Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 vs Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4
The bottom line
The Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (12-60mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 320g (11.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-60mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is 45mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is 12-60mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is $699, $100 under the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 reaches 1x magnification vs 0.3x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 320g (11.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 or the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 better?
The Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is a zoom (12-60mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is a 45mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 45mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 320g (11.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 if you need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 45mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-60mm zoom covers what the fixed 45mm can't reframe. 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 Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 and the Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4?
Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm f/2.8 is 45mm, Panasonic LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4 is 12-60mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 45mm | 12-60mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 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 | 27° | 84° – 20° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 90-90mm | 24-120mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.3x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 68mm |
| Length | 71.5mm | 71mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 320g (11.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
