Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
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
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
This lens has received overwhelmingly negative feedback due to severe build quality issues. Multiple verified buyers report that the lens mount breaks off within days or months, often due to tiny screws stripping plastic threads. Users also criticize Rokinon's poor customer support, with some unable to get replacements or repairs. A few Q&A responses note decent optical quality, but the structural failures make this lens unreliable.
Pros
- Decent optical quality
- Good value for money initially
Cons
- Lens mount breaks easily
- Poor build quality with plastic threads
- Terrible customer support
- Screws strip and fall out
- Lens falls off camera
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 24 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 17 |
| Groups | 9 | 14 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | UMC Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.10 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | LSM (Linear Sonic Motor) |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 350 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:3.7★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
Rokinon IO2470AFZ 70mm
- Strong optical (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong versatility (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average user sentiment (0th percentile)0th %ile
- Below average social proof (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 2.1x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
