GH3 Flicker when zooming with the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8

M

mmaller

Well-known member
I've noticed that when shooting with the Lumix 12-35mm and I change my focal length (do a small manual zoom to reframe) there is a slight flicker in the image. I don't notice it when shooting, but when viewing the files on my computer it is there. I thought the lens was designed for video and the fact that it can maintain a constant aperture this should not be happening. Has anyone else experienced this?
 
mmaller said:
I've noticed that when shooting with the Lumix 12-35mm and I change my focal length (do a small manual zoom to reframe) there is a slight flicker in the image. I don't notice it when shooting, but when viewing the files on my computer it is there. I thought the lens was designed for video and the fact that it can maintain a constant aperture this should not be happening. Has anyone else experienced this?
Click to expand...

This was discussed at great length when the lens first came out. Yes, there is a slight aperture adjustment at various points throughout the focal length.

And not to be pedantic, but Panasonic never stated it was a video lens, only that the focus motors were silent for when using it for video. They actually touted it as high-end photographic lens.
 
I did not see that thread, thanks for confirming this stoneinapond.
Well, they don't specifically state in their documentation that it is a video lens but they do state (like you said) and here is the quote
  • "POWER O.I.S with near silent drive optimized for video and still capture"
You would think that if this feature is optimized (and clearly stated - marketing wording) for video then the lens is also meant for video as well as obviously stills.

After experiencing this I looked at the lens again and you can actually here 2 clicks occur thru it's zoom range
and see the flicker in the evf at those click points.
I wonder what is causing this?
 
mmaller said:
Well, they don't specifically state in their documentation that it is a video lens but they do state (like you said) and here is the quote
  • "POWER O.I.S with near silent drive optimized for video and still capture"
You would think that if this feature is optimized (and clearly stated - marketing wording) for video then the lens is also meant for video as well as obviously stills.
Click to expand...

You are not alone in feeling frustrated. It seems Panasonic has acknowledged the issue/problem occurs but has stated that it cannot do anything about it. Apparently the 35-100mm f/2.8 does not exhibit this behavior.

Here is a link to a Vimeo test I did when the lens first came out and early on you can see the flicker. There are further comments from other people that have had similar experiences.



It's still a beautiful lens nonetheless.
 
Thanks for that link Jurek. Your test looks great! I especially like that you edited your footage to the music, instead of just using it as a bed.
I am very happy with the overall quality of the lens, but just disappointed that this flicker occurs when zooming. (at specific points in the focal range)
Unfortunately, it makes it more difficult to use the camera / lens as a substitute for a real video camera.

Good to know that the 35-100 does not have this problem, as I have been considering that lens.
 
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