OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH gives that up to stay lighter (300g (10.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II 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 40mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.08x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 7mm vs 12mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 300g (10.6 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 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 12-40mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is 7-14mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is $899, $100 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH is 300g (10.6 oz) vs 382g (13.5 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›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 Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH gives that up to stay lighter (300g (10.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 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 40mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.08x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH if you shoot wide — it starts at 7mm vs 12mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 300g (10.6 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 Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm f/4 ASPH's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-40mm | 7-14mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 84° – 30° | 114° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-80mm | 14-28mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.08x |
| 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 | − |
| Diameter | 70mm | 83.4mm |
| Length | 84mm | 83mm |
| Weight | 382g (13.5 oz) | 300g (10.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
