OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 for telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II for standard zoom.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is $799, $100 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is 75mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 for telephoto, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II for standard zoom.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 75mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.1x.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 opens to f/1.8 vs the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 75mm | 12-35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | 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 | 16° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 150-150mm | 24-70mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 84 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 64mm | 67.4mm |
| Length | 69.2mm | 73.8mm |
| Weight | 305g (10.8 oz) | 305g (10.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
