Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Tamron SP A025E 70-200mm
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
Tamron SP A025E 70-200mm
The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is overwhelmingly praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and excellent value compared to the Canon equivalent. Users highlight its superb build quality and versatility for sports, portraits, and low-light photography. A minor caveat is that the VC switches can be accidentally bumped during shooting, but this does not detract from the overall positive experience. Most reviewers consider it a no-brainer purchase, saving significant money without sacrificing image quality.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent value for money
- Superb build quality
- Versatile for sports and portraits
Cons
- VC switches easily bumped accidentally
- Slightly more vignetting than Canon
- Heavy and requires tripod for long use
- Price could be lower in some markets
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Tamron SP A025E 70-200mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 200 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 23 |
| Groups | 9 | 17 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | eBAND Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 2.10 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 77 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops | 5 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 950 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:6.1★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Tamron SP A025E 70-200mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong af (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average build (12th percentile)12th %ile
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 94 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
