Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
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
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
The Pentax HD D FA 21mm f/2.4ED Limited DC WR lens is highly praised for its unique image look, sharpness, and build quality. Users find it a worthy successor to older lenses like the Zeiss Distagon 21mm, with excellent close focusing and minimal distortion. Some note that its magic is best at f/2.4, with vignetting adding character, and that it pairs well with other Pentax Limited lenses.
Pros
- Unique image look at f/2.4
- Excellent sharpness
- Great close focusing ability
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Severe vignetting at f/2.4
- Loses magic at f/5.6
- Images may be overexposed with Pentax K-1
- High cost
- Not as good as 31mm Limited for contrast/saturation
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Pentax Limited 28050 21mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 21 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 21 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | High-Grade Multi-Layer HD Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 8★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Pentax K |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.42 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 180 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.26x★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pentax Limited 28050 21mm
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong optical (76th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.