Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II XF 85mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 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
Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II XF 85mm
This 85mm f/1.8 lens from Viltrox is widely praised for its sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and solid build quality, especially given its affordable price. Many users find it comparable to much more expensive Nikon or Sony lenses for portrait work. However, some reviewers report issues with chromatic aberration, occasional slow autofocus, and a notable problem with the lens hood being stuck in the reverse position. A few also note slight softness at the edges and an abrupt bokeh transition, but overall it is considered excellent value for the money.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Solid build quality
- Great value for money
- Fast autofocus
Cons
- Chromatic aberration issues
- Occasional slow autofocus
- Lens hood stuck in reverse position
- Slight edge softness
- Abrupt bokeh transition
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm | Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II XF 85mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 85 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 85 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 10 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | HD Nano multi-layer coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.48 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 800 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.13x |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Viltrox AF 85/1.8 II XF 85mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong build (71st percentile)
- Below average macro (28th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.