OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 vs Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — 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 FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.

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.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 25mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.12x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 is 25mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — 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 FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.

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. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 25mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.12x.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 and the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length25mm8mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements910
Optical Groups76
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/3.5
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View47°107°
35mm Equivalent50-50mm16-16mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingDC
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance25 cm10 cm
Max Magnification0.12x0.2x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$299$349
Filter Size46mm
Diameter57.8mm63.4mm
Length42mm54mm
Weight137g (4.8 oz)160g (5.6 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo