Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
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
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
The Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R is widely praised as one of the best kit zooms available, offering impressive sharpness, compact size, and fast autofocus for its price. Users appreciate its lightweight, collapsible design and versatile focal range, though many note the variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6) limits low-light performance and bokeh. Common criticisms include the plastic mount, lack of included lens hood, and a sometimes-fiddly lock mechanism. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens and a great value when bundled with a camera body.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sharp image quality for a kit lens
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Versatile focal range (28-84mm equivalent)
- Great value when bundled with camera
Cons
- Variable aperture limits low-light performance
- Plastic lens mount feels cheap
- No lens hood included
- Lock mechanism can be cumbersome
- Small aperture restricts bokeh
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm | OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 14 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 42 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 8 |
| Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | ZERO |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | 5 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg | 0.09 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 37 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | MSC |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 200 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:4.35★ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 35mm
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong macro (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
- Strong versatility (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (74th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Pricing
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ offers 5.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
