Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
This Sony 55-200mm telephoto zoom lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharp image quality, fast autofocus, and lightweight plastic build that balances well on Sony Alpha cameras. Users praise its value for money, noting excellent center and edge sharpness, minimal chromatic aberration, and smooth zoom. A few mention slight softness at 200mm and occasional autofocus hesitation, but overall it is highly recommended for portraits and outdoor photography.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Lightweight plastic build
- Great value for money
- Smooth zoom operation
Cons
- Slight softness at 200mm
- Occasional autofocus hesitation
- Plastic build may feel cheap to some
- Needs good light for handheld shots
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
Scores
Specifications
| Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | telephoto | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 55 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 200 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | — | 14 |
| Groups | — | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | — | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony A | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | SAM | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 950 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Sony DT 55-200mm f/4-5.6 SAM DT Telephoto Zoom
- Strong versatility (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong bokeh (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
- Below average optical (33rd percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
