Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical 50mm
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
Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical 50mm
The Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical is widely praised for its exceptional build quality, smooth manual focus, and unique rendering that many describe as magical or dreamy. Users love the f/1.0 aperture for low-light and artistic portraits, noting that while it is not razor-sharp wide open, it delivers beautiful character and becomes very sharp by f/2.0. Some mention visible vignetting and chromatic aberration at f/1.0, but these are often seen as part of the lens's charm. Overall, it is considered a special, fun lens that rewards careful manual focusing.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Smooth manual focus ring
- Beautiful rendering and character
- Fast f/1.0 aperture for low light
- Sharp from f/2.0 onward
Cons
- Not razor sharp at f/1.0
- Visible vignetting wide open
- Chromatic aberration at f/1.0
- Heavy and bulky
- Manual focus only
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 12★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.59 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 450 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.0 Aspherical 50mm
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.