Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
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
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
The Sigma 70mm f/2.8 Art macro lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, image quality, and value. Users praise its compact, lightweight design and versatility for macro, portrait, and product photography. While autofocus speed is a common criticism, especially at macro distances, most reviewers find it acceptable given the lens's price and optical performance. Some minor issues include focus hunting, lack of image stabilization, and a firmware bug affecting focus retention.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile for macro and portraits
- Beautiful bokeh
Cons
- Slow autofocus
- Focus hunting at macro distances
- No image stabilization
- Lens extends when focusing
- Firmware bug with focus retention
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm | Sigma Art 270101 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | macro |
| Focal Length Min | 12 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 13 |
| Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Nano Surface Coating | Super multi-layer lens coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | L-Mount |
| Format | micro-four-thirds | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.31 kg★ | 0.53 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 49 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | Coreless DC motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 150 mm★ | 258 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:1★ |
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
Sigma Art 270101 70mm
- Strong bokeh (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong optical (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong af (78th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Art 270101 70mm offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 96 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
