Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
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
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and low-light performance. Users highlight its suitability for both photography and video, with many noting a significant upgrade from previous lenses. A few Q&A entries address concerns about internal movement when powered off, which is confirmed as normal stabilizer behavior. Overall, it is praised as a professional-grade zoom that delivers outstanding results.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- Excellent for video
- Internal zoom mechanism
Cons
- Internal movement when powered off
- Not parfocal
- Focus-by-wire system
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 23 |
| Groups | 9 | 17 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/28 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/8 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 1.78 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | — |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 488 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 2:1★ |
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
AstrHori Macro Probe A25B-E 18mm
- Strong social proof (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong macro (77th percentile)
- Below average build (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.
