Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic
90 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 50mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 50mm

Nikon
62 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

85 out of 100 medium confidence 21 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 12
👍 Build quality 8
👍 Autofocus performance 6
🤔 Image stabilization 7
👎 Weight 4
👍 Value for money 5

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 50mm

85 out of 100 medium confidence 13 reviews

The Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 macro lens is highly praised for its versatility, serving both as a sharp macro lens and a capable "nifty fifty" for portraits and street photography. Users consistently highlight its excellent image quality, fast and accurate autofocus, and lightweight, compact design. While a few note that a dedicated portrait lens might offer better bokeh, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a great value for the price.

Pros
  • Excellent image sharpness
  • Versatile macro and portrait use
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Great value for the price
Cons
  • Heavy ring flash may strain autofocus motor
  • Dedicated portrait lens offers better bokeh
  • Limited working distance for macro
👍 Image quality 8
👍 Versatility 7
👍 Value for money 5
👍 Autofocus performance 4
👍 Build quality 4
🤔 Portrait suitability 4

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
100
Nikon
53
Professional
Panasonic
92
Nikon
61
Landscape
Panasonic
91
Nikon
52
Budget
Panasonic
90
Nikon
56
Street
Panasonic
84
Nikon
61
Portrait
Panasonic
83
Nikon
40
Travel
Panasonic
82
Nikon
59
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Nikon
56
Macro
Panasonic
76
Nikon
77

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmNikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 50mm
Optics
Typezoommacro
Focal Length Min12 mm50 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm50 mm
Elements1410
Groups97
Aspherical Elements4★1
ED Elements11
CoatingNano Surface CoatingFluorine coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsNikon Z
Formatmicro-four-thirdsfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.31 kg0.26 kg★
Filter Thread58 mm46 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSTM★
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★160 mm
Max Magnification0.21x1:1★

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 50mm

  • Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
  • Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong af (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Below average aperture (20th percentile)20th %ile
  • Below average bokeh (23rd percentile)
  • Below average versatility (34th percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Scores 90 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm Better at:

BudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports