OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO gives that up to stay lighter (254g (9.0 oz)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 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 shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II 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 VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is $699, $100 under the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO gives that up to stay lighter (254g (9.0 oz)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 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 shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II 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 | 12-35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| 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° – 27° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-90mm | 24-70mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.25x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 63.4mm | 67.4mm |
| Length | 70mm | 73.8mm |
| Weight | 254g (9.0 oz) | 305g (10.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
