OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for standard.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro reaches 1.25x magnification vs 0.12x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 for standard, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for standard.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if you shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 25mm | 30mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 47° | 40° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 50-50mm | 60-60mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 10 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 1.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 57.8mm | 55.5mm |
| Length | 42mm | 63mm |
| Weight | 137g (4.8 oz) | 128g (4.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
