Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Viltrox FV-Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE
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
Viltrox FV-Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE
The Sony 16mm f/1.8 G lens is widely praised for its compact size, sharpness, and excellent low-light performance, making it a favorite for astrophotography and wide-angle work. Users appreciate the fast and reliable autofocus, lightweight build, and the ability to use standard 67mm filters. A few criticisms include noticeable vignetting at the corners and the lack of an included lens case at this price point.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sharp image quality
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for low light
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Standard 67mm filter thread
Cons
- Noticeable corner vignetting
- No lens case included
- Expensive for some buyers
- Too wide for some subjects
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Viltrox FV-Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 16 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 16 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 15 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 11★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.30 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | XD linear motors★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.25x★ |
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
Viltrox FV-Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
