Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 56mm
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
Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 56mm
The Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 is a creative manual-focus lens that delivers soft, dreamy portraits and unique effects straight out of camera. Build quality feedback is split: some call it cheap and wobbly, while others praise solid construction. It works on many Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax mounts but requires patience with manual focus. Most users love the artistic results despite mixed feelings on build.
Pros
- Unique soft focus effect
- Fun and creative lens
- Solid build praised by many
- Beautiful portrait results
Cons
- Cheap build and wobbling reported
- Loose mount and barrel play
- Rear lens cap falls off
- Very soft wide open
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 56mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 56 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 56 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 4 |
| Groups | 9 | 3 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.6 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.41 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 127 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:2★ |
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
Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6 56mm
- Strong macro (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average optical (0th percentile)0th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.