OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is a zoom (14-42mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is a 30mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 95g (3.4 oz) it's lighter than the 128g (4.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is 14-42mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro reaches 1.25x magnification vs 0.17x — 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 X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 better?
The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is a zoom (14-42mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is a 30mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 if you need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 95g (3.4 oz) it's lighter than the 128g (4.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6?
Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is 14-42mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 30mm | 14-42mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | 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 | 40° | 75° – 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 60-60mm | 28-84mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 10 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1.25x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 37mm |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 61mm |
| Length | 63mm | 26.8mm |
| Weight | 128g (4.5 oz) | 95g (3.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
