Lumix 12-35mm f/2.8 worth getting when I have 12-60mm f/2.8-4 already?

5 years 1 week ago #651791 by KZAM
I'm some what new to Panasonic.  I got a good deal on a used GH5 that included a 12-60mm lens back in November.  It's surprisingly a fun camera to use.  But now I'm wondering about the 12-35mm f/2.8.  It's a straight up f/2.8.  Worth getting then?

I don't need no stink'in Signature! ha ha ha
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5 years 1 week ago - 5 years 1 week ago #651815 by Piechura
I don't really know much about the 12-60mm, but I can only assume that since they're similar prices, and it's a shorter focal length, the 12-35mm is a better quality lens. Obviously the constant aperture is a huge benefit if you want to do video, because it means you can actually use it as a zoom.

The obvious question is what can you not do now using your 12-60mm that you'd like to be able to do.


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5 years 1 week ago - 5 years 1 week ago #651822 by Nikon Shooter
The gains are a constant ƒ aperture value throughout
… but wouldn't that be redundant?

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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5 years 1 week ago #652089 by Piechura

Nikon Shooter wrote: The gains are a constant ƒ aperture value throughout
… but wouldn't that be redundant?

It's absolutely essential for video, because otherwise as you zoom in, the image gets darker. Obviously you could still use a variable f-stop lens as long as you're not going to actually zoom during the shot, just for the different focal lengths, but then you're probably going to be better off getting primes at the focal lengths you want.

I think it was maybe Roger Deakins who said that he would only ever use a zoom on a camera if it was being used for a zoom shot. Otherwise always use primes. Again, it depends on the sort of videos you're interested in making. For documentary style content where you need to be able to capture things as they happen, a zoom is extremely useful. But for filmmaking where you're in control of things, you would typically use primes most of the time.


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5 years 1 week ago #652130 by garyrhook
The 12-60mm is a variable aperture lens;.the other you mention is a constant aperture, and that can matter. But since you don't mention what you're shooting, and what you like, it's difficult to suggest anything.

Since the OP didn't mention video, I'm not sure any comments regarding video are critical, but some accurate points are made above.

My fallback: if you don't know why you need it, you don't need it. Wait until you know why.


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