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.