Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
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
Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
This kit lens is a decent entry-level option for beginners learning DSLR photography, offering good image quality and image stabilization at a low price. However, many users report that the autofocus is slow and unreliable in low light, and the build quality feels cheap and prone to breaking after several months. While it serves well as a starter lens, most reviewers recommend upgrading to a faster or better-built lens as skills improve.
Pros
- Good image quality for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Lightweight and compact design
- Versatile focal range for everyday use
- Great starter lens for beginners
Cons
- Slow and unreliable autofocus in low light
- Cheap plastic build quality
- Autofocus motor noise in video
- Soft image quality at telephoto end
- Limited maximum aperture (f/5.6 at 55mm)
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | standard |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | optimized lens coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | 22-38★ |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF-S |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Micromotor-type AF motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 55 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.34x★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
Canon EF-S 8114B002 18-55mm
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong versatility (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (21st percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.