OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is 60mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 60mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 185g (6.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 opens to f/2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is 60mm — different framing and reach.
  • Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro reaches 1x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is 60mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro for short-telephoto / portrait.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 60mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 185g (6.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro if you need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 opens to f/2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length12mm60mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements810
Optical Groups79
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View84°20°
35mm Equivalent24-24mm120-120mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance20 cm19 cm
Max Magnification0.1x1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$499$499
Filter Size46mm46mm
Diameter56mm56mm
Length43.5mm82mm
Weight130g (4.6 oz)185g (6.5 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo