Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
The Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED is widely praised as one of the best portrait lenses available, delivering stunning sharpness, creamy bokeh, and beautiful color rendition even wide open. Many users consider it a significant upgrade over the 85mm f/1.4 and 70-200mm f/2.8, though they note it is large, heavy, and expensive. A few reviewers report autofocus speed issues, front-focus problems, or softness at minimum focus distance, but the overwhelming majority find the optical performance magical and worth the investment.
Pros
- Stunning sharpness wide open
- Creamy bokeh and background separation
- Beautiful color rendition and contrast
- Excellent low-light performance
- Solid build quality with weather sealing
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Autofocus can be slow in some situations
- Front-focus issues reported on some copies
- Softness at minimum focus distance wide open
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 105 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Nano Crystal Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.98 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 1.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:7.7★ |
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (76th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.