Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Panasonic
96 Overall Score
vs
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm

Sirui
67 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

92 out of 100 medium confidence 22 reviews

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
👍 Optical performance 7
👍 Build quality 6
👍 Autofocus speed 5
👍 Versatility 4
👍 Video features 3
👎 Depth of field 2

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm

85 out of 100 high confidence 48 reviews

The Sirui Sniper series lenses are widely praised for their outstanding value for money, delivering solid build quality and impressive image results at a budget-friendly price. Users highlight the fast f/1.2 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh, as well as reliable autofocus for both photo and video work. However, some reviewers note that sharpness is not optimal wide open and that chromatic aberration can be noticeable. A few users reported autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations, and one review mentioned a non-functional lens mount. Overall, this lens series is highly recommended for APS-C shooters seeking a cinematic look without the high cost, though minor optical and operational compromises exist.

Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Bright f/1.2 aperture
  • Good build quality
  • Reliable autofocus
  • Beautiful bokeh
Cons
  • Soft wide open at f/1.2
  • Noticeable chromatic aberration
  • Autofocus inconsistencies in demanding situations
  • Heavy weight for some models
  • Non-functional lens mount reported
👍 Value for money 25
👍 Build quality 18
🤔 Autofocus performance 22
🤔 Image sharpness 20
👍 Bokeh 16
👍 Low light performance 15

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
98
Sirui
65
Landscape
Panasonic
95
Sirui
51
Professional
Panasonic
92
Sirui
57
Portrait
Panasonic
89
Sirui
58
Travel
Panasonic
86
Sirui
51
Budget
Panasonic
86
Sirui
61
Street
Panasonic
84
Sirui
61
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Sirui
49
Macro
Panasonic
76
Sirui
63

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmSirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm
Optics
Typezoomprime
Focal Length Min12 mm23 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm23 mm
Elements1412
Groups911
Aspherical Elements4★—
ED Elements1★—
CoatingNano Surface Coatinghigh refractive elements
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/16
Min Aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades711★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsFujifilm X
Formatmicro-four-thirdsAPS-C★
Weather Sealed✓★—
Weight0.31 kg★0.38 kg
Filter Thread58 mm58 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusSTM★
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★300 mm
Max Magnification0.21x★—

Pros & Cons

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

  • Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm

  • Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong macro (69th percentile)
  • Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
  • Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
  • Below average stabilization (34th percentile)

Pricing

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm is $619 cheaper (3.2x less).

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm0.107score per dollar
vs
Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm0.241score per dollar

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm offers 2.3x better value for money

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 23mm

Verdict

★ Winner: Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm

Scores 96 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 22 specs.

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

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