OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 vs Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7
The bottom line
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 is a zoom (9-18mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is a 15mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 15mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 9-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm can't reframe.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 15mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 115g (4.1 oz) it's lighter than the 155g (5.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 is 9-18mm, Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is 15mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 or the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 better?
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 is a zoom (9-18mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is a 15mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 if you shoot wide — it starts at 9mm vs 15mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 9-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 15mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 115g (4.1 oz) it's lighter than the 155g (5.5 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 9-18mm | 15mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| 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 | 100° – 62° | 72° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-36mm | 30-30mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 56.6mm | 57.5mm |
| Length | 43.5mm | 36mm |
| Weight | 155g (5.5 oz) | 115g (4.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
