[ Discuss ] - Panasonic X series : 12-35mm f2.8


hi all,

I have found the link on this lens sharpness test, soft at f16 and f22.
maybe owner of this lens can do some testing on f16/f22.

Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Review - Sharpness 2 | PhotographyBLOG
Again why do you want to use f16? The diffraction limit for MFT kicks in by the time you hit anything below f8. You should not be using any MFT lens below f8. Any MFT lens will be soft below that.
 

I also wouldn't want to shoot at f22. Diffraction would start causing softness in the photos. Even when I was lugging heavy 'L's with a 5d2, I would rarely go f16 for the starbust on night photos, f11 suited my needs quite well for that. Actually, even in the desert, iso100, with a polarizer,didn't require me to go into very high f numbers.

3615123729_a7592e8ac4_z.jpg

iso320, f8, 1/80s 5d2, 24-105, LR edited

Anyway, very nice shot! Actually didn't notice the noise in the background until it was pointed out. Even then, I really like the photo. Love the details, something I'm actually kind of missing from my 12-50, compared to when I was using canon 24-105. I know the em5 can bring out the details, as the 45 at f2+ gives lovely details which my wife hates. Yes, I pixel peep sometimes...

Will, wait to see if there is going to be a m43 12-60 oly. If not...hmmm....

I tried to resist, and resist, and resist... and thought I could resist... no... I succumbed... because it has been a while I had the joy of using constant aperture lenses... Here are some photos to share from the remarkable lens.

shots2012_08_035Xtest.jpg

Look at the details... details... details! The 12-35mm X f2.8 is a crap lens for portraiture! Unless you are a sick photographer who loves to spend days removing skin blemishes from your photos.

QUOTE]
 

I guess you guys are right, I should not be worrying about f16 and f22 due the diffraction factors.
now the bbb is haunting me.
 

I guess you guys are right, I should not be worrying about f16 and f22 due the diffraction factors.
now the bbb is haunting me.

Even at at 35/2.8 it's awesome, I was amazed at one shot i took of a friend, not so nice post here coz of the sharpness, if sharpness & zoom is your game, go for it...:)
 

Even at at 35/2.8 it's awesome, I was amazed at one shot i took of a friend, not so nice post here coz of the sharpness, if sharpness & zoom is your game, go for it...:)

I might get this for my tour, still weighing the pros and cons.
The versatility is definitely there, but in m43, I prefer lens to be compact.
 

Looking at SLRGear review of the lens, its better than Panny 20/1.7, close PL25/1.4
Panasonic Lens: Zooms - Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH POWER OIS LUMIX G X VARIO (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Comparing the best performance of 12-35 (which is at 25mm and 35mm @ f4) ... it's even better than Panny 20/1.7, way ahead of Oly 12-50. But both Panny 20/1.7 and Oly 12-50 gives better bokeh. .. at least base on data on the charts.
tloader
tloader
tloader
tloader
 

Last edited:
Looking at SLRGear review of the lens, its better than Panny 20/1.7, close PL25/1.4
Panasonic Lens: Zooms - Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH POWER OIS LUMIX G X VARIO (Tested) - SLRgear.com!

Comparing the best performance of 12-35 (which is at 25mm and 35mm @ f4) ... it's even better than Panny 20/1.7, way ahead of Oly 12-50. But both Panny 20/1.7 and Oly 12-50 gives better bokeh. .. at least base on data on the charts.
tloader
tloader
tloader
tloader
Ugh... I hated the 20/1.7 bokeh. It is so coarse.
 

I would personally not buy this lens for its f16/22 performance, also diffraction coming in would affect sharpness. Just some thoughts. It would be interesting to see performance between oly 12 & this lens.

Just so you guys know, that diffraction for m4/3@16MP kicks in from as wide as f8, obvious at f16, and totally crapped out at f22.

ND filter or do not close the aperture smaller than f11. You should be fine.
 

Received this lens today - purchased from a very kind (and poisonous!) bro here at a great price. One thing I did not quite appreciate is the sheer size of this monster - it is the same length as the 12-50mm but much thicker. On par with the 7-14mm, which I almost didn't get because it was so huge! Looking forward to playing with it..

lenstrio.jpg
 

Last edited:
aleksandr said:
Received this lens today - purchased from a very kind (and poisonous!) bro here at a great price. One thing I did not quite appreciate is the sheer size of this monster - it is the same length as the 12-50mm but much thicker. On par with the 7-14mm, which I almost didn't get because it was so huge! Looking forward to playing with it..

Err... Compare this to any Dslr 24-70 lens,, then you will appreciate how SMALL this is in comparison!!!
 

Received this lens today - purchased from a very kind (and poisonous!) bro here at a great price. One thing I did not quite appreciate is the sheer size of this monster - it is the same length as the 12-50mm but much thicker. On par with the 7-14mm, which I almost didn't get because it was so huge! Looking forward to playing with it..

But I feel that the length and width is more proportion than the 12-50 which to me is kinda long and slim...
Only the weight need to get used to
 

But I feel that the length and width is more proportion than the 12-50 which to me is kinda long and slim...
Only the weight need to get used to

This lens is lighter (300g) vs the 14-140 (440g) that i have. or the 14-54mkII (450g) 45-200 (400g). So i find it light. Of cos comparing to the kit lenses (100+g) or the pancakes (<100g) this isnt light. But its relative !! To me, its so much lighter than APS-C or FF lenses. And rather light vs other m4/3 lenses too.
 

I bought this lens after reading the poison here at Yodobashi 2weeks back. It is very sharp n impressive,the range is like my Canon 24-70mm which I really.dig. so far so good!
 

I just got this lens and went to the Gardens By The Bay with the OMD EM5 and the GH2. Brought other lenses as well. Will post photos taken with this lens here. Just testing shots only and nothing spectacular. I'm not familiar with Oly camera as EM5 is my 1st Oly cam.
With OMD:
Too kan cheong to check settings and took this first shot- ISO1600 & f/22!
original.jpg


Now f/8
original.jpg


original.jpg


Now using f/2.8, looking for the kind of bokeh it produces.
original.jpg
 

Would you call this bokeh "nervous"?
original.jpg


original.jpg


I don't know why but I took this at f/2.8
original.jpg


original.jpg


I wonder if I'm breaking the rules here for posting so many photos here. Will post those taken by GH2 later
 

I forgot to mention that this lens is a little front heavy for OMD. My right ring finger tip felt painful after a long shoot as the base of the camera was resting on it all the time when I held it. It feels more comfortable with the GH2. Maybe need to buy the battery grip but then, it will almost be the same size as the GH2.
 

microcosm said:
I tried to resist, and resist, and resist... and thought I could resist... no... I succumbed... because it has been a while I had the joy of using constant aperture lenses... Here are some photos to share from the remarkable lens.

Look at the details... details... details! The 12-35mm X f2.8 is a crap lens for portraiture! Unless you are a sick photographer who loves to spend days removing skin blemishes from your photos.


Can you see the flour details on the dumplings? Honestly, it has been a while since I get excited over details like this. (OK, the OM-D sensor plays a part, but heck).


Notice the details on the clouds. And the colors. Lovely!


That little bit of bokeh one gets with a m4/3 f2.8 lens.


Notice the details on the chilli. The little yellowish fibers... and how the details in the near-blown highlights in this image.

So, what is the conclusion?
Made me happy. That is all that matters.
What's the point in trying to convince someone else?
If the gear makes the user happy, that is all that matters.
Is this a good lens? Yes, definitely. It has changed the way I look at Panasonic.
With the new generation cameras, it's performance is slightly above the High Grade Olympus lens, but still a way off from the Super High Grade lenses. About 90% of the Four Thirds 50mm f2.0 Macro. That is a very high benchmark.
Will I poison others to buy? I think I already did. LOL!
Is it worth the money? Definitely. Think 12-35mmSWD f2.0, consider the 1 f-stop difference and look at the price you are paying. And the AF speed of the 12-35mm X. Definitely value for money. Heck, I even paid for OIS which I don't use!
(Maybe its time for me to get the GH3 after all...)
This is a featherlight lens, great optics, value for money, pretty well built (still a little way off from Tatsuno Quality, class for class). But it has earned it's place as one of the "always in the bag" lens. Good job, Panasonic. This is a gem.

Congratz on finally getting this lens. Im glad u love it. Your photos look fantastic!!

I leave the 12-35 on my em5 all the time now. I prefer it bec its bright and the size is more proportionate then the 12-50. And its got quite good close up focusing range. And it does really well without flash. I shot a bunch of indior shots and it was all more than satisfactory. I think this is a must hv general purpose lens. I was not expecting much from it when i bought it, but it has been quietly performing and exceeding all my expectations. I hv not found a reason to take it off except that day when i was shooting fireworks and i had to mount the 75-300.
 

microboy said:
I also wouldn't want to shoot at f22. Diffraction would start causing softness in the photos. Even when I was lugging heavy 'L's with a 5d2, I would rarely go f16 for the starbust on night photos, f11 suited my needs quite well for that. Actually, even in the desert, iso100, with a polarizer,didn't require me to go into very high f numbers.

iso320, f8, 1/80s 5d2, 24-105, LR edited

Anyway, very nice shot! Actually didn't notice the noise in the background until it was pointed out. Even then, I really like the photo. Love the details, something I'm actually kind of missing from my 12-50, compared to when I was using canon 24-105. I know the em5 can bring out the details, as the 45 at f2+ gives lovely details which my wife hates. Yes, I pixel peep sometimes...

Will, wait to see if there is going to be a m43 12-60 oly. If not...hmmm....

Hey thats a very beautiful shot. Noise? Wah lao pple who look at a beautiful photo like this and comment on noise shd just stop taking photos.
 

Back
Top