OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II

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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm — 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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II for super-telephoto.

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/4.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 423g (14.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 75-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.

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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — 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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is $499, $100 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II.
  • Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 423g (14.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II 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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm — 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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II for super-telephoto.

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/4.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 12mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 423g (14.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 75-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.

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 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 opens to f/2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length12mm75-300mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements817
Optical Groups711
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2f/4.8
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°16° – 4°
35mm Equivalent24-24mm150-600mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance20 cm90 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.23x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$499$599
Filter Size46mm58mm
Diameter56mm68.5mm
Length43.5mm116.5mm
Weight130g (4.6 oz)423g (14.9 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo