Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 gives that up to stay lighter (71g (2.5 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 71g (2.5 oz) it's lighter than the 172g (6.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 is 71g (2.5 oz) vs 172g (6.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 gives that up to stay lighter (71g (2.5 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 if you value portability — at 71g (2.5 oz) it's lighter than the 172g (6.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8?
Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 17mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 65° | 65° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 34-34mm | 34-34mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | DC |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 43mm | 37mm |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 57mm |
| Length | 61mm | 22mm |
| Weight | 172g (6.1 oz) | 71g (2.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
