Nice review, thanks. Not sure if anyone else mentioned this in the comments, but the biggest advantage of this lens for video shooters is that it's parfocal, i.e., it stays in focus as you zoom in or out. That's a great advantage, especially during performances and documentary-style shooting, and one you pretty much can't get anywhere else for under $1,000.
Nice no-nonsense review, cheers. I got the G80 with the Lumix 12-60 when it first came out, and I've been consistently impressed by the performance and versatility of that lens, it's far better than you would reasonably expect a kit zoom to be. I've since bought 4 other MFT lenses including a couple of fast primes, but I'd say I shoot about 90% on the 12-60. Had been pondering upgrading to the Leica but it's pretty clear it wouldn't be worth the price difference to me.
Thank you! Two questions: 1) Colour rendition, and (2) micro-contrast, are two most important things to review in a lens. How they fare? Sharpness is irrelevant, micro-contrast is all-important; often the lenses are made sharp (for newbies) at the expense of micro-contrast (critical tonal fidelity). Then richness and colour saturation? Which one delivers more? Shoot same scene with both lenses, and look at highlights: which lens clips the highlights more, and which still delivers (colour) information there. Shoot same scene with lots of flat colour, and compare colour saturation out of DNG files from bot lenses, and tonal detail. Thanks!
Very simple and clear explanation: No worth to upgrade from Panasonic12-60mm to Leica 12-60mm, not much gain. AFTER SEEING YOUR REVIEW I definitely goes for the LUMIX G9 with The OLYMPUS ZUIKO 12-40mm f2.8 (constant aperture). PRICE IN GERMANY: The Lumix G9 with Zuiko 12-40mm2.8 in KIT Version cost 2399€ //// Leica 12-60mm f2.8/4 apprx.900 € for The OLYMPUS Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 apprx: 800€ Thumbs up for your review
Watched this again, with added interest as I've just bought this lens with a G9 (a special combo' price, plus discount). I already have the Lumix 12-60 and it is superb (I bought it mint, secondhand, so even better for being cheap), but do think the PanaLeica feels more robust, 'professional' if you like. But your conclusion is absolutely right, the Lumix lens is great, a bargain even, the PanaLeica is expensive, and great.
Covered a lot of points in a decent unbiased review James. In my opinion I do think there is an extra factor to consider here (albeit a subjective but crucual one) and that is how the image looks three dimesional or not (some may say how it "pops") which I believe is down to the micro contrast. For me the Leica is far superior in this respect making you feel that you can "walk into" the image although it is far more noticable in good light. Some examples of full photo's taken with both lens would have illustrated this I am sure as I have seen in another review that compared both lens. All the best for 2021 stay safe Rich.
Thanks for the straight forward review James. As I'm new to Lumix and have none of their lenses, and live in Canada where we have a little ice and snow (a lot), I'll be picking up that Leica lens. I was waffling on which to get but your reminding me of the freezeproof feature and metal construction sold me on it. Cheers!
Your energy is so appreciated. I love a lively review. Considering some faster lenses for G9. Low light noise is making me want to abandon G9 for Sony A6600, but I want to see what a wider aperture might do. Stability of G9 is what keeps me using it.
I got this lens with the G9, and I am really pleased with it compared to the Lumix version. I agree though that it is a bit pricey... But dat font though!! 🤣🤣
I have a ton of m43 lenses including the 12-35 f2.8 and Olympus 40-150 f2.8 pro so I'm good. That's not to say I wouldn't get the Leica 12-60. I wish it was a constant f2.8 but if you think about it, the aperture range compared to the Lumix kit lens is still better meaning I'll be able to pull off lower iso's at any focal length compared to the Lumix variant. For that reason is why I'm interested in it but the price for one in the USA is absurd for the Leica. Panasonic thinks that they can charge an insane premium just because of the Leica branding but that's just nuts. If I was on the Fuji X system I can easily get their similar f2.8-4 lens for around $350 on eBay. I'm in no rush since I already got the two above mentioned f2.8 constants. What's also nice about the Panasonic Leica 12-60 is the lens hood. That's one of the gripes I have with the 12-35 is that the lens hood will unlock with the slightest touch, but the Leica locks it in place which is a nice touch.
Great review! I looked at the 12-60 f/2.8-4, but the Olympus 12-100 f/4.0 seems a better choice, albeit at higher cost. (I've already got the Panasonic 12-35 f/2.8 and it is absolutely stellar.) The old Panasonic 45-175mm (H-PS45175E-K) f/4.0-5.6 is an absolute gem of a budget lens. Even at full price (around £350) you get a lovely compact "X" lens with great reach, dual IS compatibility and a lens that doesn't extend when zooming or focusing. Results are surprisingly sharp too. Well worth trying out. I got mine as a cheapo Japanese import for £170 from Amazon, but I think the price of the lens has gone up in the last couple of years. I still use it when I can't be bothered to lug my 40-150 f/2.8 Oly around.
