OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 17mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO for telephoto.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 295g (10.4 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 40-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 17mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is $1,199, $300 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO.
  • Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 295g (10.4 oz) vs 893g (1.97 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 17mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO for wide-angle, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO for telephoto.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 17mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 295g (10.4 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 40-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length17mm40-150mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements1421
Optical Groups1015
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View65°30° – 8°
35mm Equivalent34-34mm80-300mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoYes
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance25 cm70 cm
Max Magnification0.18x0.21x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$1,199$1,499
Filter Size46mm72mm
Diameter63.4mm80.6mm
Length85.5mm160mm
Weight295g (10.4 oz)893g (1.97 lb)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoYes