* P L 12 – 60 F2.8 – 4. GREAT LENS: Worthy Reputation *

[Stevie Boy Blue]

Due to its already wide reaching and increasing popularity as much as its reputation for producing vibrant, colourful images with beautiful contrast and great resolution, this lens hardly needs any introduction.

The renowned popularity of the Panasonic Leica 12 – 60mm F2.8 – F4 largely speaks for itself, but just how good is it and, perhaps more importantly, is it worth the extra money compared to the Panasonic F3.5 – F5.6 version that generally comes much cheaper?

Right off the bat, for me the answer to that question is a resounding YES. In my experience of having used both, there are noticeable bonuses for selecting the P L over the P version. And, of course, there probably should be because of the Leica association alone. Yes, all these lenses are made and assembled in the Panasonic factory, but the premium quality that comes from Leica’s input at the design and development stage is evident – not just in relation to overall build but in terms of output, too.

Don’t get me wrong here, the Panasonic only version is a good lens and represents a real bargain at less than half the price of the Leica. If it matters to you, the Panasonic version’s noticeably lighter and smaller, too. And in my experience the output of the F3.5 – F5.6 is good for the price we pay. It’s just that in every way barring the increased weight and size (for me), the Leica 2.8 – 4 is an improvement.

For starters, the Leica zooms in and out more smoothly. It’s better built, albeit perhaps no more shower and dust proof than the less expensive version. (The fact that both are weather-sealed to some degree is a welcome bonus that I really appreciate.) But in terms of use and output, I’d say we definitely get what we pay the premium price for. All you have to do is re-read my opening paragraph above to comprehend where the most important differences can be found courtesy of the better glass, faster apertures and likely improved lens coatings found in the more expensive product. If, and I emphasise ‘IF’, you can afford the extra cash and are able to put up with the additional weight and bulk over the Panasonic version, the Leica is the better option in my view.

PERFORMANCE & IMAGE QUALITY

In an attempt to aid some readers who may appreciate knowing in advance, I’m setting out below how quickly and at what points along the zoom range the aperture gradually closes from F2.8 to F4.0 re the P L 12- 60 lens in my preferred shooting setting of Aperture Priority:

12mm F2.8: 13 to 14 mm F2.9: 15 to 16 mm F3 – F3.1: 17 to 18mm F3.2: 19 to 23mm F3.3 – F3.4: 24 to 26mm F3.5: 27 to 32 mm F36 – F3.7: 33 to 50mm F3.9: 51 – 60mm F4.0.

Note that I shoot only Jpeg in the fine quality setting in Standard Colour Profile. Hence any corrections of lens distortion to a large degree are performed by the in-camera jpeg engine. From what I see, purple fringing and CA are very well controlled to nonexistent.

Except for the extreme corners, which soften slightly at 12 mm F2.8, the lens is generally sharp wide open and across all focal lengths and especially at the centre of the frame. When necessary, I’m more than happy to shoot wide open and am more than pleased with the sharpness overall. As with most lenses where it’s available, however, I find things sharpen up a tad more at F4 even at wide angle, and they remain that way up to around F14.

I find F4 to F9 particularly pleasing for landscapes and architecture from wide to mid focal range. And I’m impressed by how the lens lends itself to makeshift portraits at F4 full 60mm zoom – especially in good daylight. I even tested it briefly in a studio environment with no extra lighting beyond what was available from the nearest window. Admittedly ISO requires a bump up to compensate for slower shutter speeds under such circumstances. But if and when push comes to shove and we have no other option with us, the PL 12 - 60 is more than passable for the purpose seen in the appropriate Portrait example of the model below. (Image No.9.)

Note that Full Lens Specifications, including size and weight, etc., can be viewed here:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/p...ic_leica_dg_12-60_2p8-4p0_asph/specifications

At the time of writing this review, Panasonic’s latest firmware update, version 1.5, for what is known as the H-E12060 lens was released February 21st 2024, a direct link for which safe download is available here for anyone requiring an update: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/es12060.html

PRICE and CONCLUSION

Notably, whilst the lens alone costs around £799 RRP, it’s often bundled as an offer when bought with a new body such as the G9 Mk2. When obtained in this way by those in the market for both a camera and lens, savings of £200 or more can be made on the combined total price. Good deals can also be found in the used market where, if we’re lucky, near brand new P L 12 – 60s where kit buyers have split the lens from the body and are selling it on can be found for around £400.

Unfortunately, I bought my copy just before the G9 Mk2 was announced and I paid full RRP minus the trade-in allowance for my Panasonic 12 – 60 F3.5 – F5.6. I just didn’t see the point in owning both. Had I waited just 3-weeks or so longer, I could have made a saving on the G9 II Kit. Still, I’m very happy with the performance of the lens, whether I couple it to either of my two G90s, the G9, G9 Mk2 or G100.

Paired with the G9 or G9 II, I obviously notice the combined weight far more than when using it on my G90s and especially the smaller G100. As we might expect and appreciate, the P L 12 – 60 comes with built-in lens I S, which, if added to a body with IBIS, Dual IS function’s enabled by default. Although the G100 lacks IBIS of any kind for stills, the lens I S is more than enough for me to keep things stable with this smaller body. As for AF speed, that’s very fast with any of the bodies mentioned above. AF accuracy is great and very reliable, too.

Bottom line, this is a fabulous, generally sharp and very versatile do-it-all lens with great contrast and wonderful colour reproduction. Hence, I recommend it with no reservations beyond the fact that it’s slightly heavier and bulkier than I’d like it to be. No wonder it’s become so popular and well respected since it was originally released a few years ago. It’s already a true classic in the eyes of many who own a copy – and rightly so from my experience.

Image examples cropped/resized for faster uploading. All were shot as Jpegs:


















Shot using only available light from nearby window. No artificial light or flash assist with G9 II.



Thanks very much for reading.

PS: For anyone interested: Since joining DPR in 2009, I’ve compiled various user-reviews intended to help readers by giving them some insight into my favourite Panasonic products, links for which are supplied below. Please note that I use my time freely and completely absent of remuneration or freebie goods from anyone or any company. If a product impresses me enough, I enjoy spreading the word. I speak as I find and I just happen to like Panasonic cameras and lenses more than any other makes. That’s why I buy and recommend them – nothing more, nothing less.

Panasonic G9 Mk 2 Camera: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67372017

LX100 II Camera: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67207832

Panasonic G9 Camera: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66941383

LUMIX GX 45 – 175mm PZ Lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66935382

Lumix G100 Camera: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65550733

Panasonic 25mm F1.7 lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66591863

Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4665967

Panasonic 14-140mm ii lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65695092

FZ2000 Review Part 1: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/64288303

FZ2000 Review Part 2: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/66360652

FZ300 Review Part 1: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63244070

FZ300 Review Part 2: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/65012028

Panasonic Leica 12 – 35mm F2.8 Lens: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67553189

All the best and cheers for now...

 

[BobM43]

I just got one that was separated from a kit. I haven't had much chance to shoot with it yet, however. Your review makes me happy.

 

[MattGeo399]

Thank you for this and many great reviews. I'm curious what are your thoughts about this lens vs the PL 12-35mm F2.8? Do you think one beats the other, or they each have their own strengths? Or can one justify having both in their kit?

 

[BobM43]

At the moment, I have both, and intend to keep both. It's possible my opinion will change after I have more time with both, but my thinking is that I'll use the 12-35 if I'm going to be shooting indoors. The 12-35 is slightly faster at 35mm than the 12-60, but mostly I'm thinking why carry the weight of the bigger lens if I don't really need the extra reach.

The 12-35 will also pair nicely with the 14-140 II in a lightweight travel kit, with the faster lens for indoor shooting and the longer one mostly for outdoors.

 

[GutiWong]

Appreciate your review.

I love this kind of review for an relatively old lens.

The beautiful metal material, smooth zoom ring, OIS, "Leica" makes this lens the most premium standard zoom in m43.

On the other hands, the building quality of PL 12-35mm F2.8 is really not a Leica DG lens at all.

 

[Stevie Boy Blue]

I just got one that was separated from a kit. I haven't had much chance to shoot with it yet, however. Your review makes me happy.

Well done of finding a kit copy, Bob. I hope it serves you well.

Thanks for the post.

Cheers...

 

[PLShooter]

"On the other hands, the building quality of PL 12-35mm F2.8 is really not a Leica DG lens at all."

Do you own a Leica DG 12-35 f2.8 lens, or have you even tried one?

--
Shoot them as you see them!

