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

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

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Canon
83 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

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

72 out of 100 high confidence 128 reviews

This kit lens is generally well-regarded as a versatile and affordable starter option for Canon DSLR beginners, delivering sharp images and effective image stabilization for the price. However, many users note its limitations in low light, slow and sometimes unreliable autofocus, and a plastic build that can wear out over time. While it's a great value for learning, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or higher-quality lens as skills improve.

Pros
  • Sharp image quality
  • Effective image stabilization
  • Versatile focal range
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Great value for beginners
Cons
  • Slow autofocus in low light
  • Plastic build quality
  • Limited aperture at telephoto
  • Autofocus hunting
  • Noise during video recording
👍 Image quality 25
👎 Autofocus performance 18
👎 Build quality 15
👍 Value for money 14
👍 Image stabilization 12
👎 Low light performance 10

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
98
Canon
78
Landscape
Panasonic
95
Canon
73
Professional
Panasonic
92
Canon
69
Street
Panasonic
84
Canon
92
Budget
Panasonic
86
Canon
90
Portrait
Panasonic
89
Canon
80
Travel
Panasonic
86
Canon
87
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Canon
72
Macro
Panasonic
76
Canon
69

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmCanon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min12 mm18 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm55 mm
Elements1411
Groups99
Aspherical Elements4★1
ED Elements11
CoatingNano Surface CoatingSuper Spectra coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/3.5
Min Aperturef/2.83.5-5.6
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades7★6
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsCanon EF-S
Formatmicro-four-thirdsAPS-C★
Weather Sealed✓★✗
Weight0.31 kg0.20 kg★
Filter Thread58 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusMicro Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops5 stops★4 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★250 mm
Max Magnification0.21x0.34x★

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

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
  • Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile

Pricing

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

No current pricing available

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

Verdict

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

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

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

MacroPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Better at:

BudgetStreet

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