Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
Sony
22 Overall Score
vs
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Panasonic
96 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
No customer feedback yet
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
Scores
Video Cinema
Landscape
Professional
Portrait
Travel
Budget
Street
Wildlife Sports
Macro
Specifications
| Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 | 4 |
| ED Elements | 3★ | 1 |
| Coating | Nano AR Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/54 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 7★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.01 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | XD Linear Motor★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | — | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | — | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.21x★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong optical (77th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average social proof (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average macro (12th percentile)12th %ile
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
Verdict
Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.