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

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

Panasonic
90 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

Nikon
91 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

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

85 out of 100 medium confidence 21 reviews

This Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, solid build, and constant aperture, making it a versatile workhorse for both photo and video on Micro Four Thirds cameras. Users highlight its impressive image quality that rivals larger formats, fast and reliable autofocus, and effective image stabilization, especially when paired with compatible bodies. A few note the lens is somewhat heavy and that depth of field at f/2.8 is limited on MFT, but overall it is considered a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality standard zoom.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture
  • Solid build quality
  • Fast and reliable autofocus
  • Effective image stabilization
Cons
  • Somewhat heavy
  • Limited depth of field at f/2.8 on MFT
  • Image stabilization barely noticeable at wide angles
  • Not as sharp as prime lenses
  • Plastic lens hood
👍 Image quality 12
👍 Build quality 8
👍 Autofocus performance 6
🤔 Image stabilization 7
👎 Weight 4
👍 Value for money 5

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

92 out of 100 medium confidence 11 reviews

The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 lens is highly praised for its sharpness, compact size, and excellent low-light performance. Users love its versatility for travel, video, and long exposures, often pairing it with other lenses in the budget trinity. A few note it's not as premium as the S-line or Nikon 14-30mm, but most agree it offers incredible value for the price.

Pros
  • Sharp image quality
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Great value for money
  • Versatile for travel and video
Cons
  • Not as premium as S-line lenses
  • Some prefer wider 14-30mm range
  • Build not as exceptional as premium trinity
👍 Image quality 8
👍 Build quality 5
👍 Value for money 6
👍 Low light performance 4
👍 Size and weight 5
👍 Versatility 5

Scores

Video Cinema
Panasonic
100
Nikon
82
Professional
Panasonic
92
Nikon
89
Landscape
Panasonic
91
Nikon
79
Budget
Panasonic
90
Nikon
85
Street
Panasonic
84
Nikon
84
Macro
Panasonic
76
Nikon
84
Portrait
Panasonic
83
Nikon
84
Travel
Panasonic
82
Nikon
70
Wildlife Sports
Panasonic
78
Nikon
73

Specifications

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mmNikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min12 mm17 mm
Focal Length Max35 mm28 mm
Elements1413
Groups911
Aspherical Elements4★3
ED Elements13★
CoatingNano Surface CoatingMulti-Coated
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Min Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades79★
Build
MountMicro Four ThirdsNikon Z
Formatmicro-four-thirdsfull-frame★
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.31 kg★0.45 kg
Filter Thread58 mm67 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeAutofocusStepping Motor★
Stabilization✓★✗
Stabilization Stops5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance150 mm★190 mm
Max Magnification0.21x1:5.26★

Pros & Cons

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

  • Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

  • Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong optical (88th percentile)88th %ile
  • Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
  • Strong af (87th percentile)87th %ile

Verdict

═ Tie

Both products are closely matched - Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 12-35mm wins 5 specs while Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 wins 5.

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

BudgetTravelLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Better at:

Macro