[ Lens ] First review of Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 OIS

[MichaelLee]

Additionally, they will charge $2k++ for it and will not be the mainstream performance lens for most people to buy.

let me guess, even if it was 12-35mm f2 at SGD2K+, there would be comment if it was 12-35mm f2.8 at SGD1K+ it would be ideal.

 

[esoeij]

It could have weighted 360g++ without the OIS with 400g++ with OIS. And it will not fit any of the cameras as the diameter will be too big (i.e. lens resting on the table and body is floating above).

I think it would probably be heavier than 400g++, and the cost is going to be prohibitive for most m4/3 users. As a guide, Oly already has a SHG ED 14-35mm F2.0 lens for 4/3 format. It weighs 900g and costs about $3k.

 

[Agrivar]

It could have weighted 360g++ without the OIS with 400g++ with OIS. And it will not fit any of the cameras as the diameter will be too big (i.e. lens resting on the table and body is floating above).

Issue is that I already have the 14-54 mk2. Sure, not as wide but it has longer reach. At 2.8-3.5, I don't lose much at 35mm vs the 12-35. It's also a HG lens, so the optical quality is good. Only thing us that AF is not as fast and it's a much larger lens... Hmm..

 

[ziggy]

The US999 price was cited in at least one review, not a price that I dreamt up. I certainly am not expecting the 12-35 to be cheap, but above a certain price point, it starts becoming too expensive to me. What matters to me is whether I think it can deliver the value for what it's worth. At $1700, I don't know abt you, but that's steep to me! The IQ wld have to be stellar to command that price. So yes it does depend on IQ, but can it live up to the price? Jury is still out.

I'm not sure what you mean by "better than micro four thirds quality". But my point is that there are other lenses in the m4/3 lineup that can deliver v good IQ that dont cost as much. Of course, there is no single lens that can match the specs of the 12-35 at the moment.

I haven't ruled out buying it yet. Waiting for more user reviews and pictures n of course, actual street price at our favorite shops.

A Nikon 24-70 f2.8 is $2k+. If the 12-35 is almost as good as the Nikon, and lower priced than Nikon, is it over-priced?

I estimate the 12-35 to be about $1700 street. Sure I wish it is cheaper but if it is really as good as they say, I will gladly pay for it because I want that quality.

 

[esoeij]

I personally would not use FF lenses to benchmark m4/3 lens prices. It's comparing apples to oranges. Though even at $1700, there will still be buyers, some perfectly happy, some maybe more grudgingly!

 

[unknown123]

with that money I can almost buy 12mm f2 and lumix 25mm and become a happy shooter. aperture bigger too

 

[dereth]

with that money I can almost buy 12mm f2 and lumix 25mm and become a happy shooter. aperture bigger too

That will be my preference too.

I've discovered I really like using primes. So the 12-50mm is usually in my bag and only taken out for macro and for shooting in the rain.

For now, 20mm and 25mm will suffice.

A wide bright prime like the 12mm f2 will probably be my next target.

I'm a little weird right? Preferring to have these 4 lenses rather than getting the 12-35 to replace them.

 

[vengels]

That will be my preference too.

I've discovered I really like using primes. So the 12-50mm is usually in my bag and only taken out for macro and for shooting in the rain.

For now, 20mm and 25mm will suffice.

A wide bright prime like the 12mm f2 will probably be my next target.

I'm a little weird right? Preferring to have these 4 lenses rather than getting the 12-35 to replace them.

same here..

i mainly use my 14mm, 25mm and 45mm to take pics..

i do have the kit 12-50mm but it is seldom used..
usually used by my wife who always complains that my camera can't zoom..

 

[dereth]

same here..

i mainly use my 14mm, 25mm and 45mm to take pics..

i do have the kit 12-50mm but it is seldom used..
usually used by my wife who always complains that my camera can't zoom..

I concur with the last line.

And also, previously to take advantage of f2.0, I used my LX3 like a prime. Though, I kinda missed composing with 24mm on it.

 

[paparazzi666]

with that money I can almost buy 12mm f2 and lumix 25mm and become a happy shooter. aperture bigger too

I used the 24-70mm f2.8 on Canon 5D, and I never liked the results. Even on full frame, the results were middle of the road. It didn't suit my style of photography which is mainly indoor portraits. The 50mm f1.8 or a 35mm f2 is much much better for such work. I agree, get primes, aperture bigger too, and on m43, big aperture is very useful. Here are some samples shot with the Voigt 25mm 0.95 (warning restricted stream)
Flickr: Please wait...

And here are shots with fast c-mount lenses.
Flickr: Please wait...

But if you like to shoot snapshot, scenery, environment portraits, outdoors and use AF a lot, then the 12-35 is very ideal.

 

[ayuready]

Look forward to this lens for holiday and walk around and a 14mm pancake for lightweight mode. Hehe eagerly waiting for release date

 

[ageha]

I wonder if the final lenses will ship with this dark purple anodized aluminium finish.

 

[Hacker]

Wonder when this will be made available to the public.....

 

[mackie8]

is this available locally? how much?

 

[widget]

is this available locally? how much?

It has been in the local market for the past 2 weeks....
Expect to pay around $1.5k-$1.6xxx.

 

[pkong1008]

Yes. Price varies from $1500 to $1600. Ask for quotes from shops to get the best price.

 

[mackie8]

Ok i think artworkfoto is giving it for a better price.... Quite a good deal...

 

[116520]

If it is really as good as Nikon's 24-70 (or better... I am hoping for too much...), I think I will get one since I love my 24-70 so much...

A Nikon 24-70 f2.8 is $2k+. If the 12-35 is almost as good as the Nikon, and lower priced than Nikon, is it over-priced?

I estimate the 12-35 to be about $1700 street. Sure I wish it is cheaper but if it is really as good as they say, I will gladly pay for it because I want that quality.

 

[ziggy]

If it is really as good as Nikon's 24-70 (or better... I am hoping for too much...), I think I will get one since I love my 24-70 so much...

Don't know if it is as good as a Nikon 24-70 but it is a very good lens. Convenient too.

 

[ageha]

At least it's lighter and smaller.