Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
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
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its sharpness, minimal distortion, and lightweight build, making it a favorite for real estate, architecture, and astrophotography. Users appreciate the manual focus and solid construction, though some note the lack of electronic contacts (no EXIF data) and occasional soft corners. Overall, it delivers excellent value for its price, especially for specialized wide-angle work.
Pros
- Sharp images
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Lightweight and compact
- Solid build quality
- Excellent for real estate and architecture
Cons
- No electronic contacts (no EXIF data)
- Manual focus only
- Occasional soft corners
- Lens flare could be cleaner
- No weather sealing
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Frog Eye Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.61 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 180 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:5★ |
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
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong macro (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
No current pricing available
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
