Panasonic Leica DG 12-60mm f2.8-4 Review

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Our review of the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm f/2.8-4 for micro four thirds. Full comparison with the 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 here: mirrorlesscomparison.com/micr...

[@imaflymydroneatit]

Great video. That song though.

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

What I like the most about your reviews is that you hit the nail - offer the actual information without unnecessary drama. Keep it up.

[@wangmedia]

One of the best reviews out there. Pleasant and informative, kudos!

[@pakkami77]

Excellent review! Thank you.

[@TVguyDarko]

Thanks for this video and especially for the written version that I've read several times over the course of last few weeks. At the end decided to go with this one and I'll be adding prime lenses in the future.

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Enjoy the lens!

[@DrZylvon]

Well made review. Thanks

[@kungula]

such a great review ! All my questions were really answered, thanks a lot ... an olympus user

[@wcf4831]

Your conclusion is very useful, thanks for your advice.

[@MlphotographerAu]

Thanks for the great review

[@armaniusmaximus]

Excellent review!!!

[@GAUROCH2]

I bought my 12-60 today...and I decided to watch the video. It was a surprise to see the "Mona Lisa smile model" narrating the video..and Mathieu as "passable" jogging actor...! I have the 15 and the 60 fixed, and the 50-200... in my faithfull GS8... and also the 2.8 Olympus in my old Om1D... I like your videos because: - you know a couple of things about photography... - you explain the things very well... - the pollution levels in your videos are the right ones for me as ...you speak in a calm and distinct manner.. ... you do not put "heavy metal" noise during the introduction or the video... ... you do not wear baseball caps, tattoos, green or blue hair... ... you do not show signs of amphetamine consuption or other motor disorders (you know...those people who shake the lenses or cameras all the time or bang them on the table...) Well, keep the excellent work, as for me, you are one of the uncontornable good sources of instruction and information about the photography subject we love so much...

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Thanks!

[@GAUROCH2]

@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons ...you are welcome...not flattery but just a plain true comment! ...and you are a polited person,,,!

[@abigailsockeye1586]

Nice review. Keep 'em comin'

[@LuposVoice]

Thanx for this helpful video! The minimal apertures on different steps are very interresting for me!!! 👍 BR Wolf

[@JoeyWilson__]

very good explanation!

[@cameralabs]

Another great review! Obviously I highly approve of the stabilisation test subject!

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Everybody seems to like that test subject. We should use it more often then ;-)

[@ozzyguy6792]

Pleasant and very informative. Thanks...Just bought the Leica based on the comparison with the Olympus. I prefer the Leica's rendition of colors and the purity of white.

[@harryniedecken5321]

Thank you for the great information. Looks like a great lens. I mostly shoot aperture priority using on the lens F stop adjustment but otherwise it looks interesting.

[@tombell8156]

Nice review. I love my 12-40 with its constant 2.8. When I need more reach I use the 14-140 .....thats a great compromise I think. I mainly use the former

[@PolluxChung]

Thanks for the review. You save my $$$.

[@jepark7751]

For me, this is the lens that I'll be adding to my GH5. I had the 12-40 when I shot with the E-M1. I never considered the 12-100 as it's 72mm filter and weight are too big for me. The 12-60 is a good compromise between size and reach. Added reach over the 12-35/12-40 but at a similar size to the 12-40. The lack of 2.8 doesn't bother me as much because at least for me even 2.8 is too slow for m4/3. This is an outdoor/travel lens for me. 2.8 is useable on a FF since ISO performance is good at 6400-12,800 but with m4/3 my personal preference is to stay at 1600, 3200 at a reach. Any more then I'll be using a prime indoors or in low light. Also the 12-60 would partner well with the future upcoming 8-18 and 50-200 if/when they hit market.

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

I can't wait to try the 8-18mm!

[@jay4627]

These were the exact reasons I just picked up a copy of the PL 12-60. I just happened to find a "like new" used lens with a trio of filters for $500 on eBay, so I guess the time that has passed since this review has changed that factor. I think the reviewer (who is great BTW), also understated the benefit of having Dual IS when shooting at the long end of this lenses range.

