OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 17mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 50-200mm — 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 Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 50mm 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 655g (1.44 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓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 Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4'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, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 50-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 295g (10.4 oz) vs 655g (1.44 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO is 17mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 50-200mm — 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 Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 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 50mm 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 655g (1.44 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 17mm 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 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 Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO opens to f/1.2 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 50-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | 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 | 65° | 24° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 34-34mm | 100-400mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,199 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 63.4mm | 76mm |
| Length | 85.5mm | 136mm |
| Weight | 295g (10.4 oz) | 655g (1.44 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
