Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm
The Nikon 18-300mm lens is widely praised for its versatility, replacing multiple lenses with a single 16.7x zoom. Users highlight excellent clarity, fast performance, and effective vibration reduction, though they note it is heavy and expensive. Build quality is solid, and close-focus capability is a bonus. The main drawbacks are weight and the need for a good camera body to balance it.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and sharpness
- Fast performance and speed
- Effective vibration reduction (VR II)
- Versatile 16.7x zoom range (18-300mm)
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy weight (over 2 lbs)
- High price
- No tripod mount on lens
- Requires good camera body for balance
- Large filter size (77mm) increases cost
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 19 |
| Groups | 9 | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.83 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | AF-S |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average build (8th percentile)8th %ile
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
No current pricing available
Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 22 specs.
