fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
What Buyers Say
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
This Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 lens is widely praised for its outstanding sharpness, compact size, and remarkable value for money. Users consistently highlight the excellent optical performance, especially on higher-megapixel sensors, and appreciate its lightweight design for travel and street photography. The main drawbacks are the audible autofocus noise, which can be heard from a few feet away, and autofocus speed that lags behind native Fuji glass. Overall, it's considered a fantastic budget prime that delivers professional-quality images despite a few minor compromises.
Pros
- outstanding sharpness
- compact and lightweight design
- excellent value for money
- great bokeh quality
- good for low light
Cons
- audible autofocus noise
- autofocus speed lags behind native glass
- minimum focus distance of 55cm
- plastic/resin build may feel cheap
- minimal controls
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
| fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount) | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 56 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 56 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 14 |
| Groups | 9 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| Coating | — | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.7 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | — | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | APS-C★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.17 kg★ | 0.31 kg |
| Filter Thread | 52 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 550 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.11x | 0.21x★ |
Pros & Cons
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount)
- Strong build (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average macro (30th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Pricing
fanshang Viltrox Lens 56mm F1.7 STM (X-Mount) offers 3.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
