Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
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
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
This super-telephoto zoom lens is praised for its exceptional sharpness and background blur, rivaling even prime lenses like the 300mm f4. Users love it for wildlife photography, noting it delivers impressive bokeh at 600mm and great value for its reach. However, the lens is heavy, bulky, and poorly balanced on modern M4/3 bodies, with an awkward I/S switch that can accidentally turn off. Despite these ergonomic drawbacks, most reviewers consider it a top all-around choice for wildlife, especially at its price point.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great background blur/bokeh
- Excellent for wildlife
- Good value for reach
- Impressive at 600mm
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Poor balance on M4/3 bodies
- Awkward I/S switch placement
- Too long at short end (300mm equiv)
- Requires high shutter speed
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 150 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 600 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 25 |
| Groups | 9 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 6★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/6.3 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 5.0-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 2.06 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops | 7 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 560 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.7x★ |
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
OM System M.ZUIKO DIGITAL V335930BW000 150-600mm
- Strong stabilization (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong optical (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong versatility (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (68th percentile)
- Below average build (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 3.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.