Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
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
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this Sigma 150-500mm lens, praising its excellent image quality, sharpness, and value for money compared to expensive Nikon alternatives. The optical stabilization is highly effective, and the build quality feels solid and professional. However, the lens is noted to be very heavy, and its slow aperture (f/5-6.3) makes it challenging for indoor or low-light sports photography. Some users also reported autofocus issues after extended use or in low light.
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Great value for money
- Effective optical stabilization
- Solid and professional build quality
- Smooth zoom and focus rings
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky
- Slow aperture for low light
- Autofocus issues after extended use
- Autofocus unreliable in low light
- Lens cap feels flimsy
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 21 |
| Groups | 9 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | super multilayer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.78 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 86 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 2.20 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:5.2★ |
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
Sigma APO DG OS HSM 737101 150-500mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (71st percentile)
- Below average build (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.