Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
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
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
This Zeiss 35mm lens is highly praised for its sharpness and build quality, often compared favorably to Leica alternatives at a much lower price. Users appreciate its compact size and smooth operation, though the focusing tab is noted as slightly less intuitive than Leica's. It serves well as a versatile everyday lens, with one reviewer using it daily for all but portraits.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Solid build quality
- Smooth focusing and aperture
Cons
- Focusing tab less intuitive than Leica
- Not ideal for portraits
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 35 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Groups | 9 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | T-Antireflexbeschichtung |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 10★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica M |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 43 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 700 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.0534722222 |
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
Zeiss Biogon T ZM 1486-394-L 35mm
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong bokeh (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average macro (29th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.