Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical 28mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Solid build quality
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
- Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
- Plastic lens hood
Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical 28mm
The Voigtländer 28mm f/1.5 lens receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Users praise its exceptional build quality, smooth manual focus, and compact metal design, with many noting it pairs well with Nikon Z cameras. However, several reviewers report optical issues like softness at wide apertures, purple fringing, and axial chromatic aberrations even at smaller stops, leading some to question if they received a bad copy. Overall, it is seen as a lens with character that excels in certain conditions but may not satisfy those seeking perfect optical correction.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Smooth manual focus ring
- Compact metal design
- Sharp when stopped down
- Great for night photography
Cons
- Soft at wide apertures
- Purple fringing wide open
- Axial chromatic aberrations at all stops
- Inaccurate distance scale
- Possible sample variation
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical 28mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 28 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 10 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 12★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.36 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 280 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical 28mm
- Strong macro (75th percentile)
- Strong build (69th percentile)
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average social proof (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 22 specs.