OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II opens to f/4 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II gives that up to stay lighter (423g (14.9 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/4.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II opens to f/4 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 LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II is 100-300mm — different framing and reach.
  • Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
  • Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is 423g (14.9 oz) vs 520g (1.15 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II 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 LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II opens to f/4 versus the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II's f/4.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II gives that up to stay lighter (423g (14.9 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II if you want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/4.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn'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 LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II?

Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm F4-5.6 II opens to f/4 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 Length75-300mm100-300mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1717
Optical Groups1113
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4.8f/4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades79
Rounded ApertureNoYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View16° – 4°12° – 4°
35mm Equivalent150-600mm200-600mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoYes
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance90 cm150 cm
Max Magnification0.23x0.21x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoYes
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$549
Filter Size58mm67mm
Diameter68.5mm73.6mm
Length116.5mm126mm
Weight423g (14.9 oz)520g (1.15 lb)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo