Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) vs Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S.
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is 24-105mm — 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 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. for standard zoom.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is 24-105mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is $999, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S..
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is 680g (1.50 lb) vs 770g (1.70 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. 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 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is 24-105mm — 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 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. for standard 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) and the Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S.?
Focal range: Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (L-Mount) is 17mm, Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 MACRO O.I.S. is 24-105mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 24-105mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| 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° | 84° – 23° |
| 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 | − | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $1,099 |
| Filter Size | 86mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 93mm | 84mm |
| Length | 110mm | 118mm |
| Weight | 770g (1.70 lb) | 680g (1.50 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