 

[Stevie Boy Blue]

Thank you for this and many great reviews. I'm curious what are your thoughts about this lens vs the PL 12-35mm F2.8? Do you think one beats the other, or they each have their own strengths? Or can one justify having both in their kit?

You’re very welcome, Matt.

Thanks very much for your appreciation of my reviews. Here’s a long reply to your questions.

Optically, bearing in mind that for me results matter above all else, and in terms of all focal lengths shared by both lenses, the P L 12 – 35mm F2.8 beats the 12 – 60mm.

Shot wide open at 12mm wide angle, I find the 12 – 35 is sharper in the corners than the 12 – 60; not by a great degree but it’s just about noticeable enough for me to hand the spoils to the smaller lens. The fact that the 12 – 35 can maintain F2.8 up to and including 35mm also gives it the advantage. At 35mm we’ve closed up to F3.9 on the 12 – 60. Hence light gathering ability is reduced in the latter.

Between the two, build-quality goes to the 12 – 60 but not by enough that I would choose it over the 12 – 35, which to me, although slightly more plastic-like, is easily good enough and accounting for the more useful constant aperture and slightly sharper results.

Personally, as I own both, I have to at least try and justify my indulgence by stating that I use them for different reasons on two different cameras. My 12 – 35 now resides permanently on one of my two G90s. The 12 – 60 I tend to alternate between my G9 II and G100. I have physical and neurological problems that affect me to varying degrees and determine the amount of weight I can handle from day to day (no sympathy required or sought here, thanks.)

On better days, I can manage to shoot with the G9 II plus 12 – 60, both of which equate to the combined maximum weight I can handle overall, maybe even a tad over. :-( When I still want to use the 12 – 60 but can’t manage it on the G9 II, I swap it to the G100 and the combo is much lighter. Overall, I like and use the lens because it has almost twice the reach as the 12 - 35 at the longer end. This makes it the better option for everyday shooting as a walk-around lens. (When I require more scope and versatility in good light and can accept a slight hit in IQ, I use my second G90 to which my 14 – 140 II is attached... another great lens, especially as it has twice the reach of the 12 – 60, albeit that we lose a bit at the wider end. All depends on where I’m going, what I’m doing and how I feel on the day. FYI, the G90 plus 14 – 140 II is a great combo and one I always carry on vacation and occasionally during other times locally for short-range wildlife and street stuff. )

The 12 – 35 I see as a blessing for when I photograph events, mainly consisting of folks in costumes who frequent fairly busy streets and/or venues where room to shoot is often minimal – the type of scenario where, when we take a step back to frame a subject, we step on the toes of the person behind us.

I’m not looking for subject to background separation (blur) in these instances and to the degrees that apply with full frame gear and fast, heavy glass – and which I couldn’t carry anyway. I’m simply happy to record the best results possible with what I own, and I’m rarely if at all disappointed with the results I obtain with the 12 – 35, especially at F2.8 and where some blurring can be achieved with some thought at 35mm, situations permitting.

Admittedly 70mm EFL is not classic portrait range, but it’s close enough for me from the versatility afforded by a one-lens option – especially considering I can merely pull to wide angle for group shots instead of swapping to a separate lens, as I would have to if using primes. (I also own the Panasonic 42.5 F1.7, arguably the best lens in the whole system for the price. It’s light as a feather and dinky small. I love to use this whenever I can, mostly on the G100 as the whole set-up is so portable and almost toy-like. Looks can be deceiving. Seriously good results are attainable with this gear/combo, I can assure you of that. )

Anyway, perhaps the main point to note it that not everyone is in a position to own the very best and most expensive lenses and we all have unique requirements of the gear we choose. Of late, I’m beginning to realise just how much money I’ve spent on cameras and lenses over the years, especially since 2020 when I bought my first M4/3 body. Crikey, prior to 2004 when I went digital (bridge camera), I’d used film DSLRs for over 40 years and never came close to spending more on kit than was absolutely necessary. Oh well, not to worry. At least I’m generally happy with the results I get on most days I shoot with any of my many choices. Probably best not to depress myself too much by the likelihood that I could have spent the money more wisely: not that I’m remotely interested in other brands of photo equipment. For me, Panasonic stuff offers the best bang for the buck in the whole industry – even when we indulge in the Leica-associated stuff.

To an extent, I guess I can blame my obsessive nature and gear acquisition syndrome on my autism, as many of us on the spectrum can accumulate specific things purely out of intense interest and fascination with them. Yeah, that’ll do as an excuse for now at least. ;-)

All in all, thanks again for your post. It gave me reason enough to indulge in some self-assessment, as well as offering up some reasoning and justification for owning both lenses you mentioned ;-)

If forced to pick one over the other, that would always come down to what each user wants and expects from either option. In my experience, both give great results when used appropriately.

Hope my reply helps, and FWIW and if you’ve not already read it, here’s a link to my user review of the P L 12 – 35 mm which I posted a couple of weeks ago: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67553189

Happy shooting,

Cheers...

 

[Stevie Boy Blue]

Appreciate your review.

I love this kind of review for an relatively old lens.

Thank you for your appreciation of my review. Guti. I'm grateful of the positive feedback.

The beautiful metal material, smooth zoom ring, OIS, "Leica" makes this lens the most premium standard zoom in m43.

Yes, she's a well-built lens, that's for sure.

On the other hands, the building quality of PL 12-35mm F2.8 is really not a Leica DG lens at all.

Seems our opinions differ here. I'd say that although the 12 - 35 has more of a plastic feel to it compared to the 12 - 60, I still appreciate the overall quality of build in my copy.

And from the aspect of its ultra smooth zoom operation and superb optics, to me this is every bit a Leica DG Lens, benefiting especially from the constant F2.8 aperture. Great output, too. I just love it.

All the best and thanks again for the post.

Cheers...

 

[uniball]

12-35 indoors (either P or PL), 14-140 outdoors. Had a P12-60, zoom range didn't work for me.

 

[Satyaa]

Stevie, thank you for the review of this lens and all the other links you have provided.

I got this lens as a kit with my GH5 II. It performs well outdoors and I like it as a one-lens travel solution.

Question for anyone who have these two lenses... is the Oly 12-40/2.8 PRO better than this PL 12-60?

I use both GH5II and GH6 for indoor and stage events. I use this lens on one camera, and the Oly 40-150/2.8 on the other.

The images from the 40-150/2.8 are noticeably better. I can understand if the slower aperture is an issue when zoomed in. Even 12mm f/2.8 doesn't produce as good images as the 40-150/2.8. Sometimes the color saturation is different. Sometimes the subjects under stage lights have weird artifacts, etc. This doesn't happen with the 40-150/PRO on the same camera.

Outdoors in natural light, the PL 12-60 has no complaints.

Hence my question... will the 12-40/2.8 do better than this lens at all common focal lengths?

The reason I am considering the Oly as opposed to Pany 12-35/2.8 is that the build will be similar and both zooms will operate in the same direction.

Thanks!

 

[dap35]

Thanks for the affirmation.... I have loved my stock 12-60 that came with my G85, but I traded that and a couple of cameras to MPB for a PL12-60. I love the reach of the 12-60 to frame in camera and really looking fwd to the improvements that the better glass will bring.

 

[Michael Benveniste]

Thank you for this and many great reviews. I'm curious what are your thoughts about this lens vs the PL 12-35mm F2.8? Do you think one beats the other, or they each have their own strengths? Or can one justify having both in their kit?

I can’t speak to the 12-35mm, but I can absolutely justify having both the 12-60mm and 12-32mm. At least to myself.

 

[Wingsfan]

The first copy I had of this about a year ago was terrible. And I returned it. But I was recently perusing a local Best Buy that had a camera shop in it, and they had this lens advertised for $300 new in box, so I said the heck with it and bought one figuring I could sell it for more than that if I didn't like it.

This most recent copy is much sharper than the one I had a year ago, and even sharper than my pl-12-35, and possibly even my Olympus 12-40. I find that even though it's slower than the 12-35, I can actually use it in equally low light because the IS considerably better on my pl12-60 versus the 12-35f2.8.

 

[GutiWong]

The first copy I had of this about a year ago was terrible. And I returned it. But I was recently perusing a local Best Buy that had a camera shop in it, and they had this lens advertised for $300 new in box, so I said the heck with it and bought one figuring I could sell it for more than that if I didn't like it.

This most recent copy is much sharper than the one I had a year ago, and even sharper than my pl-12-35, and possibly even my Olympus 12-40. I find that even though it's slower than the 12-35, I can actually use it in equally low light because the IS considerably better on my pl12-60 versus the 12-35f2.8.

