OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II vs Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II for super-telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 42mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 75-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 42mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 42mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 42mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm, Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II or the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 75-300mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 is 42mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II for super-telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 42mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 75-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 42mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 42mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 42mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II and the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm f/1.2 opens to f/1.2 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 75-300mm | 42mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 16° – 4° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 150-600mm | 85-85mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 90 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 68.5mm | 74mm |
| Length | 116.5mm | 73mm |
| Weight | 423g (14.9 oz) | 425g (15.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
