Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon 1242B002-cr
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 1242B002-cr
The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is widely praised for its excellent image quality, fast constant aperture, and effective image stabilization, making it a favorite walk-around lens for APS-C shooters. However, many users report significant dust intrusion, lens creep, and a build quality that feels below its premium price point. While optical performance rivals L-series glass, the lack of weather sealing and occasional autofocus or IS failures over time are common frustrations. Overall, it is a top performer optically but has notable durability concerns.
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Fast constant f/2.8 aperture
- Effective image stabilization (3 stops)
- Versatile 17-55mm focal range for APS-C
- Fast and quiet USM autofocus
Cons
- Significant dust intrusion inside lens
- Lens creep over time
- No weather sealing
- Plastic build quality feels cheap for price
- Expensive for an EF-S lens
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon 1242B002-cr | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 19 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| 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★ | 0.93 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 3 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 351 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.17x |
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 optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Canon 1242B002-cr
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average build (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.