Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The Nikon AF-P 18-55mm lens receives mixed feedback. Many users praise its sharpness, silent autofocus in video mode, and lightweight design, but compatibility issues with older Nikon cameras like the D5000 and D3300 (without firmware update) are a recurring complaint. Some users report defective units where autofocus fails entirely, while others find it a significant upgrade over older AF-S lenses for video work.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Silent autofocus in video mode
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast autofocus speed
- Good value for money
Cons
- Compatibility issues with older cameras
- Autofocus failure on some units
- Zoom noise picked up by internal mic
- No VR or manual focus button on lens
- Requires firmware update for some cameras
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 14 | — |
| Groups | 9 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Pulse motor (stepping motor)★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 83 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x★ | — |
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
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR offers 6.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
