Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
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
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is widely praised for its sharpness, solid build, and value compared to the f/2.8 version, making it a favorite for landscape and real estate photography. Users highlight the effective image stabilization and good performance on both DSLR and mirrorless bodies with an adapter. However, some find it heavy, not ideal for low-light indoor events without a tripod, and occasionally note quality control issues with refurbished units. Overall, it delivers excellent ultra-wide-angle results for its price point.
Pros
- Very sharp edge-to-edge
- Excellent image stabilization (4 stops)
- Great value vs. f/2.8 version
- Solid build quality
- Works on full-frame and APS-C
Cons
- Heavier than ideal
- Not fast enough for low-light indoor events
- Fringing/distortion without software correction
- Occasional quality control issues on refurbished
- Hood latch can accidentally release
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Spectra coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.61 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | USM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 280 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.23x★ |
Pros & Cons
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
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
