OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,499 vs $7,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 655g (1.44 lb) it's lighter than the 1875g (4.13 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is 150-400mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 50-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is $1,499, $6,000 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO.
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 655g (1.44 lb) vs 1875g (4.13 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.24x. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $1,499 vs $7,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 655g (1.44 lb) it's lighter than the 1875g (4.13 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 150-400mm | 50-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 35 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 26 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 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 | 8.3° – 3.1° | 24° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 300-800mm | 100-400mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 140 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $7,499 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 130mm | 76mm |
| Length | 313.7mm | 136mm |
| Weight | 1875g (4.13 lb) | 655g (1.44 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
