OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO is 40-150mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO for telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for wide-angle.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 315g (11.1 oz) it's lighter than the 520g (1.15 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO is 40-150mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 315g (11.1 oz) vs 520g (1.15 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO is 40-150mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO for telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 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 shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 315g (11.1 oz) it's lighter than the 520g (1.15 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 40-150mm | 8-18mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 30° – 8° | 107° – 62° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 80-300mm | 16-36mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 78mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 130mm | 88mm |
| Weight | 520g (1.15 lb) | 315g (11.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