[@MarcosCodas]

Thank you for finally answering this question for me! It looks like I'll be going with the Oly 12-40 when I do budget up for a high quality zoom.

[@SergeyFM_en]

don't forget, that it's better to buy panasonic lenses if you have panasonic body becouse of DFD - autofocus will work much better. I doubt buying olympus 25 1.2 for my panasonic GX8 for that reason.

[@MarcosCodas]

I actually had this conversation about this lens in particular with the GX85 (which I own) on Twitter with the guys from ML, and they told me the focusing didn't seem to be significantly affected by the fact that the 12-40 isn't a DFD lens. I don't know about the 25 1.2 though, it's not really a lens that interests me much. But I did ask a ton of people about using the 12-40 on a Panny body and the consensus seems to be that it's just as good as a Panny lens.

[@GisliKarlGislason]

Rous No full frame 50mm prime lens the same size as the Olympus 1.2/25 has the same build and optical quality. Olympus has managed to create a perfect lens, it has a lot of glass for a 50mm equivalent.

[@buildingsheriff]

I've got the Olympus 12-40 on my GH5 and the video autofocus (new firmware update) is great. I tried the Panasonic 12-34, but much prefer my Olympus.

[@johnjon1823]

How come the image is not corrected for distortion automatically in camera? I am pretty sure my GH3 does this automatically with all my lenses and lightroom knows it. Any idea? or is there a needed camera firmware update or was it turned off or what?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

You are correct, but I guess in this case the in-camera correction is not perfect.

[@JeevesTCW]

Hi both of you just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading the reviews and comparisons on your MIrrorlessons and Mirrorlesscomparisons websites recently, the first time I have seen such useful comparisons fabulous. BTW I bought the PL 12-60 f2.8-4 as I wanted one all purpose zoom (rather than 12-40 & 40-150 combos) as well as a few primes, but I am v happy to see that the PL 12-60 is almost identical in performance to the famously excellent 12-40 and how well in turn the 12-40 (and thus by logic also the PL12-60) at 12mm compares to the oly 12mm f2 & Pana Leica 12mm f1.4 primes. Thanks again Rich

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Thank you Richard, glad our work has been of help!

[@Cekatiba]

Great review. Since this lense is included in some GH5 kits, I think I'm gonna go with it (the lens costs only about 400$ with the kit). This plus a 1.7 25mm seems like a good starting point since I don't have any other equipment or do you have other recommendations (especially with the gh5)?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

No I think yours is a good starting point. There are other fast prime lenses but a 25mm (50mm equivalent) is always handy to have.

[@clivedyson2053]

Good review as usual. But I think that it's also worth considering the lens as a single lens to carry around (instead of the two standard zoom f/2.8 set) and then it should be compared with the Olympus 12-100/4. Then you are gaining wider aperture at 12mm for a shorter longest focal length. How do you see this comparison?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

It's a fair comparison. Between a 12-40 2.8 and a 12-100mm f4, the 12-60mm is a good mix between focal range and aperture. M4/3 users definitely start to have lots of choice now! The 12-60mm has the size advantage, it is smaller than the 12-100mm.

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

Yes, the 12-60mm should be considered a "super zoom" with much better f-number than say the 14-140mm from Panasonic.

[@craig_m_mi]

Great lens and great review. I think for Olympus camera users, the 12-40 f/2.8 is a better deal if they aren't going to really use the 40-60 range of this. In body IS is a plus so you don't need the lens IS (same with a certain Pany camera model), and the snap focus clutch is more convenient than the AF/MF switch. For Pany users, hard to justify this over the much cheaper 12-35, but if you need 35-60 a lot, just like the review said....

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

The Leica 12-60mm has been the kit lens for the whole GH5, GH5M2, GH6 and G9 camera range and has thus been available as a cheaper option than the single lens option. Dual IS2 is also a great feature.

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I recently bought this lens for my G9. I once owned the 12-35 f2.8, but when considering a versatile new lens I chose this one. I have fast M43 primes, and I love my 24-105 f4L with my canon cameras, so this one with its super-versatile range combined with the high ISO performance of the G9 I hope will be the M43 counterpart to the 24-105. I always found the 35mm limit to the f2.8 a bit frustrating, and the current street price has come down on the Leica 12-60. It would be great if it were constant f2.8, but would I like the the increased size and weight? So far, I’m loving the Leica 12-60.

