Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon L-Series RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM 20mm
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
Canon L-Series RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM 20mm
This Canon RF lens lineup receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with users praising exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and a lightweight, compact design that is ideal for both photography and video. Many reviewers highlight its outstanding performance for astrophotography, noting minimal coma and excellent star rendering wide open. A few criticisms mention heavy reliance on digital corrections, noticeable uncorrected vignetting, and some distortion, but these are generally seen as acceptable trade-offs for the size, weight, and price. Overall, it is considered a significant upgrade over older EF lenses and a top choice for hybrid shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Excellent for astrophotography
- Minimal coma and aberrations
Cons
- Heavy reliance on digital corrections
- Noticeable uncorrected vignetting
- Some distortion and color fringing
- No image stabilization
- Loose, clunking elements (one report)
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon L-Series RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM 20mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 20 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 20 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 15 |
| Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Canon SSC (Super Spectra Coating); SWC (Sub-Wavelength structure coating; ASC (Air Sphere Coating); Fluorine protective coating on front element |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.52 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | VCM |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 200 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.19x |
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 L-Series RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM 20mm
- Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong build (68th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.