Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Tamron B008S 18-270mm
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
Tamron B008S 18-270mm
The Tamron 18-270mm lens is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one travel lens, offering good image stabilization and fast autofocus at a reasonable price. Users appreciate its compact size and lightweight build, though some note that the 270mm reach offers less visual difference than expected compared to 200mm. A few concerns include compatibility issues with certain Sony camera models and slightly darker images compared to OEM lenses.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Effective vibration control
- Fast and responsive autofocus
- Compact and lightweight design
- Good value for money
Cons
- 270mm reach less impressive than expected
- Compatibility issues with some Sony cameras
- Slightly darker images than OEM lenses
- Zoom creep in middle range
- VC draws more battery power
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Tamron B008S 18-270mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 270 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | 22-40★ |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony/Minolta Alpha DT |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | APS-C★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | — |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.45 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 62 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 490 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:3.8★ |
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
Tamron B008S 18-270mm
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong social proof (71st percentile)
- Strong optical (66th percentile)
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
Pricing
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