I just received my Panasonic G9 today. Charging the battery at work and I am hoping to experiment later today. This is my first micro 4/3 camera. I have had my eye on them for some time and it was this camera that made me finally give in. Unfortunately, they did not have the kit lens w/camera available for pre-order that I could see here in the US. Also, we do not get the battery grip for free if pre ordered. Not sure, but I think there is a less consumer market in Europe and elsewhere, and these perks were to entice early sales perhaps. Anyways I am really happy with the camera feel-in-hand so far. Looking to buy the lens in review next. Great review
Thx for your thoughts on this lens. I'm still thinking about buying the 12-35 and 35-100 F2.8s from Panasonic and I think this will be the best choice.
Hey James! Agree with you on many points. Great video as usual 👍 Let me throw in some points. I got the Lumix for free with my GX8 purchase. Lots of experience. I also did a quick test of the LEICA as well. Both do a good job in great light. A big difference is in darker situations: AF is almost impossible and being able to use MF is a huge advantage. Also, color and resolution really falls apart in the Lumix much faster than the Leica. I would only buy the Leica WHEN I get the G9 bundled together at the discount price or could score 20% off on full price. Though there was a moment when I looked at one of the pics with the 12-60 Leica and thought it looked like one from my Nocticron. That was impressive ❤️
The way I looked at it when I got my GH5: Its only an _extra_ *$100* for the upgrade. I wanted that focal range for general run and gun stuff. So for $100, its winterized with the GH5 body, sharper across the range, faster too even if it does not hold onto the 2.8 very long. But I do agree, if your buying just the body and have already the cheaper lens, then spending full retail, or even $100 off on some promo, probably not worth it and I'd put my money into some other len.
Thanks for the review and your channel, love all you do .. I bought the G80 with the 12-60 and the GX80 with the 50mm 1.7 beginning of last year to start doing some video work. But have I done anything worthy yet? No ..!! Please keep on inspiring me. Your photography has really restarted my enthusiasm that had faded from doing a load of library work, a stupid amount of usable images a day was not what I imagined my life to be as a photographer. Thanks for being you.
Yeh thats the problem, its as dull as a TocH lamp. All MFT lenses seem stunningly sharp so advantages between zooms seem to be minor. I think you are right, the 12-35mm f2.8 is the way to go. When i get a weatherproof camera to replace my GX7 I will probaly buy one as its weatherproof and covers my main focal lengths. I am keeping my powder dry till they release a GX8MkII with the new electro shutter and without filter. I bought a 14-140mm which is reasonably sharp and maintains f4 til 25mm for convenience use but mainly use 17mm f1.8, 25mm f1.7 and 45mm f1.8 primes for virtually everything. I find that the primes are sharp enough to take a x2 crop so who needs a zoom anyway, especially when you consider contrast, rendering, the compactness and 2-3 stops advantage of the primes. I only take the zoom on nature rambles now. Yeh the font is nice, its the new Leica font, I have it on my 18-56mm Leica T zoom which is also far too slow, though bitingly sharp and contrasty. I mostly use Nikon primes on the Leica T with an adapter; I wasnt going to sell my lenses when I dumped DSLRs. Older I get the less inclined I get now to use anything other than a prime ;-)
The PanaLeica 12-60 is a beautifully made lens, and has that rather special Leica typography, but as you say, you pay for it. I bought the Pana 12-60, as mint secondhand, for a mere £179, so do that and you've got a bargain, as it is a great kit lens, a great size and weight for a GX80 up to a larger GH3/4/5. Btw, I think the lens hood is plastic rather than metal because plastic can absorb knocks, or even break, saving the lens from taking the impact. Just a thought...
The Leica is much smoother as you zoom, the Lumix Vario kept jerking, and I wanted to oil it! Also, the Leica holds its focus as you zoom in/out, so you don't suffer AF 'hunting' or need to get twisty in MF mode. I shoot multi-cam, I've picked up 2 of these (used) on eBay for £340 and £290, sold my Lumix versions for £150 each to subsidise them, and I'm a happy man.
Huh. Well I’m watching this 2yrs later, so if you respond that’ll be something! Anyways...just purchased my G9 and my next purchase was going to be the 12-60mm f/2.8. Now I’m not so sure. The only lens I currently have is the Lumix 25mm. I’m going to Cuba next February (long term planning. Ha). I thought the 12-60mm f/2.8 would be a good addition for travel. Its $1200 Cdn so that’s a lot of pocket change. Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
Thanks for this in depth review! You helped make my decision on whether or not to get the lense included with the camera! You saved me saved me some money to go with a better lense to start up my channel. Liked and subscribed!
