OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO
The bottom line
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is a zoom (12-100mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-100mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 410g (14.5 oz) it's lighter than the 561g (1.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is 12-100mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is $1,199, $100 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO.
- ›Stabilisation: only the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is 410g (14.5 oz) vs 561g (1.24 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO better?
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is a zoom (12-100mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-100mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 410g (14.5 oz) it's lighter than the 561g (1.24 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-100mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 84° – 12° | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-200mm | 90-90mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 70mm |
| Length | 116.5mm | 89mm |
| Weight | 561g (1.24 lb) | 410g (14.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
