OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 vs Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. for wide-angle.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 116g (4.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.'s f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm — different framing and reach.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 for short-telephoto / portrait, the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. for wide-angle.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 45mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 116g (4.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 and the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.?

Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.'s f/2.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length45mm14mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements96
Optical Groups75
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2.5
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View27°75°
35mm Equivalent90-90mm28-28mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance50 cm18 cm
Max Magnification0.11x0.1x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$299$299
Filter Size37mm46mm
Diameter56mm55.5mm
Length46.5mm22mm
Weight116g (4.1 oz)55g (1.9 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo