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

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

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Nikon
74 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

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

82 out of 100 high confidence 54 reviews

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.

Pros
  • Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
  • Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • Sharp image quality across focal lengths
  • Solid build and durable construction
Cons
  • Heavier than some comparable lenses
  • Relatively expensive (new)
  • Some copies have softness issues
  • Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
  • Zoom ring position can be awkward
👍 Image quality 28
👍 Zoom range versatility 25
👍 Build quality 18
👍 Vibration reduction 12
🤔 Weight 14
👍 Value for money 15

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
98
Nikon
67
Landscape
Panasonic
95
Nikon
92
Professional
Panasonic
92
Nikon
71
Portrait
Panasonic
89
Nikon
50
Travel
Panasonic
86
Nikon
85
Budget
Panasonic
86
Nikon
74
Street
Panasonic
84
Nikon
57
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Nikon
71
Macro
Panasonic
76
Nikon
74

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmNikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min12 mm24 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm120 mm
Elements1416
Groups913
Aspherical Elements4★3
ED Elements12★
CoatingNano Surface CoatingNano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperturef/2.8f/4
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsNikon F
Formatmicro-four-thirdsfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.31 kg★0.63 kg
Filter Thread58 mm77 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSilent Wave Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops5 stops★4 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★350 mm
Max Magnification0.21x1:2.56★

Pros & Cons

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

  • Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

  • Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Pricing

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

No current pricing available

Nikon NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 S

Verdict

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

Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

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

MacroBudgetStreetPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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