Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
The Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar is a lens with legendary character, offering beautiful rendering and sharpness when stopped down, but it comes with a notable focus shift issue that requires compensation. Users praise its build quality, compact size, and value compared to Leica alternatives, though the focus shift and expensive hood are common complaints. It's a lens that demands patience but rewards with stunning portraits and a classic glow.
Pros
- Beautiful rendering wide open
- Very sharp when stopped down
- Solid build quality
- Compact size
- Great value for money
Cons
- Noticeable focus shift
- Expensive lens hood
- Focus shift requires compensation
- Not compatible with Contax IIIa
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 50 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 6 |
| Groups | 9 | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | T* |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.5 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 16★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | ARRI PL |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.22 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 46 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 460 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.0520833333 |
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
Zeiss Aatma Prime 50mm T1.5 50mm
- Below average build (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average optical (18th percentile)18th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.