I had both 12-60 and couldn't find enough difference to even bother with the weight of the Leica. In the end both where sold and kept the Olympus pro 12-40 f2.8. With the g9 and the dfd you are mostly stuck with Panasonic lenses so the package deal the Leica 12-60 make some sens. On my em1.2 you are open to al the lenses with the pdaf and most of the time the Olympus pro zoom are nicer.
I love the fonts as well James, one of the blessings of shooting M43 we get the op to buy Leica branded lenses with those very nice little yellow numbers on them. Nice review, love your work, keep them coming.
Now if they'd just make a lens with Comic Sans or Papyrus font, the world would be a happier place. :P
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Hi, great summary! One question: this lens has linear focus ring like any other normal canon lens? I have the lumix 12-60mm and it has only "non linear" focus ring. Its kind of annoying when you want to focus precisely, if you turning the ring fast or slow it will show different results. Thanks
Enjoyable video as usual, and not at all tedious or tech heavy. The Sigma 30mm and 60mm f/2.8s are well worth a look if someone already has the Lumix version of the 12-60, and I suspect the three together might out perform this one over the whole range, and you have the added advantage of the faster aperture on the primes.
Excellent video. You have so helped me choose which one will work better for me. Since I already have two prime Cinema lenses that I use with my GH4. The Lumix lens should work perfectly for a all around lens for back up footage paired with my c100 mark II.
thanks for the additional informations dude. Very helpful for my decision. I will see if I can get this lens at sometime on sale but it won't be a big miss when not as I love the Pana 12-60 and don't really need the additional features. Btw. at 0:50 is that the 20mm 1.7? Are you my evil twin or something? Just bought this lens a few weeks ago and love it as a prime. What do you think about it? I love that my G85 fits in my pocket with this lens on. Use it when I can't have my backpack with me or when I need to smuggle the camera into some events (what I am definately not doing often. I swear)
They should have made this lens a little bigger and made it f/2.8 all throughout. Instant buy if you considered f/2.8-4, and the bokeh would be GOOD at that point.
Excellent review. I love my G9, just got it yesterday. I have the 12-35 and 35-100. Your honest review didnt convince me to go out and get this. Any midrange zooms you recommend?
Lens shmens, we're waiting on that juicy G9 review :) So far would you sell your G85 and take the G9. Are its limited video features compared to the GH5 an issue?
ha, I'll keep the G85 for vlogs and back up I think, as for video I wouldn't know how to use 10% of the video features on a GH5 so it's no big deal for me :)
Good call on the 12-35 2.8 over the 12-60s. I shoot Oly and the 12-40 2.8 is insanely great. But before that I shot the Oly 4/3s 12-60 2.8-4 and it’s just too slow. I’m now deciding on the Em1mkii and the G9. Hmmmm
do you think the parfocality of this lense is a + point compared to the 12/35 f2.8? I would like to buy the g9 for photos and videos, currently I have a old fz200. The G9 is the perfect photo, video, handling, stabilisation flippy screen package for me I take youtube videos in a small garage(little distance to the object) with moderate light (car restoration) and also in the car outside while driving with a passenger and some vlog style also when traveling I would like to use the cam for landscape and architecture my biggest problem is to chose the best lens for me now -12/60 F2.8-4 OIS -12/35 F2.8 OIS -15 F1.7 -12 F1.4 I dont know how f2.8 performs in my situation. 12-15mm focal lenght is the best for my garage work and in the car an vlog. If F2.8 are ok(only use 12mm in low light), the 12/60 was the best allroundlense I think Advantage of the 12/35 is the continuous f2.8 which allows me to zoom without darker video or higher iso. The two primes are without OIS and the f1.4 is very expensive I don't know if it's worth its money What do you think?
Hey James love your channel I always learn something new! Was wondering if you’ve considered the 12-40mm 2.8 from Olympus because people say it’s sharper than the Panasonic 12-35? What strikes me about it is the build quality over the Panasonic and the manual focus clutch for video. I know it doesn’t have IS, but the g9 has ibis so... would like to know if you’d consider it over the 12-35 and why?
James Popsys alright thanks!! is that more for video or stills because I’m not sure which to get for mostly video work if I have a gimbal as well? Basically, where/when does the extra stabilization help you most? Thanks so much your videos are great!
Wonderful review. I am a Lumix user & prefer the constant 2.8 of the Oly1 2-40. Can you comment on your experience with the loss of DFD using the Oly on the Lumix body.
Good review :-) I agree with you, that the Lumix 12-60mm and a couple of primes would be a better choice for the same money and the 12-35mm and 35-100mm f2.8 are the better combination if you can afford them. I always found the Leica 12-60mm to be kind of pointless. I think the extra light you get is not worth giving up the double stabilasation you'd have with the Lumix on one of the IBIS bodys (G85/G9/GH5). The 200mm f2.8 Leica seems nice though... Cheers :-) Sören
Hi, I watched few videos and with GH5S some suggest to get 12-60 f2.8-4 instead of 12-35 f2.8 ii and keep the aperture constant at f4 as GH5S is very good for its low light capabilities due to its dual native iso. Kindly advice 12-35 f2.8 or 12-60 f2.8 - 4? Cheers.
