Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma EX DG 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye 8mm
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
Sigma EX DG 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye 8mm
The Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye lens is well-liked for its sharpness, color rendition, and unique circular fisheye effect. Users appreciate its ability to simplify handheld panoramic photography, though some note chromatic distortion and noise in dark corners. Compatibility with various Nikon bodies is generally good, but autofocus is not supported on entry-level DSLRs.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Unique circular fisheye effect
- Simplifies handheld panoramic photography
- Good color rendition
- Works with FTZ adapter on Z cameras
Cons
- Chromatic distortion (aurora) around image
- Noise in dark corners
- No autofocus on entry-level Nikon DSLRs
- Not a true full-frame lens (EX not FX)
- Requires manual focus on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma EX DG 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye 8mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 8 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 6 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 6 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.40 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus (with Nikon Cameras That Have an Autofocus Motor) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 135 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:4.6★ |
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
Sigma EX DG 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye 8mm
- Strong macro (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (71st percentile)
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd 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
Sigma EX DG 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye 8mm
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
