Sony FE SEL85F18/2 85mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Sony FE SEL85F18/2 85mm
The Sony 85mm f/1.8 FE lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and fast, silent autofocus. Users consistently praise its lightweight yet solid build and excellent value for money, often comparing it favorably to much more expensive GM lenses. While a few long-term users report failures in the focus motor and aperture control, and some note chromatic aberration wide open, the vast majority find it an indispensable lens for portraits, and many also enjoy it for street photography and video. Its compact size makes it a favorite for travel, and the included lens hood and customizable focus hold button add to its appeal.
Pros
- razor-sharp images
- beautiful bokeh and background blur
- fast and silent autofocus
- excellent value for money
- lightweight and compact design
Cons
- focus motor failure in long term
- aperture control failure in long term
- chromatic aberration wide open
- limited macro capability
- minimum focus distance too long
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sony FE SEL85F18/2 85mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 85 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 85 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 14 |
| Groups | 8 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | — | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.37 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Double linear motor system★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 800 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.13x | 0.21x★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony FE SEL85F18/2 85mm
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average aperture (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average bokeh (23rd percentile)
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
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
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.