7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) is 18mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO for telephoto.
Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $79 vs $1,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 18mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 40-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 18mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) is 18mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is a zoom (flexible framing), the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) is $79, $1,420 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO.
- ›Weight: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) is 55g (1.9 oz) vs 893g (1.97 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) is 18mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO for telephoto.
Who should choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds)?
Choose the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $79 vs $1,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 18mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 40-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 18mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 vs the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 II (Micro Four Thirds)'s f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18mm | 40-150mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 4 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 3 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/6.3 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 0 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 62° | 30° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 36-36mm | 80-300mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $79 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 56mm | 80.6mm |
| Length | 6.6mm | 160mm |
| Weight | 55g (1.9 oz) | 893g (1.97 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
