Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sirui Aurora 35mm F1.4 35mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
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
Sirui Aurora 35mm F1.4 35mm
The Sirui Aurora 35mm f/1.4 lens receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its value for money, compact size, and smooth autofocus, while others report severe sharpness issues and poor corner performance. A verified buyer called it the worst lens they've ever seen, but another verified buyer says it's an amazing deal compared to the Sony GM. The Q&A confirms a 62mm filter thread.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Smooth autofocus for video
- Beautiful bokeh at f/1.4
- Good build quality
Cons
- Inconsistent sharpness across copies
- Poor corner performance
- Chromatic aberration present
- Autofocus not as snappy as Sony GM
- Some users report terrible image quality
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sirui Aurora 35mm F1.4 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Protective Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 15★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.49 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | step motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 35 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:7.14★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Sirui Aurora 35mm F1.4 35mm
- Strong bokeh (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong macro (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average social proof (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.