OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. gives that up to stay lighter (135g (4.8 oz)) and cheaper ($249). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $1,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is 40-150mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. is 35-100mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. is $249, $1,250 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. is 135g (4.8 oz) vs 893g (1.97 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. gives that up to stay lighter (135g (4.8 oz)) and cheaper ($249). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. if you're on a budget — $249 vs $1,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40-150mm | 35-100mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 30° – 8° | 34° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 80-300mm | 70-200mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 90 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,499 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 80.6mm | 61.6mm |
| Length | 160mm | 84.2mm |
| Weight | 893g (1.97 lb) | 135g (4.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