Your finding is consistent to mine.

The PL 12-60mm is sharpest amount 3 lenses.

 

[Stevie Boy Blue]

Stevie, thank you for the review of this lens and all the other links you have provided.

You’re very welcome. Thank you.

I got this lens as a kit with my GH5 II. It performs well outdoors and I like it as a one-lens travel solution.

Glad your copy performs well where I recommend using it the most.

Question for anyone who have these two lenses... is the Oly 12-40/2.8 PRO better than this PL 12-60?

I use both GH5II and GH6 for indoor and stage events. I use this lens on one camera, and the Oly 40-150/2.8 on the other.

The images from the 40-150/2.8 are noticeably better. I can understand if the slower aperture is an issue when zoomed in. Even 12mm f/2.8 doesn't produce as good images as the 40-150/2.8. Sometimes the color saturation is different. Sometimes the subjects under stage lights have weird artifacts, etc. This doesn't happen with the 40-150/PRO on the same camera.

Outdoors in natural light, the PL 12-60 has no complaints.

Hence my question... will the 12-40/2.8 do better than this lens at all common focal lengths?

The reason I am considering the Oly as opposed to Pany 12-35/2.8 is that the build will be similar and both zooms will operate in the same direction.

Thanks!

Re your question. To be fair, I’m not surprised that the 12 – 60’s not measuring up to a constant F2.8 lens when you’re shooting both primarily indoors. I don’t use or have any interest in OM-S gear myself, least because the zooms rotate in the opposite way to Panasonic versions. But it stands to reason that for your requirements, the 12 – 40 Pro would be more suited to the task, as would the P L 12 - 35, but you've ruled the latter out.

You said it yourself; you rate and use your P L 12 – 60 outdoors, and that’s where I primarily use mine. It can be okay as a makeshift tool where focal length allows apertures at or below F3.2, and on occasions where light streams through a window at F4 (as in my portrait example in the main review). But as its a variable aperture lens, it would never be my first choice for indoor purposes.

I’d suggest that as this review relates to a well-established and widely admired Panasonic lens, the heading may only attract a limited number of OM-S users. I’d therefore recommend you pop your question on the main board in a separate thread, as that will give it maximum exposure and prompt more replies. Just a thought.

Hope that helps.

Thanks again for posting.

Cheers...

 

[Satyaa]

Thank you for

 

[larsbc]

Thank you for this and many great reviews. I'm curious what are your thoughts about this lens vs the PL 12-35mm F2.8? Do you think one beats the other, or they each have their own strengths? Or can one justify having both in their kit?

I also have the P12-35/2.8 (1st ver) and the PL12-60/2.8-4. I started off with the 12-35 and its been a reliable and versatile tool for many years. I paired it with the P35-100/2.8 and they were a fantastic travel combination. The vast majority of my shots were with the 12-35. My only complaint with that lens is that its hood was always loose, even from day one. It's literally fallen off a handful of times over the 9 years I've had it but I've never lost it.

The idea to buy the PL12-60 came about when we went to the Galapagos and I had to bring my PL100-400 and didn't have the space to bring the 35-100. I didn't like having the 35-100 gap between my normal lens and long telephoto. So after that trip I picked up a PL12-60 from KEH.

Going forward, the PL12-60 is my default zoom for traveling unless the destination is urban, in which case 35mm would be long enough for me and the f/2.8 constant aperture would be more useful. For local friends & family type of activities, the 12-35 is the preferred lens. So yeah, there's a case for owning both zooms.

 

[brentbrent]

Going forward, the PL12-60 is my default zoom for traveling unless the destination is urban, in which case 35mm would be long enough for me and the f/2.8 constant aperture would be more useful. For local friends & family type of activities, the 12-35 is the preferred lens. So yeah, there's a case for owning both zooms.

My thoughts are similar, though I went for the 12-100 as a complement to the 12-35.

The 12-100 let me sell off my 35-100 f/2.8 and 14-140 f/3.5-5.6. I'm not sure I would have sold the 14-140 if the 12-60 were my longest standard zoom.

 

[MattGeo399]

Thanks for the feedback, Bob. I agree the 12-35 would be a good option indoors and to pair with something like the 14-140mm. Do you think F/2.8 is enough indoors? I typically use an F/1.8 or F/1.7 prime indoors, but I definitely prefer zooms for their versatility.