Pentax DA Limited SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited 35mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Pentax DA Limited SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited 35mm
The Pentax SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited Lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Reviewers praise its exceptional sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and versatile macro capabilities, making it a favorite for both close-up nature shots and general photography. Many highlight its solid build quality and compact design, with some noting it has become their go-to lens. A few mention the very close minimum focus distance requires good light for macro work, but overall satisfaction is very high.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Beautiful bokeh
- Versatile macro capabilities
- Solid build quality
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Very close minimum focus distance requires good light for macro
- Some users prefer manual focus for macro work
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
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax DA Limited SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited 35mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 14 |
| Groups | 8 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 4★ |
| ED Elements | — | 1★ |
| Coating | HD coating, SP Protect coating | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.21 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 49 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 140 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:1★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Pentax DA Limited SMCP-DA 35mm f/2.8 HD Macro Limited 35mm
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong macro (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average aperture (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average bokeh (23rd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
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
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.