OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is 14-42mm — 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 X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 for standard.
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/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.11x.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, 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 45mm f/1.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is 45mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 is 14-42mm — 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 X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 for standard.
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/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm 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 shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.11x. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 14-42mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | 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 | 27° | 75° – 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 90-90mm | 28-84mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.11x | 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 | 37mm | 37mm |
| Diameter | 56mm | 61mm |
| Length | 46.5mm | 26.8mm |
| Weight | 116g (4.1 oz) | 95g (3.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
