Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Arducam LN052 35mm
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
Arducam LN052 35mm
This C-mount lens receives mixed feedback, with several users reporting severe focusing issues and compatibility problems with different camera mounts. While some appreciate its solid build and smooth aperture ring, others note purple flaring and a very narrow field of view. The lack of included mounting accessories and IR-cut filter also frustrates buyers. Overall, it seems best suited for specific setups and experienced users.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Smooth aperture ring
- Smooth focus ring
- Easy adjustments
Cons
- Severe focusing issues
- Compatibility problems with mounts
- Purple flaring in images
- Very narrow field of view
- Missing mounting accessories
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Arducam LN052 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 12★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | C Mount |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.11 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 35 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
Arducam LN052 35mm
- Strong macro (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong stabilization (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Below average user sentiment (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average optical (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.