Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma EX 726306 80-400mm
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
Sigma EX 726306 80-400mm
The Sigma 80-400mm lens offers good value for money compared to the Nikon equivalent, with decent optics and vibration reduction. However, users report issues with stiff zoom and focus rings, and the autofocus can be noisy. While some find it excellent for wildlife photography after practice, others prefer saving for the Nikon version due to build quality concerns.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Decent optics
- Effective vibration reduction
- Handheld usability
- Good for wildlife photography
Cons
- Stiff zoom and focus rings
- Noisy autofocus
- VR drift over time
- Inferior build quality compared to Nikon
- Learning curve for sharp images
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma EX 726306 80-400mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 80 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.75 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | HSM |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 35 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Sigma EX 726306 80-400mm
- Strong macro (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average build (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average social proof (17th percentile)17th %ile
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.