[@geraldbraun6267]

There are two reasons that I would not consider the Panasonic Leica DG 12-60 lens. Number one is that the focus ring just spins and does not allow you to set it at a specific distance. I do a fair amount of low light shooting and the focus ring on my Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 has been the reason that I have been able to make some shots in very dark conditions. Number two is that it is not a constant f2.8. Thanks for a good and informative review.

[@NQMediaUK]

Thank you for the review I have preordered the GH5 (first time ever preordering any camera) with this lens as the package deal means the lens is effectively £500..which is far better than £880....how would you say the sharpness and bokeh compare with the 12-35mm as I have read reviews that indicate the 12-35mm f2.8 isn't that sharp in the corners even at 12mm...bokeh looks ok on the 12-60mm but does the 12-35mm have similar issues in the bokeh dept with shape and some onion ring effect ? Many thanks for your help..

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

The 12-40mm is sharper at f/2.8 and f/4 than the 12-35mm (centre and corners). Given that the 12-60mm is very similar to the 12-40mm, the 12-60 should be superior to the 12-35 as well. As for the bokeh, I can't tell for sure without a side by side test.

[@scottweigel5670]

Very nice review. I had kind of written off this lens do to its slower than my two 12-35 G glass, BUT am reconsidering it because I saw a review that it's PARFOCAL too. For video, if this is truly parfocal I'm ordering at least one. I am searching for confirmation on this and found your review. Perhaps you could test this out for me and many others. thank you. great job!

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Hi Scott, I admit we didn't test that specific aspect so I can't give you an accurate answer. From what I recall, it wasn't bad (the image wouldn't got completely out of focus) but it wasn't perfect either. Does the review you saw that states it's parfocal provides any example?

[@ericpersoff4106]

Great, thanks for your straight forward concise and informative review! I’m looking for a kit replacement lens for Panasonic GF. Would you recommend this lens as a kit replacement?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Which GF camera do you have? It's an excellent lens, perhaps a bit big for the GF camera but the quality is really good.

[@ericpersoff4106]

@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons GF2 from 2011

[@ktvkremstalvideo5375]

For making videos with the GH5, should I take this Leica lens or the Lumix 12-60? In summer, I do not need f2,8 but ND-filters during filming, and the Lumix 12-60 is a little bit smaller and lighter (and cheaper, btw) - but is it good enough?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

They are both very similar when it comes to optical quality and sharpness, except at the minimum focus distance where the Pana-Leica does better. The Lumix has better flare resistance. For video, the focus ring on the Pana-Leica is more precise to use, although both lenses use a fly-by-wire ring type in this case.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Good work - nice and informative - i just subbed youre channel,- :)

[@kentmemories]

Thanks for the review.. But how would you rate the color rendering or the skin tone when using this 12-60 lenses over panasonic 12-35 or Oly..

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

I haven't compared the two lenses so I can only speculate but I wouldn't be surprised if they are similar.

[@honey4xi]

I will buy Leica DG 12-60mm f2.8-4 for my GH5 for most of time to shoot video. It's premium quality lens. I hope it does a good job for my shooting fireworks at the highest resolution 4k 10bit 4:2:2.

[@jonsnih492]

What is the lens behaviour on Oly bodies? Does it purple fringe as other Panny lenses do on Oly bodies (in RAW)? The worst scenario for lens is (the E-M5I + Zuiko 12-50) a side light (backlit?) which causes unsharpness from fringing. Is it true that Panny sensors have less flares/CA in RAW than the Oly ones?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

the purple flare is a sensor flare so it depends on the camera used (I had it with E-M1, E-M10, GX7 etc, not so much with the new E-M1 II).

[@collintoh1697]

Thank you for the excellent review. As GX7’s IS is not fantastic. I kinda torned between Oly 12-40 and Leica 12-60 with OIS. I like constant 2.8 and I think the bokeh is better. Would you agree? So which one pairs better with GX?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

My choice would be the 12-40mm because I've been using it for a long time now and it's one of my favourite zoom lens. Perhaps our comparison can help you: mirrorlesscomparison.com/micro-four-thirds-lenses/pana-leica-12-60mm-f2-8-4-0-vs-olympus-m-zuiko-12-40mm-f2-8/

[@cvetkofilm1141]

Hello! Lens is pretty noisy when zooming and it doesn't zoom smooth. The initial friction ruins many sceens. Do you have the same problem?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

the sample we tested was fine. It could be a bad copy.

