OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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)). 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 shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 254g (9.0 oz) it's lighter than the 360g (12.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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 need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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 LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II is 35-100mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO is 254g (9.0 oz) vs 360g (12.7 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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)). 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 shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 254g (9.0 oz) it's lighter than the 360g (12.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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 need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm 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 | 35-100mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| 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° | 34° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-90mm | 70-200mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 85 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 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 63.4mm | 67.4mm |
| Length | 70mm | 99.6mm |
| Weight | 254g (9.0 oz) | 360g (12.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
