OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 vs Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II for wide-angle.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II if…
- ✓You value portability — at 87g (3.1 oz) it's lighter than the 120g (4.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.13x magnification vs 0.09x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II opens to f/1.7 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm, Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 is 17mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II if you value portability — at 87g (3.1 oz) it's lighter than the 120g (4.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.13x magnification vs 0.09x.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 and the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II opens to f/1.7 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17mm | 20mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 7 |
| Optical Groups | 6 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| 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 | 65° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 34-34mm | 40-40mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | DC |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.09x | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $399 | $349 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 57.5mm | 63mm |
| Length | 35.5mm | 25.5mm |
| Weight | 120g (4.2 oz) | 87g (3.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