Hey ... please what your opinion for videographers use lumix 12-60 2.8-4.0 and 8-18 2.8-4 , the 8-18 is not stabilized right? i ' m using Zhiyun Crane. Thks
Build Quality and feeling is better. Love a bigger lens on a g9 but for my gx80 and gx800 a small lens is nicer, In day light you dont need the leica, in a kit the 12-60 lumix is almost for free and weather sealed to. the leica is €350 more in the netherlands. If panasonic makes all lumix lenses weather sealed I dont need the leica models anymore. M4/3 is for me a big freedom, lightweigt, small package.
Is there a way to adjust the focus ring (inside the Panasonic G9), so you don't need to turn it full way around to focus from far away to close? I need to make smaller adjustments, because of an external focus motor from my gimbal
Alright I don't know if I'm just dumb or something but what is the strap thing called that he has on his Lumix at 1:09? The like red and black tab thing
Yeah... today I ordered a G9 with the Leica 12-60..(after I sold my G9 for 3 weeks to try a full frame).... ähmm OK yes I lost a lot...🤯 but I did it also for the rest of G9 users... 🤔😂💸💸
Naught point ? LOL Zero point... not "yank"ing your chain either... ;) Also, it's their own private font - kind of like DIN 1451 Mittleschrift - but is called "LG 1050". (found searching web, in a direct response from Leica...) Another good video btw, mate.
James I think you should make your "talking" movies in 30fps instead of 24 as you mentioned in your other film... well 24fps is reserved for smooth, cinematic scenes and as you talk so fast you are not cinematic at all... Please forgive me if I'm wrong and you shooting in 30fps probably I am having a bad day...peace.
If anybody can see the sun let me know, I'll get the car started...
James Popsys shockingly enough we had a glimmer of the yellow stuff in London today
Sell it, get the brace of 2.8 zooms.
I am going to dubai in 2 weeks.. i can try to get some just for your.. however i am not sure if you can hold up this long :D
lmao
James Popsys ~ Plenty of sun, but -15c and 20cm of snow ❄️
Nice review, thanks. Not sure if anyone else mentioned this in the comments, but the biggest advantage of this lens for video shooters is that it's parfocal, i.e., it stays in focus as you zoom in or out. That's a great advantage, especially during performances and documentary-style shooting, and one you pretty much can't get anywhere else for under $1,000.
It's not parfocal. I made tests.
That font has definitely impacted my purchasing decisions
It's all about the font! 😋
Actually.
Nice no-nonsense review, cheers. I got the G80 with the Lumix 12-60 when it first came out, and I've been consistently impressed by the performance and versatility of that lens, it's far better than you would reasonably expect a kit zoom to be. I've since bought 4 other MFT lenses including a couple of fast primes, but I'd say I shoot about 90% on the 12-60. Had been pondering upgrading to the Leica but it's pretty clear it wouldn't be worth the price difference to me.
Thank you! Two questions: 1) Colour rendition, and (2) micro-contrast, are two most important things to review in a lens. How they fare? Sharpness is irrelevant, micro-contrast is all-important; often the lenses are made sharp (for newbies) at the expense of micro-contrast (critical tonal fidelity). Then richness and colour saturation? Which one delivers more?
Shoot same scene with both lenses, and look at highlights: which lens clips the highlights more, and which still delivers (colour) information there. Shoot same scene with lots of flat colour, and compare colour saturation out of DNG files from bot lenses, and tonal detail. Thanks!
Very simple and clear explanation: No worth to upgrade from Panasonic12-60mm to Leica 12-60mm, not much gain. AFTER SEEING YOUR REVIEW I definitely goes for the LUMIX G9 with The OLYMPUS ZUIKO 12-40mm f2.8 (constant aperture). PRICE IN GERMANY: The Lumix G9 with Zuiko 12-40mm2.8 in KIT Version cost 2399€ //// Leica 12-60mm f2.8/4 apprx.900 € for The OLYMPUS Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 apprx: 800€ Thumbs up for your review
Watched this again, with added interest as I've just bought this lens with a G9 (a special combo' price, plus discount).
I already have the Lumix 12-60 and it is superb (I bought it mint, secondhand, so even better for being cheap), but do think the PanaLeica feels more robust, 'professional' if you like.
But your conclusion is absolutely right, the Lumix lens is great, a bargain even, the PanaLeica is expensive, and great.
Covered a lot of points in a decent unbiased review James. In my opinion I do think there is an extra factor to consider here (albeit a subjective but crucual one) and that is how the image looks three dimesional or not (some may say how it "pops") which I believe is down to the micro contrast. For me the Leica is far superior in this respect making you feel that you can "walk into" the image although it is far more noticable in good light. Some examples of full photo's taken with both lens would have illustrated this I am sure as I have seen in another review that compared both lens. All the best for 2021 stay safe Rich.
Anything from you is fun and educational - the sharpest man on TH-cam!
Hideki Gomi He is sharp with a great bokeh! :-)
Haha, I will never say bokeh to James, though....it also means "dumb" I can't get enough of his sarcasm!
Haha, that's funny! Thanks, I didn't know that. :-) You're right, James is probably many things, but he is anything but dumb!
Thanks for the straight forward review James. As I'm new to Lumix and have none of their lenses, and live in Canada where we have a little ice and snow (a lot), I'll be picking up that Leica lens. I was waffling on which to get but your reminding me of the freezeproof feature and metal construction sold me on it.
Cheers!
Just don't stick your tongue on it when it's freezing out. It's metal! Did you buy the lens after? I have one, and it's my most used lens on my G9.
Thank you for taking the time to give your honest review. I find them helpful, love the comparison with a cheaper model.
Your energy is so appreciated. I love a lively review. Considering some faster lenses for G9. Low light noise is making me want to abandon G9 for Sony A6600, but I want to see what a wider aperture might do. Stability of G9 is what keeps me using it.
Love the reviews. Do whatever you feel like, because it is always entertaining and a lot of the time also educational.
You just unswered to my question about these two lenses. Nice review and thanks!
I got this lens with the G9, and I am really pleased with it compared to the Lumix version. I agree though that it is a bit pricey... But dat font though!! 🤣🤣
I have a ton of m43 lenses including the 12-35 f2.8 and Olympus 40-150 f2.8 pro so I'm good. That's not to say I wouldn't get the Leica 12-60. I wish it was a constant f2.8 but if you think about it, the aperture range compared to the Lumix kit lens is still better meaning I'll be able to pull off lower iso's at any focal length compared to the Lumix variant. For that reason is why I'm interested in it but the price for one in the USA is absurd for the Leica. Panasonic thinks that they can charge an insane premium just because of the Leica branding but that's just nuts.
If I was on the Fuji X system I can easily get their similar f2.8-4 lens for around $350 on eBay.
I'm in no rush since I already got the two above mentioned f2.8 constants.
What's also nice about the Panasonic Leica 12-60 is the lens hood. That's one of the gripes I have with the 12-35 is that the lens hood will unlock with the slightest touch, but the Leica locks it in place which is a nice touch.
Great review! I looked at the 12-60 f/2.8-4, but the Olympus 12-100 f/4.0 seems a better choice, albeit at higher cost. (I've already got the Panasonic 12-35 f/2.8 and it is absolutely stellar.)
The old Panasonic 45-175mm (H-PS45175E-K) f/4.0-5.6 is an absolute gem of a budget lens. Even at full price (around £350) you get a lovely compact "X" lens with great reach, dual IS compatibility and a lens that doesn't extend when zooming or focusing. Results are surprisingly sharp too. Well worth trying out. I got mine as a cheapo Japanese import for £170 from Amazon, but I think the price of the lens has gone up in the last couple of years. I still use it when I can't be bothered to lug my 40-150 f/2.8 Oly around.
I love the 45-175 too :)
I just received my Panasonic G9 today. Charging the battery at work and I am hoping to experiment later today. This is my first micro 4/3 camera. I have had my eye on them for some time and it was this camera that made me finally give in. Unfortunately, they did not have the kit lens w/camera available for pre-order that I could see here in the US. Also, we do not get the battery grip for free if pre ordered. Not sure, but I think there is a less consumer market in Europe and elsewhere, and these perks were to entice early sales perhaps. Anyways I am really happy with the camera feel-in-hand so far. Looking to buy the lens in review next. Great review
Thx for your thoughts on this lens. I'm still thinking about buying the 12-35 and 35-100 F2.8s from Panasonic and I think this will be the best choice.
Hey James! Agree with you on many points. Great video as usual 👍 Let me throw in some points. I got the Lumix for free with my GX8 purchase. Lots of experience. I also did a quick test of the LEICA as well. Both do a good job in great light. A big difference is in darker situations: AF is almost impossible and being able to use MF is a huge advantage. Also, color and resolution really falls apart in the Lumix much faster than the Leica.
I would only buy the Leica WHEN I get the G9 bundled together at the discount price or could score 20% off on full price. Though there was a moment when I looked at one of the pics with the 12-60 Leica and thought it looked like one from my Nocticron. That was impressive ❤️
The way I looked at it when I got my GH5: Its only an _extra_ *$100* for the upgrade. I wanted that focal range for general run and gun stuff. So for $100, its winterized with the GH5 body, sharper across the range, faster too even if it does not hold onto the 2.8 very long. But I do agree, if your buying just the body and have already the cheaper lens, then spending full retail, or even $100 off on some promo, probably not worth it and I'd put my money into some other len.
Thanks for the review and your channel, love all you do .. I bought the G80 with the 12-60 and the GX80 with the 50mm 1.7 beginning of last year to start doing some video work. But have I done anything worthy yet? No ..!! Please keep on inspiring me. Your photography has really restarted my enthusiasm that had faded from doing a load of library work, a stupid amount of usable images a day was not what I imagined my life to be as a photographer. Thanks for being you.
Yeh thats the problem, its as dull as a TocH lamp. All MFT lenses seem stunningly sharp so advantages between zooms seem to be minor. I think you are right, the 12-35mm f2.8 is the way to go. When i get a weatherproof camera to replace my GX7 I will probaly buy one as its weatherproof and covers my main focal lengths. I am keeping my powder dry till they release a GX8MkII with the new electro shutter and without filter. I bought a 14-140mm which is reasonably sharp and maintains f4 til 25mm for convenience use but mainly use 17mm f1.8, 25mm f1.7 and 45mm f1.8 primes for virtually everything. I find that the primes are sharp enough to take a x2 crop so who needs a zoom anyway, especially when you consider contrast, rendering, the compactness and 2-3 stops advantage of the primes. I only take the zoom on nature rambles now. Yeh the font is nice, its the new Leica font, I have it on my 18-56mm Leica T zoom which is also far too slow, though bitingly sharp and contrasty. I mostly use Nikon primes on the Leica T with an adapter; I wasnt going to sell my lenses when I dumped DSLRs. Older I get the less inclined I get now to use anything other than a prime ;-)
informative, and very entertaining. Smart sense of humor. Thank you.
nice review as always - I see the G9 in your future for sure - such a nice camera
Really enjoyed this, very informative. Looking forward to more reviews :)
12-35 and 35-100 2.8 is a grand setup great choice. (totally my setup)
Wow, that is a real nice set of lenses. What body are you using?
JOE PRETE a Gh5 and a g7 😊 and a cheeky gh2 as backup-backup
Olympus pro 7-14mm f2.8, 12-40mm f2.8, 40-150mm f2.8 and mc-14 is my setup of choice.
Indeed. That’s what I’m using with my G7. Quite like them a lot. Looking forward to twisting them on the G9.
Same here, 12-35, 35-100 plus 8-18, 25mm 1.7 and 42.5mm 1.7
Great video as always James! Thanks for cranking these out....
The PanaLeica 12-60 is a beautifully made lens, and has that rather special Leica typography, but as you say, you pay for it. I bought the Pana 12-60, as mint secondhand, for a mere £179, so do that and you've got a bargain, as it is a great kit lens, a great size and weight for a GX80 up to a larger GH3/4/5.
Btw, I think the lens hood is plastic rather than metal because plastic can absorb knocks, or even break, saving the lens from taking the impact. Just a thought...
The Leica is much smoother as you zoom, the Lumix Vario kept jerking, and I wanted to oil it! Also, the Leica holds its focus as you zoom in/out, so you don't suffer AF 'hunting' or need to get twisty in MF mode. I shoot multi-cam, I've picked up 2 of these (used) on eBay for £340 and £290, sold my Lumix versions for £150 each to subsidise them, and I'm a happy man.
Huh. Well I’m watching this 2yrs later, so if you respond that’ll be something! Anyways...just purchased my G9 and my next purchase was going to be the 12-60mm f/2.8. Now I’m not so sure. The only lens I currently have is the Lumix 25mm. I’m going to Cuba next February (long term planning. Ha). I thought the 12-60mm f/2.8 would be a good addition for travel. Its $1200 Cdn so that’s a lot of pocket change. Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions?
Sounds like a plan! Enjoy your trip - I love Cuba :)
Thanks for this very sensible and pragmatic review. It shows also how lens and font reviews age better than camera body reviews. Cheers.
I personally would spend my money on the 12-35 f2.8. Especially given we are talking about M4/3.
Top info and well presented Jimmy. Thanks mate!
I learned a lot while watching your video. Thanks very much, James!
Thanks for this in depth review! You helped make my decision on whether or not to get the lense included with the camera! You saved me saved me some money to go with a better lense to start up my channel. Liked and subscribed!
GREAT review. I love this style of review. It's an executive summary without the waffle.
I had both 12-60 and couldn't find enough difference to even bother with the weight of the Leica. In the end both where sold and kept the Olympus pro 12-40 f2.8.
With the g9 and the dfd you are mostly stuck with Panasonic lenses so the package deal the Leica 12-60 make some sens. On my em1.2 you are open to al the lenses with the pdaf and most of the time the Olympus pro zoom are nicer.
