OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8
The bottom line
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is a zoom (12-45mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 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/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 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 close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is 12-45mm, Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is 45mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 reaches 1x magnification vs 0.25x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 better?
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is a zoom (12-45mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 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/2.8 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 12-45mm f/4 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-45mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 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 close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-45mm | 45mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| 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° – 27° | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-90mm | 90-90mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.25x | 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) | $699 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 63.4mm | 63.5mm |
| Length | 70mm | 71.5mm |
| Weight | 254g (9.0 oz) | 225g (7.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
