Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF 23mm
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 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
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF 23mm
The Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 is widely praised as an outstanding value lens for APS-C cameras, offering sharp images, fast and quiet autofocus, and solid metal construction at a fraction of the price of OEM equivalents like the Fuji 23mm f/1.4. Reviewers consistently note its excellent low-light performance and pleasing bokeh. However, some users report noticeable chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes, occasional autofocus glitches or camera lock-ups with certain bodies, and a tendency for the aperture ring to be accidentally bumped. A few users also experienced firmware incompatibility after updating their Nikon cameras, rendering the lens unusable.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Very sharp images, even wide open
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Solid metal build quality
- Pleasing bokeh
Cons
- Noticeable chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes
- Aperture ring easily bumped unintentionally
- Occasional autofocus glitches or camera lock-ups
- Firmware incompatibility after Nikon camera updates
- Flare susceptibility
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm | Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF 23mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 23 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 23 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 11 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 2★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | HD Nano Multi-Layer Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.26 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | 0.1x |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF 23mm
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average macro (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (35th percentile)
Pricing
Viltrox AF 23mm f/1.4 XF 23mm offers 3.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
