Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. for standard.
Choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 4mm vs 14mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 4mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 85g (3.0 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 4mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 4mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 85g (3.0 oz) vs 175g (6.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT is 4mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. for standard.
Who should choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT?
Choose the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 4mm vs 14mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 4mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 85g (3.0 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. if you need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 4mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 4mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.?
Aperture: the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye MFT opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 4mm | 14-42mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 7 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 5 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| 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 | 139° | 75° – 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 8-8mm | 28-84mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 12 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.15x | 0.17x |
| 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 | − | 46mm |
| Diameter | 43.5mm | 60.6mm |
| Length | 38mm | 58.8mm |
| Weight | 85g (3.0 oz) | 175g (6.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
