OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro vs Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro gives that up to stay lighter (128g (4.5 oz)) and cheaper ($299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $299 vs $399 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 186g (6.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is $299, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH..
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro reaches 1.25x magnification vs 1x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro or the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro gives that up to stay lighter (128g (4.5 oz)) and cheaper ($299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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're on a budget — $299 vs $399 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 186g (6.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro and the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 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 | 30mm | 30mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| 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 | 40° | 40° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 60-60mm | 60-60mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 10 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.25x | 1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $399 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 63.5mm |
| Length | 63mm | 63.5mm |
| Weight | 128g (4.5 oz) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
