic
86
OM System
61
Street
Panasonic
84
OM System
55
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
OM System
49
Macro
Panasonic
76
OM System
44

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmOM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min12 mm40 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm150 mm
Elements1413
Groups910
Aspherical Elements4★—
ED Elements11
CoatingNano Surface Coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperturef/2.84-5.6
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades77
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Formatmicro-four-thirdsmicro-four-thirds
Weather Sealed✓★✗
Weight0.31 kg0.19 kg★
Filter Thread58 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusAutofocus
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★900 mm
Max Magnification0.21x1:6.25★

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

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

  • Strong versatility (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong social proof (77th percentile)
  • Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average stabilization (34th percentile)

Pricing

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R is CA$867 cheaper (4.8x less).

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm0.088score per dollar
vs
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R0.253score per dollar

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R offers 2.9x better value for money

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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