PanasonicLUMIX G X VARIO LENS, 12-35MM, F2.8 ASPH., PROFESSIONAL MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS, POWER OPTICAL I.S. H-HS12035 (2012 Model - USA BLACK)

Save some time, I don't shoot video so I won't comment on using this lens for video, stills only.This is the new "stays on the body" lens for me, replacing the Panasonic/Leica 25mm f/1.4, although I plan on keeping that lens handy for instances where I really want smaller DOF. Autofocus is fast, silent, and spot-on. It covers (35mm equiv.) 24mm wide angle to 70mm short telephoto on the micro four thirds system cameras from Panasonic and Olympus.I purchased this lens to go with my Panasonic G3 camera because the constant f/2.8 aperture across the full zoom range is anywhere from 1 to 2 stops faster than the 14-42 kit lens (f/3.5-4.6). This allows me to shoot in lower light without having to go with a flash or up the ISO, and also provides a bit more subject separation due to the shallower depth of field. I also like having a touch more at the wide-angle side (12mm vs. 14mm on kit, 24 vs 28mm equiv) while I'm ok with losing a smidgen at the zoom side (35mm vs. 42mm, 70 vs 84mm equiv.) The lens does extend when going from wide to telephoto, looks like about 1/2 inch of extension. The front doesn't rotate as you zoom however, so circular polarizers and graduated filters won't need to be adjusted. It appears that focus is maintained while zooming as well.Build quality is excellent. The lens feels solid at all times, the zoom is smooth, and the manual focus ring feels solid also. The Power OIS image stabilization seems to be about a stop better than the OIS in the kit zoom (this is a rough estimate, I didn't do any serious tests). And note to Olympus lens buyers - it comes with a hood :) (/poke Olympus).Only downside is it takes different filters than the kit lens (58mm vs 52mm.) Well, that and the price, but it's an excellent lens, and, let's face it, it's not intended to replace the kit zoom unless you feel the need to spend some money on a serious lens.On the subject of Depth of Field however, due to the size of the sensor, you cannot expect the same degree of shallow depth of field you can achieve with a full-frame sensor, when using micro 4/3 cameras. On 4/3 sized sensors you get a wider total depth of field than you would see from the equivalent zoom and aperture on an APS-C or full-frame sensor. With this lens @ full telephoto, you get the angle of view and amount light to the sensor that you'd get with a full-frame 70mm f/2.8 lens, but the depth of field is closer to 70mm/f5.6, or 35mm (true focal length) @ f/2.8) On the other hand, the kit lens would be about 70mm/f11 in terms of depth of field.Here's a chart with calculated depth of field for the same equivalent focal length at 15ft center focus:Sensor | lens | aperature | DOF @ 15'm4/3 | 35mm f/2.8 3.96ft35mm | 70mm f/2.8 1.25ft35mm | 70mm f/5.6 3.92ft1/1.8" | 15.5 f/3.2 ~11ftI was able to get a side-by-side look next to a relative's D7000 mounting their 24-75mm/2.8 lens, and the size comparison is insane; the G3+lens vs. D7000+lens has to be 1/2 the size and weight. I am able to stick the camera with the lens hood inverted into my coat pocket.Does it take the exact same quality of pictures? Not at a pixel-peeker level, but considering my camera + lens cost about the same as just her camera+kit lens, I'm quite happy.Now, if I can just win the lottery to convince myself to get the 35-100mm companion lens ...

So if you are experienced with MFT cameras, and specifically, the Panasonic GH4 you will probably understand the limitations of this lens (and MFT in general). However, you will also recognize that this 12-35mm f2.8 is also, probably, the most useful lens made for the GH4. There are definitely lenses that are sharper and offer more vibrant contrast (like both the 25mm and 42.5 Panansonic Leica lenses) however, unless you are working strictly in a studio... you will probably find that you are using the 12-35mm much more often.- The f2.8 is usually, just fast enough... it definitely works outdoors, and usually indoors as well. However, you may find yourself on ISO 800 and beyond. On a full frame Nikon or Canon that usually isn't that big of a deal... but on the GH4 you do begin to see grain at ISO 800. In a perfect world.... I would LOVE if this lens f1.7 of the Lumix pancake lens. At that point (despite the increased cost) you would have an absolute homerun (however, it is still far better than f4 offered on the 7-14mm lens!).- Color and contrast - among the best for Panasonic MFT cameras... not quite to the level of the two Panasonic Leica lenses mentioned (with the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.2 being among the best lenses I have used.... period regardless of camera type).Sharpness - This is a very sharp lens - I notice a bit of edge fall off on f2.8 especially at 12mm, but for the most part ... it is very sharp.Focal range - I find the 12-35mm (24mm-70mm equivalent on a 35mm format) to be ideal for both photography and video. It allows me to capture ultra wide shots, standard 35mm shots, a 50mm portraits. This probably encompasees +70% of my projects. I will say that if I find the camera at 25mm i will take off the Panasonic 12-35 and stick on my Panasonic Leica 25mm f1.4... however, that is to be expected.Size - perfect... it is a heck of a lot smaller and lighter than it is full frame counterparts.Image Stabilization - Useful but not unbelievable. Since this is not an ultra-fast lens every bit of image stabilization comes in handy.Build quality - Solid.... especially compared to some of the plastic pieces that Nikon puts out in this price range.Bokeh - Not bad... but even at f2.8 the MFT makes creating a shallow depth of field a challenge.Final Verdict - This lens is not perfect, but it really does push the limits of the GH4's capability. In the end the best thing I can say is that this my work horse, and while I have several lenses that I use as a replacement the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 is a jack of all trades. If you own a MFT, and especially the GH4, this is a lens that you very strongly consider buying this lens.4 1/2 stars