Panasonic 14-45 vs 12-35

I can't find a comparison, and LensTip has not tested the 14-45. Apart from different FL and speed, how do the two lenses compare for sharpness and other factors?

I've had a couple of copies of the 14-45, and it is definitely the best of the 'kit' lenses. But even though it's a fully serviceable lens, to me it doesn't surpass the kit realm. It's very light, but not all that compact. It does have a real bayonet hood, but it loosens quickly the overall build isn't that great. And it does have good sharpness, but results do vary from one copy to the next and the overall color reproduction is only average.

The 12-35, even though it may not outclass the 14-45 in terms of outright resolution, does in nearly every other respect. The build is much better. The effectiveness of the OIS is vastly better. And though larger in diameter and heavier, it's still a marvel of miniaturization.

Downsides to the 12-35 are few, but merit mention. How quickly the hood's locking detent looses its bite was excusable on the vastly cheaper 14-45, but is downright annoying on the expensive and otherwise solid 12-35. And the flare is much more pronounced than on the 14-45, sometimes ruining shots indoors under harsh artificial lighting. And of course it is a costly affair compared to the 14-45.

But you cannot dismiss the focal length difference. 12mm on the short end is a lot wider than 14, and it allows for more dramatic composition and is a serious advantage for the 12-35. In my opinion the killer OIS is another, and the better color reproduction is a big third. I also enjoy using it much more because of its solid build and silky focus and zoom.

I gave away my second copy of the 14-45 (mounted to a G1), but I'll probably have the 12-35 forever. The 12-35 extracts a much higher price, but the rewards are there.

12mm at work: