Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) vs Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 430g (15.2 oz) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) or the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO is 100mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO for zoom.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 430g (15.2 oz) it's lighter than the 770g (1.70 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) and the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX S 100mm F2.8 MACRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount)'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 100mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 14 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Angle of View | 104° | 24° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Manual | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 74mm |
| Length | 110mm | 100mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 430g (15.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
