Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
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
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
The Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 and 135mm f/2.8 lenses are overwhelmingly praised for their stunning image quality, sharpness, beautiful color rendition, and fast, accurate autofocus. Users frequently highlight the excellent build quality and compact, lightweight design, making them ideal for travel, street, and portrait photography. Common concerns include minor issues with close-focus performance in low light, some chromatic aberration, and a higher price point, though most agree the optical performance justifies the cost.
Pros
- Stunning image sharpness
- Beautiful color rendition and contrast
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent build quality
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Higher price point
- Close focus issues in low light
- Some chromatic aberration
- OLED display not useful for professionals
- Focus ring lacks grooves
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 25 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 25 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 10 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 | 4 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.34 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | linear motors★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 200 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 25mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong aperture (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.