Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact design, and excellent vibration reduction, making it a favorite for wildlife and travel photography. Users appreciate its versatility and compatibility with teleconverters, though a few note minor weaknesses like softness at 400mm and a design flaw where the reversed lens cap blocks zooming. Overall, it's considered a modern classic that delivers impressive image quality.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent vibration reduction
- Versatile for wildlife and travel
- Compatible with teleconverters
Cons
- Softness at 400mm
- Lens cap blocks zoom when reversed
- Minor weakness at long end
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 25 |
| Groups | 9 | 20 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 8★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/40 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.44 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops | 5 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 750 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2.63★ |
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
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- Strong optical (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average build (18th percentile)18th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.