12-35mm zoom vs 25mm prime. Which has better image quality? at DVinfo.net

Jarred Jones · July 20th, 2013, 12:54 PM

I'm looking for versatility and I usually don't shoot lower than 2.8 because I can never get all of my subject in focus.

However, I've been reading that prime lenses destroy zooms in terms of image quality. Is this true with the Panasonic 12-35/30-100 vs the Panasonic 25mm and the Olympus 45mm?

Jeff Harper · July 21st, 2013, 07:34 AM

Jarred, there is no hard and fast rule that primes destroy zoom, but generally it is true that primes are better, but it depends on the items you are comparing.

The primes you list are faster (better in low light) than the zooms you list, but quality wise the difference would be less noticeable in decent lighting.

These particular zooms are high quality, the primes you list would not "destroy" the zooms, except in low light. Yes, the primes are better, but it's a non-issue for normal use.

The real issue is choosing the tool that works for you. Do you need a prime or a zoom? The primes will blow the zooms you list away in low light, but outdoors the zoom would be much more useful, and the image quality would be excellent.

If you are not sure, buy a prime and try it out. Return it if you do not need it.

The best way to learn equipment is to use it.

Jarred Jones · July 22nd, 2013, 03:11 PM

What about vignetting with the 12-35? I've had a few people say there's horrible vignetting at 2.8.

Can anybody else confirm this? Will it matter since I'm using a GH2 which I think autocorrects the vignetting effect?

July 20th, 2013, 12:54 PM	#1
Jarred Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 27	12-35mm zoom vs 25mm prime. Which has better image quality? I'm looking for versatility and I usually don't shoot lower than 2.8 because I can never get all of my subject in focus. However, I've been reading that prime lenses destroy zooms in terms of image quality. Is this true with the Panasonic 12-35/30-100 vs the Panasonic 25mm and the Olympus 45mm?

July 21st, 2013, 07:34 AM	#2
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: 12-35mm zoom vs 25mm prime. Which has better image quality? Jarred, there is no hard and fast rule that primes destroy zoom, but generally it is true that primes are better, but it depends on the items you are comparing. The primes you list are faster (better in low light) than the zooms you list, but quality wise the difference would be less noticeable in decent lighting. These particular zooms are high quality, the primes you list would not "destroy" the zooms, except in low light. Yes, the primes are better, but it's a non-issue for normal use. The real issue is choosing the tool that works for you. Do you need a prime or a zoom? The primes will blow the zooms you list away in low light, but outdoors the zoom would be much more useful, and the image quality would be excellent. If you are not sure, buy a prime and try it out. Return it if you do not need it. The best way to learn equipment is to use it.

July 22nd, 2013, 03:11 PM	#3
Jarred Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 27	Re: 12-35mm zoom vs 25mm prime. Which has better image quality? What about vignetting with the 12-35? I've had a few people say there's horrible vignetting at 2.8. Can anybody else confirm this? Will it matter since I'm using a GH2 which I think autocorrects the vignetting effect?