Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon L EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
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
Canon L EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Users highlight its versatility for wildlife, sports, and even close-up photography, with many noting it outperforms competitors like the Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm lenses in image quality. However, some criticize the price increase and occasional sharpness inconsistencies, while a few users report autofocus limitations with extenders on certain camera bodies.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Versatile zoom range (100-400mm)
- Excellent image stabilization
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Price increase over time
- Heavy weight
- Autofocus limitations with 2x extender
- Some copies lack sharpness
- Not ideal for Sony mirrorless
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon L EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 100 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 400 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 21 |
| Groups | 9 | 16 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4 | 4 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Air Sphere Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/100 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 4.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.64 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 980 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.31x★ |
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
Canon L EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average aperture (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average bokeh (1st percentile)1st %ile
- Below average build (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average macro (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.