OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO is 90mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO for zoom, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for wide-angle.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 90mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 8-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 90mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO is 90mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO reaches 2x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO is 90mm, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 is 8-18mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO for zoom, the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for wide-angle.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 90mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 90mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 8-18mm zoom covers what the fixed 90mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 8-18mm f/2.8-4 opens to f/2.8 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 90mm | 8-18mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| 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 | 14° | 107° – 62° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 180-180mm | 16-36mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 13 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.1x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 69mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 136.9mm | 88mm |
| Weight | 272g (9.6 oz) | 315g (11.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
