Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for standard, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II for standard zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 42mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 42mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 42mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 425g (15.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is $599, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 305g (10.8 oz) vs 425g (15.0 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for standard, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 42mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 42mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 42mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 425g (15.0 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 42mm | 12-35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 29° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 85-85mm | 24-70mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 74mm | 67.6mm |
| Length | 73mm | 73.8mm |
| Weight | 425g (15.0 oz) | 305g (10.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
