OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm 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 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, 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 25mm f/1.8 for standard, 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 137g (4.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II opens to f/1.7 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II is 20mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 II better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, 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 25mm f/1.8 for standard, 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 137g (4.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm 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 25mm f/1.8's f/1.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length25mm20mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements97
Optical Groups75
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/1.7
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View47°57°
35mm Equivalent50-50mm40-40mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingDC
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance25 cm20 cm
Max Magnification0.12x0.13x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$299$349
Filter Size46mm46mm
Diameter57.8mm63mm
Length42mm25.5mm
Weight137g (4.8 oz)87g (3.1 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo