Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
The Laowa 24mm f/14 probe lens is a highly specialized, manual-focus macro lens that offers a unique wide-angle perspective for extreme close-ups and creative video. Users consistently praise its build quality and the ability to capture shots impossible with other lenses, though they note it requires abundant light and a stable setup. It is a niche tool that rewards patience and skill, with many saying the challenge is part of the fun. Overall, it is a well-built, creative lens that delivers on its promise for those willing to work within its limitations.
Pros
- Unique wide-angle macro perspective
- Excellent build quality and durability
- Enables shots impossible with other lenses
- Waterproof front barrel
- Integrated LED light at tip
Cons
- Requires a lot of light
- Very slow aperture (f/14)
- Manual focus only
- Needs stable setup or tripod
- Niche use, not a daily lens
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
| Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | macro | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 24 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 27 | 14 |
| Groups | 19 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| Coating | One Extra Refractive Index Element | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/40 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/14 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.47 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | — | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | manual focus only | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 470 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 2:1★ | 0.21x |
Pros & Cons
Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe 24mm
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong macro (78th percentile)
- Strong social proof (67th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 2.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
