Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma EX DG 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye 15mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Solid build quality
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
- Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
- Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
- Not as sharp as prime lenses
- Plastic lens hood
Sigma EX DG 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye 15mm
This Sigma 15mm fisheye lens is highly praised for its sharpness, excellent build quality, and creative potential, especially on full-frame cameras where it delivers true fisheye effects with minimal vignetting. Some users report strong distortion at the edges and compatibility issues with crop-sensor cameras, while others note autofocus noise and occasional mediocre sharpness on certain copies. A few experienced return or quality control concerns, but overall sentiment is positive among those who understand its specialized use.
Pros
- Excellent sharpness
- Great build quality
- Minimal vignetting
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Creative fisheye perspective
Cons
- Strong edge distortion
- Not ideal for APS-C sensors
- Autofocus noise in low light
- Inconsistent sharpness on some copies
- Can't use front filters
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma EX DG 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon EF |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.37 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | auto-focus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | — |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:3.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
Sigma EX DG 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye 15mm
- Strong macro (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong aperture (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong bokeh (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (68th percentile)
- Below average optical (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (21st percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
