Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
This compact 220-degree circular fisheye lens has impressed users with its solid all-metal build, sharp optics, and excellent value for the price. Despite its tiny size that fits in a pocket, it delivers dramatic perspectives ideal for creative and night-sky photography. Some minor drawbacks include a tight mount on Micro Four Thirds bodies and a front cap that could be better, but overall it is praised as a fun and affordable super fisheye.
Pros
- All-metal build
- Sharp optics
- Compact and pocketable
- Excellent value for price
- Creates dramatic perspectives
Cons
- Tight fit on camera body
- Mediocre front lens cap
- No firm grip surface for mounting
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
Scores
Specifications
| Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | fisheye | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 4 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 4 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 10 | 14 |
| Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | — | 1★ |
| Coating | multi-layer nano-coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.19 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 61 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 95 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.21x★ |
Pros & Cons
Meike 3.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye 4mm
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
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 (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.