Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 XF Mark II 85mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 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
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 XF Mark II 85mm
This 85mm f/1.8 lens from Viltrox is widely praised for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and solid build quality, especially given its affordable price. Many users find it comparable to much more expensive Nikon or Sony lenses for portrait work. However, some reviewers report issues with chromatic aberration, occasional slow autofocus, and a notable problem with the lens hood being stuck in the reverse position. A few also note slight softness at the edges and an abrupt bokeh transition, but overall it is considered excellent value for the money.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Solid build quality
- Great value for money
- Fast autofocus
Cons
- Chromatic aberration issues
- Occasional slow autofocus
- Lens hood stuck in reverse position
- Slight edge softness
- Abrupt bokeh transition
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm | Viltrox 85mm F1.8 XF Mark II 85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 85 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 10 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | HD nano multilayer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 85 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:8★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 XF Mark II 85mm
- Strong bokeh (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong aperture (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong macro (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Viltrox 85mm F1.8 XF Mark II 85mm offers 2.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
