10-25 vs 12-35 mkii?

here are some pics i took two years ago in Dominican republic with the 12-35. me and my favorite model, my lovely girlfriend . So maybe this will give you guys an idea of what i like to shoot more ? i was also looking at video footage from this trip and was pretty impressed. i haven't seen the photos in a while. i might have to buy the 12-35 again !

Chris Noble wrote:

Jianfei WANG wrote:

If weight size and cost are not the issues, go for 10-25 without thinking.

The OP travels and wishes the 12-35 had more reach. And who is indifferent to weight, size and cost? Seems like a bit of thinking is in order. Unless you're a pixel-peeper -- not a lot of thinking is involved in that.

Lol Chris. Yes, it seems I’m a bit all over the place. I believe I want a premium zoom lens good for travel , video, and occasional portraiture.  I believe I’m going with the 12-35 as I’ve found it “good enough” in the past. I could deal with the weight and size of the  10-25 but maybe in the future. I posted some pics and noticed that some of my favorites are at the 33 -35 mm range : I might miss the reach  in the future .  I can see myself buying the 10-25 eventually , but I think my mind is made up. It would take a lot longer to save up the money

The 10-25 is one of the best lenses I have ever used and has replaced almost all of my primes. It's amazing for both stills and videos. My standard kit now consists of PL 10-25 + PL 50-200 + 60 mm f/2.8. My 12-100 f/4 Pro sits on the shelf gathering dust now that I have this combo.

It's not a particularly light weight or cheap setup, but it's still lighter and cheaper than "full frame" and oh so versatile with fantastic image quality.

• Jianfei WANG wrote:

Chris Noble wrote:

Jianfei WANG wrote:

If weight size and cost are not the issues, go for 10-25 without thinking.

The OP travels and wishes the 12-35 had more reach. And who is indifferent to weight, size and cost? Seems like a bit of thinking is in order. Unless you're a pixel-peeper -- not a lot of thinking is involved in that.

It's OP who asked for the recommendation between 10-25 and 12-35, my answer was totally based on that, I think it's YOU who should first learn how to READ and then think or even judge about anything!

Besides that, what makes you think 10-25 doesn't give more reach WIDELY over 12-35? Think, but do not think in ONLY ONE DIRECTION, OK?

My answer to OP regards to these two lenses was quite clear: IMO, 10-25 is way better than 12-35, except weight size and cost, which are all advantages of 12-35. Again, learn to read before making any judgment, please.

To OP:

If I were you, I would have made a choice between 10-25 and Pana Leica 12-60 according to your needs.

10-25 will give you 10-12 which is a useful addition range for landscape and architecture during travel, plus F/1.7 gives you the ability to work in low light conditions, which is a big advantage if you want a one lens solution for travel to handle more situations. Its IQ is also superior, prime level.

PL 12-60, on the other hand, is clearly more versatile by adding a lot of reach over 12-35. I saw your nice shots with 12-35 and also noticed that you shot quite a lot in 35mm, which I think you just reached the limit of 12-35. With 12-60, you'll be more flexible. Another advantage of 12-60 is its maximum magnification of 0.3x, it's more fun to use to shoot food image for example.

12-35 Mk I is surely a capable lens that you have already known, however, it has its own drawbacks due to its quite old design, besides its range and speed limit. Mark II of 12-35 only add Dual IS 2 and has no other improvement. Newer design of lens gives faster focus speed for example. Considering Mk II's price, I only could recommend it when weight/size is the first consideration.

For your bokeh needs, I agree with all others that you should pick a prime, I would second sigma 56 1.4 suggestion, which is a really bokeh monster in MFT.

thanks for the detailed reply Jianfei! I will consider 12-60 but variable aperture drives me crazy 😣 unless I treat it as an f4 . And I will look into sigma for sure. Right now I’m caught between 12-60 or 12-35 mkii and prime . I’m looking at 42.5 1.7 but also like your suggestion of the sigma thanks again !

generationfourth wrote:

with what you said and what you shoot I think you'd be much better off with both the 12-35, and 35-100.

I think I’ll start with either 12-35mkii or 12-60 Leica and a prime . After I buy those two I will buy the 35-100 I hear it’s great and I’ve been wanting it a long time!  Thanks for your suggestion generation fourth !

unhappy 🥘, i think I’m actually going to go with12-60 Leica or 12-35 ii and a prime. After thinking it over, it would take too long for me to save and I think it’s too big . When I started this thread I was all gung ho about 10-25 because iq  and whatnot but I think I enjoyed the compact size of the 12-35 on vacation and found the images good enough for my needs. I think for me , the 10-25 would be my “holy grail” lens , the one I save up for in the future when I have made money off my photos ...or just feel like splurging! One day.... just not now anytime soon 🙁. But I still appreciate Really appreciate everyone’s input this thread ; it helped me realize a lot about my shooting style and specific needs for my photography 👍.

Thanks white beard . I’m going to do a switcharoo and get either 12-35ii or 12-60 Leica  and a prime for now . Either 42.5 1.7 or sigma 56 1.4 . This thread made me realize I think I have to prioritize speed and weight. And cost ! I think the 10-25 is my grail lens . One day I’ll get it ... it’s just not the lens I need right now . Thanks for your input

Why not buy one of the 12-60 lenses?