The 12-32mm and 12-60mm are kit lenses for two of Panasonic’s popular cameras, the GX85 and G85. The GX85 is a range-finder model and the lens bundle includes both the 12-32mm and 45-150mm lenses. The G85 is a DSLM and includes the 12-60mm lens. Watch the buyer’s guide for more information on the GX85, G7, and G85.
Features
Comparisons | 12-32mm | 12-60mm |
Looks | Small form-factor No hood Retracts into pancake | Larger than 12-32 Bayonet hood Longer focal range |
Build Quality | Plastic/Metal mount Lightweight | Metal mount Weather-sealed |
Image Stabilization | Mega OIS | Power OIS |
Manual Focus Ring | No | Yes |
Weight | 70g | 210g |
Length | 24mm | 71mm |
Diameter | 56mm | 66mm |
Filter Thread | 37mm | 58mm |
Looks
The first thing you’ll notice about the 12-32 is the small size. It retracts into a pancake lens. You have to extend the zoom ring to 12mm to use it. The 12-32 doesn’t include a manual focus ring while the 12-60 does. The 12-60 lens is bigger and wider, due to the extended focal-length. The 12-60 includes a bayonet hood while the 12-32 doesn’t include a hood.
Build Quality
The lens mount on the 12-32 is made of plastic. **Update** Others have gotten the 12-32 with a metal mount. Mine was plastic. However the mount doesn’t impact the quality of the images. The 12-60 has a metal mount. It’s weather-sealed and feels solid compared to the 12-32.
Image Stabilization
Mega OIS is included in the 12-32 while the 12-60 has Power OIS. You can find discussions between these two on other sites. One point to note is that Power OIS is newer than the Mega OIS. However, just features alone should not be a deciding factor when it comes to stabilization. Body stabilization also plays a role. Both the GX85 and G85 include IBIS.
Focusing
As mentioned earlier, the 12-32 doesn’t contain a focus ring. It can be manually focused in-camera. The 12-60 has a standard focus ring.
Image Comparison
These image are straight out of the camera (without post-processing).
Additional Photos
The 12-60mm has a maximum aperture of f/5 at 32mm while the 12-32mm has a maximum f/5.6… The 12-60mm can let in more light at the same focal length.
After pixel-peeping, I can tell that the 12-60mm images are slightly sharper and contain less chromatic aberration.
Decision
The small form-factor and light weight of the 12-32 lens makes it ideal for a pocket, travel lens. The 12-60 has a better build quality, newer stabilization, focus ring, longer range, better image quality and is weather-sealed. Between the two, the 12-60 is the clear winner.
Which one do you like and why? Let me know in the comments!