Stellar review. I like the fonts, too.
I love the fonts as well James, one of the blessings of shooting M43 we get the op to buy Leica branded lenses with those very nice little yellow numbers on them. Nice review, love your work, keep them coming.
Thanks. I plan to buy this lens next.
Now if they'd just make a lens with Comic Sans or Papyrus font, the world would be a happier place. :P
Hi, great summary! One question: this lens has linear focus ring like any other normal canon lens? I have the lumix 12-60mm and it has only "non linear" focus ring. Its kind of annoying when you want to focus precisely, if you turning the ring fast or slow it will show different results.
Thanks
Enjoyable video as usual, and not at all tedious or tech heavy. The Sigma 30mm and 60mm f/2.8s are well worth a look if someone already has the Lumix version of the 12-60, and I suspect the three together might out perform this one over the whole range, and you have the added advantage of the faster aperture on the primes.
Ha! Panasonic lenses have the best fonts! Looks better than any of my Sony or Sigma lenses.
Excellent video. You have so helped me choose which one will work better for me. Since I already have two prime Cinema lenses that I use with my GH4. The Lumix lens should work perfectly for a all around lens for back up footage paired with my c100 mark II.
thanks for the additional informations dude. Very helpful for my decision. I will see if I can get this lens at sometime on sale but it won't be a big miss when not as I love the Pana 12-60 and don't really need the additional features. Btw. at 0:50 is that the 20mm 1.7? Are you my evil twin or something? Just bought this lens a few weeks ago and love it as a prime. What do you think about it? I love that my G85 fits in my pocket with this lens on. Use it when I can't have my backpack with me or when I need to smuggle the camera into some events (what I am definately not doing often. I swear)
They should have made this lens a little bigger and made it f/2.8 all throughout. Instant buy if you considered f/2.8-4, and the bokeh would be GOOD at that point.
Excellent review. I love my G9, just got it yesterday. I have the 12-35 and 35-100. Your honest review didnt convince me to go out and get this. Any midrange zooms you recommend?
Lens shmens, we're waiting on that juicy G9 review :) So far would you sell your G85 and take the G9. Are its limited video features compared to the GH5 an issue?
ha, I'll keep the G85 for vlogs and back up I think, as for video I wouldn't know how to use 10% of the video features on a GH5 so it's no big deal for me :)
Does anybody EVER sell their G85? With the pancake lens or even a 25mm f1.7 it can go in my jacket pocket, weighs nothing! @@JamesPopsysPhoto
Perfect conclusion !
Good call on the 12-35 2.8 over the 12-60s. I shoot Oly and the 12-40 2.8 is insanely great. But before that I shot the Oly 4/3s 12-60 2.8-4 and it’s just too slow.
I’m now deciding on the Em1mkii and the G9. Hmmmm
The 12-40mm f2.8 is my favorite.
do you think the parfocality of this lense is a + point compared to the 12/35 f2.8?
I would like to buy the g9 for photos and videos, currently I have a old fz200. The G9 is the perfect photo, video, handling, stabilisation flippy screen package for me
I take youtube videos in a small garage(little distance to the object) with moderate light (car restoration) and also in the car outside while driving with a passenger and some vlog style
also when traveling I would like to use the cam for landscape and architecture
my biggest problem is to chose the best lens for me now
-12/60 F2.8-4 OIS
-12/35 F2.8 OIS
-15 F1.7
-12 F1.4
I dont know how f2.8 performs in my situation. 12-15mm focal lenght is the best for my garage work and in the car an vlog.
If F2.8 are ok(only use 12mm in low light), the 12/60 was the best allroundlense I think
Advantage of the 12/35 is the continuous f2.8 which allows me to zoom without darker video or higher iso.
The two primes are without OIS and the f1.4 is very expensive I don't know if it's worth its money
What do you think?
I think this whole video summed up a really important question "what is your favorite font and why?" :)
I‘d totally buy this lens for the font. ;) Just like the Kerlee 35mm which also has a gorgeous font. The right font makes a good lens even better.
Thanks for this.... think I am going to get the Lumix lens!
This video helps so much!
love your content here man! cheers!
Hey James love your channel I always learn something new! Was wondering if you’ve considered the 12-40mm 2.8 from Olympus because people say it’s sharper than the Panasonic 12-35? What strikes me about it is the build quality over the Panasonic and the manual focus clutch for video. I know it doesn’t have IS, but the g9 has ibis so... would like to know if you’d consider it over the 12-35 and why?
Hey Kim, the extra stabilisation is what's drawing me to the 12-35, but I know the 12-40 to be a cracking lens!
