OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.08x.
  • You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 7mm vs 12mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 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 7-14mm F2.8 PRO is 7-14mm — different framing and reach.
  • 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.
  • Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO reaches 0.3x magnification vs 0.08x — more for close-up and macro work.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

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 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.08x. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO 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 shoot wide — it starts at 7mm vs 12mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

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 7-14mm F2.8 PRO?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 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 Length12-100mm7-14mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements2118
Optical Groups1513
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View84° – 12°114° – 75°
35mm Equivalent24-200mm14-28mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingDSP
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance15 cm20 cm
Max Magnification0.3x0.08x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomYesNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,299$1,299
Filter Size72mm
Diameter77.5mm88.5mm
Length116.5mm99.9mm
Weight561g (1.24 lb)534g (1.18 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo