Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Panasonic
90 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon
36 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
85 out of 100 medium confidence 21 reviews
This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Solid build quality
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
- Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
- Plastic lens hood
Image quality 12
Build quality 8
Autofocus performance 6
Image stabilization 7
Weight 4
Value for money 5
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Video Cinema
Professional
Landscape
Budget
Street
Portrait
Travel
Wildlife Sports
Macro
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | — |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | — |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | — |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | — |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | — |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | — |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | — |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | — |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
- Strong versatility (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong aperture (78th percentile)
- Strong bokeh (76th percentile)
- Below average macro (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average social proof (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average optical (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average build (32nd percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 22 specs.