Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
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
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
This lens is widely praised for its excellent optics, lightweight design, and quiet STM autofocus, making it a great everyday and travel lens. Users note it rivals Canon's L-series in image quality while being much more affordable, though some mention the plastic mount and lack of weather sealing as drawbacks. Verified buyers highlight its sharpness, effective image stabilization, and value for money, especially when purchased as a kit lens. However, a few users report limitations with autofocus points on certain camera bodies and note it is not a true macro lens.
Pros
- Excellent image quality rivaling L-series
- Lightweight and compact design
- Quiet and smooth STM autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
- Great value for money
Cons
- Plastic mount instead of metal
- No weather sealing
- Limited autofocus points on some bodies
- Not a true macro lens
- Inferior image quality to 18-135mm
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF-S |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 66 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:4★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS STM 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.