Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
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
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
The Meike 55mm f/1.4 lens delivers impressive sharpness, pleasing bokeh, and fast autofocus for Fuji APS-C cameras at a budget-friendly price. Users consistently praise its metal build and aperture ring, but note that firmware updates may require a specific USB-C to USB-A cable and a Windows computer to unlock full autofocus performance. Overall, it is considered an exceptional value, particularly for portrait and street photography.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness at f/1.4
- Pleasing bokeh and background separation
- Fast and reliable autofocus after firmware update
- Premium metal build with aperture ring
- Lightweight and compact design
Cons
- Firmware update requires specific USB-C to USB-A cable
- No firmware update support for Mac computers initially
- Plastic lens hood feels less premium
- Autofocus can hunt before firmware update
- Some chromatic aberration at wide apertures
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 55 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | multilayered coatings |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.29 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 610 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
No current pricing available
Meike Neo Series 5514-E 55mm
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
