Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm

AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm

AstrHori
33 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

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
👍 Optical performance 7
👍 Build quality 6
👍 Autofocus speed 5
👍 Versatility 4
👍 Video features 3
👎 Depth of field 2

AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 18 reviews

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. Users highlight its suitability for both photography and video, with many noting a significant upgrade from previous lenses. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when powered off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior. Overall, it is praised as a professional-grade zoom that delivers outstanding results.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness
  • Fast and snappy autofocus
  • Great low-light performance
  • Excellent for video
  • Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
  • Internal movement when powered off
  • Not parfocal
  • Focus-by-wire system
👍 Image quality 6
👍 Autofocus performance 4
👍 Low light performance 2
👍 Video suitability 2
🤔 Build quality 5
👍 Value for money 1

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
99
AstrHori
18
Landscape
Panasonic
95
AstrHori
30
Professional
Panasonic
92
AstrHori
25
Portrait
Panasonic
89
AstrHori
21
Travel
Panasonic
86
AstrHori
16
Budget
Panasonic
86
AstrHori
20
Street
Panasonic
84
AstrHori
20
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
AstrHori
15
Macro
Panasonic
76
AstrHori
62

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmAstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
Optics
Typezoommacro
Focal Length Min12 mm18 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm18 mm
Elements1423
Groups917
Aspherical Elements4★—
ED Elements1★—
CoatingNano Surface Coating—
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/28
Min Aperturef/2.8f/8
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades77
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsSony E
Formatmicro-four-thirdsAPS-C★
Weather Sealed✓★—
Weight0.31 kg★1.78 kg
Filter Thread58 mm—
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusmanual focus only
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★488 mm
Max Magnification0.21x2:1★

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

AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm

  • Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong macro (77th percentile)
  • Below average build (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
  • Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
  • Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
  • Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports