Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
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
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
User experiences with this lens are mixed. One reviewer praised it for being sharp and joyful on a Fujifilm camera, noting only minor chromatic aberration issues. Another found it a great value, while a third user was disappointed enough by the build quality to return it. Compatibility questions confirm it works with Sony E mount but not with Canon EF/EF-S DSLR cameras like the 60D.
Pros
- Sharp from f/1.4 onward
- Joyful to use
- Great value for the price
- Compatible with Sony E mount
Cons
- Chromatic aberration on backlit subjects
- Softer at f/1.2 compared to f/1.4
- Poor build quality reported
- Not compatible with Canon EF/EF-S DSLRs
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Ultra Multi-Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.42 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 340 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:5.9★ |
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
Rokinon SP RK3512-FX 35mm
- Strong macro (65th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.