James Popsys alright thanks!! is that more for video or stills because I’m not sure which to get for mostly video work if I have a gimbal as well? Basically, where/when does the extra stabilization help you most? Thanks so much your videos are great!
Wonderful review. I am a Lumix user & prefer the constant 2.8 of the Oly1 2-40. Can you comment on your experience with the loss of DFD using the Oly on the Lumix body.
Good review :-)
I agree with you, that the Lumix 12-60mm and a couple of primes would be a better choice for the same money and the 12-35mm and 35-100mm f2.8 are the better combination if you can afford them.
I always found the Leica 12-60mm to be kind of pointless. I think the extra light you get is not worth giving up the double stabilasation you'd have with the Lumix on one of the IBIS bodys (G85/G9/GH5).
The 200mm f2.8 Leica seems nice though...
Cheers :-)
Sören
Up until what focal length does the 12-60mm stay at f2.8 or does it stop down immediately for anything longer than 12mm? Thank you
Great too the point review! 💪
Great Review! Thank you, I think I'll take the G80/81/85 with the Kit Lens Lumix 12-60mm. Also because of the price you mentioned ;-)
Hi, I watched few videos and with GH5S some suggest to get 12-60 f2.8-4 instead of 12-35 f2.8 ii and keep the aperture constant at f4 as GH5S is very good for its low light capabilities due to its dual native iso.
Kindly advice 12-35 f2.8 or 12-60 f2.8 - 4?
Cheers.
Hi James, do you use lighting for your review videos?
A couple of cheap Neewer ones - links in the description :)
Hey ... please what your opinion for videographers use lumix 12-60 2.8-4.0 and 8-18 2.8-4 , the 8-18 is not stabilized right? i ' m using Zhiyun Crane. Thks
Build Quality and feeling is better. Love a bigger lens on a g9 but for my gx80 and gx800 a small lens is nicer, In day light you dont need the leica, in a kit the 12-60 lumix is almost for free and weather sealed to. the leica is €350 more in the netherlands. If panasonic makes all lumix lenses weather sealed I dont need the leica models anymore. M4/3 is for me a big freedom, lightweigt, small package.
Is there a way to adjust the focus ring (inside the Panasonic G9), so you don't need to turn it full way around to focus from far away to close?
I need to make smaller adjustments, because of an external focus motor from my gimbal
that was helpful mate!
Is your version parfocal? I've seen many reviews saying it is, but mine is not. Still haven't figured out why.
Yep, thanks for this.
no idea what you just said but i enjoyed it lol
Alright I don't know if I'm just dumb or something but what is the strap thing called that he has on his Lumix at 1:09? The like red and black tab thing
Peak Design anchor, for the Peak Design straps
Cool got some sun here on sunny Wirral
The biggest difference... Par-focal. The Leica is Par-focal!! A big bonus for filmmakers :)
Hey I just got my Panasonic GH five and my 12 to 16 mm lens does the inside of yourShake around
Is the Leica one made in China or Japan? Thank you.
It still made in china, but I feel it's premium handling
Since I put my 14-140 mk2 on my camera it barely comes off.
That's an excellent lens!
Let's switch. It's always sunny here in Israel, even in January
I like the font too.
I hate that lovely locking button, it comes undone in my bag... Love the lens though.
Can this lens be used for astrophotography?
Haha the font is insanely nice
Notification Squad!!
f2.8 is an f5.6 full frame equivalent isn't it?
+James Popsys ...So are you keeping the G9 and the G85, or just keeping one of them? if so, which one would you keep?
Both mate :)
I also have a fetish for the font
Has anyone had a problem with the stabilizing sensor on this lens "rattling?" It felt and sounded cheap to me for the price and I returned it.
Not me Eric, that's a strange one!
What about blooming (not really fixable in post)?
True!
What are the advatages of turning vr off while using a tripod?
Yeah... today I ordered a G9 with the Leica 12-60..(after I sold my G9 for 3 weeks to try a full frame).... ähmm OK yes I lost a lot...🤯 but I did it also for the rest of G9 users... 🤔😂💸💸
What's the aperture at 30mm?
yeyeyeyeyeyeaaaa
Very concise, thank you!
BTW it's 'sliding alerture' and not 'variable aperture'. :-)
Naught point ? LOL Zero point... not "yank"ing your chain either... ;) Also, it's their own private font - kind of like DIN 1451 Mittleschrift - but is called "LG 1050". (found searching web, in a direct response from Leica...) Another good video btw, mate.
Thank you - Im still awake at the end by the way.
Great vid James.
Thanks.
Yes font is muy importante!
James I think you should make your "talking" movies in 30fps instead of 24 as you mentioned in your other film... well 24fps is reserved for smooth, cinematic scenes and as you talk so fast you are not cinematic at all... Please forgive me if I'm wrong and you shooting in 30fps probably I am having a bad day...peace.
'For Americans' and those over 40....;)