Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.
Announced May 21, 2012
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Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a versatile, weather-sealed standard zoom that delivers sharp, high-contrast imagery and reliable image stabilization. That said, the lens commands a premium price and exhibits some edge softness, particularly when shooting wide open at the shorter end of the focal range.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp, high-contrast optical performance with excellent center sharpness
- Fast, quiet, and precise autofocus system
- Durable, weather-sealed build quality that remains compact and lightweight
- Effective built-in optical image stabilization
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range
Cons
- High retail price point
- Softness in the corners and edges at wider apertures
- Lack of a physical manual focus switch and reliance on fly-by-wire focusing
- Presence of chromatic aberration and distortion requiring software correction
- Design issues with the lens hood and physical size on smaller camera bodies
- Launch price $999.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-35mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Filter thread 58mm
- Autofocus motor stepper focus motor
- Weight & size 305g (10.8 oz) · 67.6 x 73.8 mm (2.66 x 2.91 in)
Expert Reviews
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- OpticalLimits 6.5/10
The lens is, undoubtedly, a good one but not stellar.
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The lens delivers sharp, contrasty images with low CA and distortion, which should be expected of a pro-spec zoom.
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Optically the lens is a great performer.
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The problem is whether that comparison will go through potential purchasers’ minds or whether they will simply see the price-tag and overlook all that this investment will buy, not least of which are excellent image quality and a rock-solid feel.
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The Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH. is the company's take on a pro-level standard zoom, but softness at the edges and a high asking price hold it back.
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The problem is whether that comparison will go through potential purchasers' minds or whether they will simply see the price-tag and overlook all that this investment will buy, not least of which are excellent image quality and a rock-solid feel.
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The latter will find that in this focal length range, no other lens available right now will capture every pixel of their vision as well as this one does. If you’re an MFT diehard fan, find the cash.
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[I]t embodies everything good about the Micro Four Thirds system.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
Combined with fast and accurate autofocusing and the sophisticated stabilisation system, this lens makes a superb partner for the GH3 for photographers interested in pushing the limits of low light shooting.
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The 12-35mm f/2.8’s combination of top flight optics, fast aperture, quality build and great zoom range make it a lens for any serious shooter to consider.
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I feel this should have maxed out at $999 because for $1300 I can buy a 12mm f/2 and 45 1.8 and still have $100 left over to put towards a $300 Panasonic 20mm 1.7!
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I'm quite happy how this lens performs. It is not perfect, but in real life use, I didn't have major issues. Constant f/2.8 zoom at 300 grams with this level of performance is impressive.
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So I think the 12-35mms right now will be the lenses I keep glued onto either camera.
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Which brings me to my verdict: if you need fast-but-flexible all in one lens, the 12-35mm f/2.8 is one of your only two choices at the moment (the other is the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8).
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The only drawback to the Panasonic 12-35mm lens is its $1,299 US price tag. But this is a professional lens that should yield outstanding performance for years to come.
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This lens feels like it's not going to hold you back in any situation.
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So to conclude, we have here a well-built, high quality, high performance modern zoom lens. It feels and performs like a professional grade optic.
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The subject of this Panasonic 12-35 mm review is one of the best (micro-43) lenses on sale at the moment.
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I'd recommend this lens despite the higher price point, but if you don't have the money, just get creative with that kit and you get some very similar shots anyway.
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The only real drawback of the LUMIX G VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH lens is its price … If you really need the versatility of a standard zoom, though, we can heartily recommend the brand new Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH for all Micro Four Thirds users.
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