Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 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
Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 21mm
The lens is praised as a great upgrade for the Sony a6000, especially for street photography. However, it is noted to be somewhat heavy and one user hasn't fully tested image quality yet. A Q&A confirms it is manual focus only and compatible with full-frame Sony A7II.
Pros
- Great upgrade for a6000
- Well-constructed build
- Suitable for street photography
Cons
- Heavier than desired
- Untested image quality
- Manual focus only
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 21mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 21 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 21 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 8 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Ultra Multi Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.28 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Rokinon 21mm f/1.4 21mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Strong macro (69th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average social proof (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.