OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II is 100-300mm — 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 Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 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, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 100mm 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 520g (1.15 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 12mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.21x 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 Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II is 100-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 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).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 520g (1.15 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is 12mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II is 100-300mm — 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 Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 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, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 100mm 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 520g (1.15 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 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 100-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 12mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.21x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 opens to f/2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12mm | 100-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 8 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 84° | 12° – 4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-24mm | 200-600mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 150 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $549 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 56mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 43.5mm | 126mm |
| Weight | 130g (4.6 oz) | 520g (1.15 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
