OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 12-40mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-40mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 382g (13.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 12-40mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is $899, $100 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II.
- ›Durability: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 12-40mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-40mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 305g (10.8 oz) it's lighter than the 382g (13.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-40mm | 75mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 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° – 30° | 16° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-80mm | 150-150mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 84 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 64mm |
| Length | 84mm | 69.2mm |
| Weight | 382g (13.5 oz) | 305g (10.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
