Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 vs Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8

In this video I compare the Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 to the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8. These are really great lenses both of them but I really wanted to share my process in why I chose one over the other.
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#Panasonic12mmf1.4
#Panasonic12-35mmf2.8
#Panasonic12-60mmf2.8-4.0
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[@ghostontheline]

I have just purchased the GH5 with the Leica 12-60 lens. Thanks to your very informative video I will be sticking with that combo. I am very pleased with lens it was worth the extra £200 over the basic Pani 13-60 kit lens. Cheers Pete

[@chloescanlon1107]

Thank you, excellent comparison. The footage where you're talking with the canal and bridge behind you is beautiful. Kind of like if Leica made a cinema camera.

[@mvhan911]

I use the zoom for versatility so I chooses the 12-60 Leica on my G9. The Leica has beautiful character. It’s almost double reach at 60 vs.35 which is the purpose of a zoom for me. If max aperture is needed I use a prime.

[@ArberBaqaj]

Thats exactly how I think about it =)

[@MicSokol]

Thank you for a fantastic lens review. I got myself a GH5 and I was planning to use Canon lenses but it did not workout for me, too much hassle with focus and not knowing whether I am spot on made me gave up from that idea. I ordered the 12-60 Leica to do both video and little photo shooting, the extra zoom was the deciding factor. SUBSCRIBED :)

[@BezDDelnik]

Thank you for the helpful review!

[@ArberBaqaj]

It was my pleasure!

[@SuperCatpuke]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing this information!

[@claytoncreative]

Very useful thanks... I am currently shooting with a Voightlander 25mm f0.95 and the images I am getting are amazing... super creamy... lovely drop off and it can focus really close... couldn’t recommend it enough... but I’m in the market for a short zoom... either one of these you reviewed... so super helpful... thanks.

[@ArberBaqaj]

The voightlanders are nice, have a lot of character, It is my pleasure ! I looking to get my hands on the 10-25 for a test.

[@ernolaunis]

12-60mm is what I own and I use. It’s decent even in the low light but really not made for that. Nice to hear that it’s good lens for Pocket4K. With GH5 it’s too sharp sometimes (music videos) and I tend to leave it to the bag and use speed boosted vintages! Double IBIS is crazy good with Panasonic and the AF is decent as possible.

[@ArberBaqaj]

Very true!

[@walterzannoni]

I had 12-35 (only still), I change it with leica 12-60 because i prefer the versability. I am very happy of my choose

[@AspectStudio]

I have a GH5s, and I mainly use the 7-14 and the Leica 9mm f1.7 because I do real estate video and bands in small venues. (often low light, so 9mm here) I like to get right in there, so to speak...

[@colinleask4777]

Just bought the Panasonic 42.5 f1.2. This is going to be an interview game changer lens!

[@ArberBaqaj]

now that's a beautiful lens!!

[@LucaOliviero]

Colin Leask great investment! I also just got it and I am blown away!

[@ArberBaqaj]

@@LucaOliviero Every time I use it!

[@andrewheffel3565]

Love my 12-60 Leica paired with my GX9. Very versitile and compact combination. Sharp photos, great color, great IS, and so easy to cary around. I took it on vacation to Italy and I am happy with the results. I also took my 50-200 Leica but seldom used it. Next vacation I will only take the 12-60.

[@cricketer3135]

Hi, I am stuck between olympus 12 40 and Lieca 12 60 for handheld videos for my gh5 ii any recommendations?? And are you happy with Lieca 50 200?? Thanks

[@andrewheffel3565]

@@cricketer3135 Hi, I don't shoot video, and I'm not familiar with Olympus lenses, so I'm not sure which is better for you. The 12-60 is parafocal, so you can zoom in and stay in focus for video. The 50-200 is a terrific lens too, I just didn't need it for my vacation pictures. I shoot landscape and bird photos when I go hiking, and the 50-200 is great there. I am as happy as I can be with these two lenses.

[@ArberBaqaj]

the 12-60 is such a great and small alrounder, I have the same kit when traveling =)

[@encabronado07]

Thank you for this images. This video really helped. Does the Pan 12-60mm camera include focus by wire and linear focus or just "focus by wire"?

[@PaulBawby]

Very interesting and informative video. Thank you very sharing!!

[@ArberBaqaj]

it was my pleasure! they are both two great lenses!

[@johnhele4909]

Thanks for the comparison, I own the Panasonic g9 with a number of Panasonic Leica lens including the 12-60mm f2.8-f4 lens, in the end I purchased the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 pro lens over the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 as as I found the Olympus was more flexible and better build quality, in less stability was not an issue due to the high in body stability of the Panasonic g9

[@ArberBaqaj]

I have never shoot with that lens, hope it serves you well, it looks like a stellar option =)

[@TarasKlimov]

Hi Arber! Just got this lens and wonder that BMPCC4K change IRIS when I zoom. For example if I set f4.0 at 12mm and zoom to 60mm, aperture will close to 5.6 or so. This is so bad..., and I couldn’t find the way to keep it constant. All Lumix cameras will keep aperture at f4.0 then I zoom, but all my three bmpcc4k do this iris shift. This drives me crazy. Do you have the same situation?

[@dan_kennedy]

Thanks again for another brilliantly helpful review ;-) I have just purchased the G9 with the 12-60 leica kit lense due to your review (for my flexible use). Along with a Leica 100-400 for my love of nature photography, and also a 45 Leica Macro for insect, food, portrait & product compositions. Question. I'd like to add one more lens to complete my kit for the foreseeable future and was wondering what you would recommend for night/low light situations (Astro Photography etc)? To fill the void of what I already have.

[@IAMDRUMMER]

I am tossing up between both of these lenses for my channel, no idea which one to decide on though...am leaning towards the 12-35mm

[@menstoys9823]

Dear Arber, please answer me one question. I paired the bmpcc4k with the 12-60mm leica. Unfortunatly the Ois Button in the bmpcc is grey. Might this be a lens Firmware issue? Anything wich could help. Thanks

[@ArberBaqaj]

Hi there! Hope all is good! I believe the IS is working if its on the lens. You will see a difference if you turn of on the lens and that indicates that it does work even if it is grade out =)

[@ju2705s]

I like the 12-60 more... due to the nice yellow font 😍

[@ArberBaqaj]

it is great font! =)

[@keremogretmen2496]

the font size is also perfect

[@yamadakatsuya183]

Hi I am a user of G9 and G99. I have used and enjoyed the 12mm f1.7 leica according to your nice video , as well as 42.5 mm nocticron and 25 mm f1.4. Last month I bought a new 12-35 mm leica. It really is so wonderful for me. Far beyond my expectations, especially its fascinating and lively expression of atmosphere. From its light balance, this becomes one of the two best zoom lenses in my 60 years camera life! I hope you to check and comment it. You nice and sincere photographer will enjoy it! Best, from Katsuya

[@yamadakatsuya183]

@@kshuf8426 yes! I had pre-ordered it. It came to me on the release date. Although the resolution is not high as prime lenses, I am enjoying its superb vintage wine-like expression under the bright light. This has changed my view on zoom lens; somewhat unnatural, feel unrelated

[@maconins123]

What are your thoughts on image stabilization? I’d like to get a lens I could shoot handheld with the bmpcc OG …😅

[@DJColinCook]

Thanks for this. I shoot the 12-35 about 90% of the time and have the 35-100 if I need closer - which is an amazing lens. I'd love to see you revisit this comparison using the new Leica 12-35 2.8

[@ArberBaqaj]

I actually might soon!

[@TomMcCormickGuitar]

What camera/lens were you using for the initial talking bit by the water? Looked soooo good.

[@ArberBaqaj]

I think that was the pocket 4k and the Panasonic 12mm f1,4

[@nickthatkid]

Before I make the hike to B&H just to compare, do you have any experience with the canon 24-105 L metabones XL combo? If you do I was just wondering what you prefer compared to the 12-60 in terms of image quality and general manual run and gun use. Thanks for the video my man really has me itching to try new stuff!

[@ArberBaqaj]

Hi there, I use to own that lens but I have never used it together with a speedbooster. Honestly I would go with the native MFT lenses. At least when it comes to zoom lenses.

