OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO gives that up to stay lighter (561g (1.24 lb)) and cheaper ($1,299). 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 shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 200mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 50-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is $1,299, $200 under the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO is 561g (1.24 lb) vs 655g (1.44 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO gives that up to stay lighter (561g (1.24 lb)) and cheaper ($1,299). 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 shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 200mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4 IS PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 Length | 12-100mm | 50-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| 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° | 24° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-200mm | 100-400mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 76mm |
| Length | 116.5mm | 136mm |
| Weight | 561g (1.24 lb) | 655g (1.44 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
