OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,499 vs $1,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 655g (1.44 lb) it's lighter than the 893g (1.97 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is $1,499, $500 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is 655g (1.44 lb) vs 893g (1.97 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 if you're on a budget — $1,499 vs $1,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 655g (1.44 lb) 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 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4?
Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 50-200mm f/2.8-4 is $1,499, $500 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50-200mm | 50-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 23 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| 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 | 24° – 6° | 24° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 100-400mm | 100-400mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | $1,499 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 80.6mm | 76mm |
| Length | 160mm | 136mm |
| Weight | 893g (1.97 lb) | 655g (1.44 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