[@cvetkofilm1141]

Oh, do you have some zoom footage for watch?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

No sorry

[@stehlealexander]

which Stablization would you use on an EM Mk2 -> IBIS or OIS ?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

The IBIS can handle most of it for stills, perhaps OIS can be useful for video to avoid distortion (jello effect).

[@sski66]

Nice slipping Gordan's new book in there, u guys & Gordan are 2 of the best channels for photography.

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Thanks a lot!

[@kuau714]

I'm on the fence. I just got the new Olympus EM1-ll and I have the 40-150/2.8. I have been considering all 3 lenses the 12-40/2.8 12-100/4 and now the lens just reviewed. I realize that the 12-100/4 is the most expensive and largest of the bunch yet all the reviews have been excellent. On the other hand used 12-40/2.8 can be had for under $600 USD not sure which way to go. On paper the 12-100/4 optically is the best out of the three. any advice?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

The 12-100mm is excellent concerning the optical quality and stabilisation with the E-M1 II is amazing. This article might be of help: mirrorlesscomparison.com/micro-four-thirds-lenses/12-40mm-f2-8-pro-vs-12-100mm-f4-pro/

[@robert7622]

just saved me a lot of money... Maximum F3.5 at 25mm is kit lens performance.

[@changyulin47]

also, weather proof is very important with 12-60

[@oscarkhlee]

Thank you for your testing. Could you please tell me that why the skin color of a white man become so pink/red at 3:03? Thank you very much.

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

It doesn't look so pink/red on my screen.

[@hedydd2]

It is because walking on Welsh hills in mid-Winter causes the blood to flow fast in red-blooded Welsh males. Red or near red hair is usually combined with fair skin that blushes more than most. You should see the sheep! :-)

[@NetvoTV]

one lens for everything? 8-18, 12F1.4, 12-35 II, 12-60? Which one?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

12-60

[@mikportland]

If you put this Panasonic lens at f4. at 12mm with aperture priority it acts like constant f4 zoom through out the range. You can pretend there no f2.8 f3.2 or f3.9 etc. It doesn't replace f2.8 constant zoom, If you need f2.8. But the constant f2.8 zooms don't replace fixed 1.8 prime either, if you need F1.8. Sure you can change lens to another constant mid-zoom and then you have change back. Or you can change to 28-300 or 28-280. But want the image quality of say 12-40 again change back. Or you can live with around f4 with more range; good IQ and only switch when you need f1.8 or what to go lighter. The 12-40 is could be a better work or project lens depending on the subject and it's a good value right now. If your shooting a project you might just reach for the 12-40. If your doing a walk about or outdoor event it might be best to reach for the 12-60. A prime shooter that doesn't want two or more excellent zooms might be interested. Or you could say I want this prime, this f2.8 zoom and this f4 zoom for different reasons. So many options with m43.

[@SalesGeniuses]

Love your videos! Keep up the hard work! Question: I'm looking to purchase GH5 for wedding video, what 2 lenses would you recommend? Thanks

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

The choice can be many. Is it your first camera for wedding video or if not which one and which lenses you had before?

[@MohoWU]

Can you check if this lens is parfocal please?

[@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons]

Panasonic doesn't explicitly states whether it is parfocal or not but we tested it by focusing at 60mm and then zoom out and in, and the image stayed in focus.

[@breadyegg]

Gah, I'd just made the tough choice to go for the oly 12-40mm f2.8 over the pana 12-35mm (i own an oly em5 mk2) and then I discover this! I guess I value that continual f2.8 over the extra 20mm, but this pana being pixel-peepingly similar in sharpness... Gah.

[@reg171reg]

I would have liked to see this lens compared to the Olympus 12 - 100 f4. It's only faster at the wide where I tend to stop down anyway.

[@medokn99]

This costs *$1K*