[@MacM545]

If comparing regular, non Leica version of 12-60, to 12-35mm, what is your opinion? I was particularly interested in macro sharpness and magnification ratio.

[@HeathcliffBlair]

Thanks for the overview. That's the 12mm 1.4 you're filming yourself on isn't it? Looks wonderful. Could you say approximately how far away from the lens you were standing, particularly in the second half of the video? Cheers.

[@ArberBaqaj]

It is and I am an armth length from the camera, just close enough to touch the AF button on the Blackmagic Pocket 4k. Im with you! it looks great!

[@HeathcliffBlair]

@@ArberBaqaj Cheers.

[@garybrown9719]

My favorite lens was the 12-60mm Olympus and the 55-200mm for portraits great lens Olympus sould remake these

[@kentmemories]

1260 for nature and day light trip/event.. For low light, f2.8 on m4/3 is not enough to keep ISO low anyway, so prime is much better.. 1235/2.8 is perhaps for FHD video zooming using Exe Tele Conv to extend the range to 94mm; in other words, having 12-94mm (24-190mm in FF term) for FHD VDO reach at f2.8 light.. That's amazing..

[@ArberBaqaj]

Very true!

[@remdog7827]

nice one shqipe ;-). I have the 12-35 and lovely lens for everyday photo but I am looking at 8-18 to add to the arsenal for landscapes.

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

so the 12-60 is parfocal only if you focus at the long end and zoom out, but not the other way around correct? so if i focused at 12mm and started to zoom in, it would start to go more and more out of focus?

[@ArberBaqaj]

Hi, no its parfocal through out, but thats a good way to see if it is parfocal because the depth of field is shallower on the long end. Hope that answers your question =)

[@fjsjdm3132]

Hy Arber, I´am a Big Fan of your Content... Whats the Best Lens for Filmmaking for Micro Four Thirds ? What can you recommend Budget to 1100 usd

[@thatsreallyamoon]

I chose the 12-60 leica. To be quite honest, the 12mm f2.8 side is incredibly valuable. The other 12 mm wide lenses include for example 12-35 f2.8, oly 12 mm f2, and pana 12 mm f1.4. Here is why I didn't get any of those: I ALSO want 60 mm. That reach in one lens that allows a 12 mm as well is really too valuable. the 12 f1.4 is a little bit too much for me, since I also want reach. The oly is the same. The 12-35 doesn't have the reach. Sure, we're gonna have to treat the 12-60 as an f4 lens, but in bright light it doesn't drastically ruin you, where 2.8 is just one stop faster.

[@sizarhsn1989]

Hej, tack för den fina videon. Jag funderar att köpa Lumix gh5 II som kommer med Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60. Många pratar om att ma. Ska köpa bara kameran och köpa 12-35mm 2.8 istället. Jag vill filma med den mest inomhus, brollöp. Sämre ljus. Vad rekommenderar du?

[@ArberBaqaj]

Tjena! Jag hade nog tittat på Panasonic s5II om du har budgeten. Nästan samma pengar om du "nöjer" dig med kitobjektivet 20-60mm som faktiskt är ganska bra.

[@moeshickenyay]

I was wondering with the Focus by wire Lumix lenses if you could go over how you deal with focusing these lenses.

[@ArberBaqaj]

its quite hard, lets hope panasoic adds linear focus in firmware

[@pawelfiedorczuk]

Arber Baqaj do they add linear focusing? Is there any AF lens with IS that have linear focusing for mft mount? Thanks

[@98JamesNixon]

Would be interested to see a comparison shot of 35mm on both lenses at its widest apurture. As thats what I use most for interviews on my 12-35

[@ArberBaqaj]

To bad I didnt do that test =(

[@NeoDon1]

@@ArberBaqaj I guess it's time for another video regarding this? A review can sometimes be a new view. Quote from my Dad. Thanks for the video I have the Leica and it came with the G9. I was going to sell it and get the 12 - 35mm f2.8 your thoughts?

[@ahojahojish]

12-35 is a great lens! But, in the end I stuck with the 12-60 because I want that versatility and range. If I want to shoot low light, I just take out my 25mm f1.7 - Since the 12-35 isnt great in low light either.

[@davidvictory9764]

what apeture does the 12 60 become at 35mm

[@joakimtollerud2172]

Är det någon skillnad på manuell fokus mellan dessa? Jag tycker det är rätt så svårt att köra manuell fokus på min 12-60.

[@ArberBaqaj]

Tjena, båda är focus by wire så båda är ganska svåra skulle jag säga, 12-35 kan vara aningen bättre men skillnaden är inte jättestor.

[@PaulMrPKcom]

How well does the image staiblisiation in lens does work ? handheld..

[@OTARICE]

up

[@MrKennyblv]

If the 12-35 version ii is parfocal, is it going to be better ?

[@ArberBaqaj]

its not basically =)

[@LucaOliviero]

I went for the 12-35 on my Gh5 because of that constant aperture. We are already using cropped censors so I think we can use all the light we can get. Would be interesting to see the difference in depth of field on a subject such as a portrait with both lenses on their longest focal length and lowest aperture 😁 If you have tried could you say which one has more of a blurry background?

[@ArberBaqaj]

When the Leica is att 60mm f4.0 it has more blur on the background then the Lumix at 35mm f2.8, I might do a video on it!

[@LucaOliviero]

Arber Baqaj thanks for the info and keep up the good work! If you are thinking of doing a video about it I think it is a great idea because i’ve found no such test on youtube so i’m sure it can be useful for others 👌🙏

[@CDines]

@@ArberBaqaj As a beginner to camera stuff, I don't get how f4 zoom is better at background blur than f2.8 wide

[@sheimidaton9466]

@@CDines It is the ratio of focal length to aperture. Higher the ratio, better background blur. 60/4=15 while 35/2.8=12.5

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@CDines Background blur = depth of field. To increase the depth of field, do these things: 1. Use a wide aperture. 2. Use a higher focal length. 3. Get closer to the subject. 4. Put more distance between the subject and background. All of these increase the background blur. You can get bokeh using a f/3.5-5.6 kit lens if you have enough background separation. Cheers!

[@CampervanCookout]

I’m still searching for a good mft lens for my bmpcc4k for now I’m using my canon L lenses. Thanks for the video, good food for thought.

[@rgrebby]

I've been using the 12-40 and it's really good. Some extra length would be good sometimes though.

[@CampervanCookout]

@@rgrebby I must admit the 12-60 is appealing and I think I could cope with f4 for some of the range too.

[@rgrebby]

@@CampervanCookout to be honest the footage looks so good at 1250 iso it's no bother to run f4. Would be a better lens for run and gun. But I admit I like some shallow dof

[@ArberBaqaj]

Canon lenses with a speed booster work great for many situations!

[@rgrebby]

@@ArberBaqaj I bought the viltrox speedbooster but it didn't work. Couldn't get focus at every focal length so it turned me off using it. Maybe a duff speedbooster though.

[@sensenpratama]

hey bro i'm using lumix GX9 12-32kit what adorable prime lenses should I buy for street photo, landscape and some traveling?

[@ArberBaqaj]

Hi man! I would recommend the Panasonic 20mm f1,7

[@stockholmgrapher]

Have 20mm 1.7. Not great for street and landscape as it is not that wide.

[@sensenpratama]

@@stockholmgrapher yea, finally I got Leica 15mm F1.7 great setup for street and also its small and lightweight

[@stockholmgrapher]

@@sensenpratama Smart. I wish i did the same. Have both 20mm and 25mm Lumix. 20mm is only good for portraits. AF is so bad. No way to take sharp photo of any moving object. Yet, it is compact. I guess i’ll go for 12-60 as i like that wide angle.

[@cristibaluta]

I just got the 12-60 as an all around for my olympus, but i'm so disappointed in the physical construction. The front element wobbles at certain focals and it makes a noise, i believe the seal is not good and the elements heat each other. This theory is reinforced by the fact that the zoom is very easy to turn, if i extend it to max it retracts a bit just by gravity. I'm curious if other people have this problems. When the camera is turned off i also hear some lens inside moving, which i don't believe is a good thing on the long run.

[@joshuamoser9289]

good content!

[@samm3791]

thankyou

[@ArberBaqaj]

My pleasure =)

[@fantaPC_TV]

what lens did you use for the face shot?

[@ArberBaqaj]

its the 12mm f1.4, its a crazy lens!

[@Moore-Ent]

I just bought a Panasonic 12-35 to go with my 42.5 and 25. I have a Blackmagic 4K.

[@Mac-Art]

How are you liking it?

[@SparaCash]

Lyckades knipa ett 12-60 för 4400. Tack för grym genomgång 🙏

[@ArberBaqaj]

Det var ju ett fantastiskt pris! Hoppas den funkar bra för dig!

[@SymonIero]

Which one has better stabilization?

[@ArberBaqaj]

I would say the 12-60 because its newer but Im not sure to be honest

[@EugeneMaynard]

Sounds like the 12-60 needs to be compared with the 12-100!😉🙏🏾

[@ArberBaqaj]

You are totally right! Im reaching out to Olympus here in Sweden =)

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾🙏🏾

[@filmingguy3821]

Olympus 12-100 f4 my choice its also sharp

[@ArberBaqaj]

I would love to try it out!

[@PyrateGraphics]

they priced it out of competition

[@chrisklugh]

I tested the Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 at 16mm vs the Sig 16 f1.4 both at f4 and they are identical. I cant tell the difference! Leica 12-60mm vs Oly 40-150mm f2.8. At 60mm at f8 and the Leica destroys the Oly!

[@ArberBaqaj]

Hi Chris, that was a cool test, the 12-60 is very underrated lens , have a great day!

[@gdot5747]

do i absolutely need a speed booster or adapter with panasonic 12-35mm lens?

[@JeanV1986]

You can't use a speed booster or any other adapter. It's a native lens.

[@ArberBaqaj]

As jean sais that lens doesnt work with speedboosters

[@Emerald_City_]

After 101 existing comment this one feels almost one too many under now 3-year old content, but this is my first ever comment on a video, so be it. -I have seen almost all available reviews or comparisons of these two lenses in recent four to five years. This one is not as innovative or detailed as it is meaningful and true. While the standard weakness on this platform by and large is loose talk, boring repetitiveness, this chat is as relevant and involving as it gets with talking head videos. The other post of the same author comparing the wide angle zooms for MFT (including the PL8-18) has made me purchase this lens, there is no better video comparison on that subject on this platform. One lens quality aspect which is clearly obvious in that comparison, and is perhaps least tackled generally by the most reviewers, is the *color rendition* and the character of a lens. In this respect Olympus lenses while often lacking optical stabilization and having perhaps slower focussing, are more "cinematic". And that is a quality applicable not only for video, but also for photography. Just for the record. I am a Pana user but all Oly lenses work fine on Pana bodies (especially the color rendering), except for the obvious lack of the dual stabe advantage, very important for handheld video.

[@ArberBaqaj]

thanx again my friend! =) best wishes!

[@chennyye28]

just want to try olympus 12-100/4....

[@ArberBaqaj]

Im gonna look at that lens!

[@maxkitaev3524]

Why even discuss parfocal if it’s not a constant f

[@HikeRx]

He stated it works great when shooting at f/4...i.e. in good outside lighting conditions.

[@ArberBaqaj]

Well those two things are totally different, one doesnt rule out the other =)

[@gcprost]

In this focal range I use the Olympus 12-40 mm f2.8.

[@billpolitis2831]

12-35 There is no focus breathing!

[@ArberBaqaj]

There is some, but not to much, the 12-60 is better for that.

[@benibube]

Talking doesnt explain pictures !😢

[@ArberBaqaj]

That depends how you talk! =)

[@uniteddroneservicesllc7184]

Just changed my video setup from camcorder to DSLR GH4. Now finding that lenses are super expensive. It broke my budget just to get the camera body. Need the 12-35/F2.8 for my video. Anyone willing to donate one??

[@daisigner]

You can't be serious!? Lamest comment of the year

[@maxkitaev3524]

Anything on mft beyond 1.8 has a flat look so f2.8-4 is rubbish

[@ArberBaqaj]

I dont know about that =)