Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is 15mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS is 45-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS for telephoto.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓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 370g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 45-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm 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 Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is 15mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS is 45-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is 115g (4.1 oz) vs 370g (13.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 is 15mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS is 45-200mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS for telephoto.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 15mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. 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 370g (13.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 15mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 45-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 15mm 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 Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II OIS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 15mm | 45-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.7 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 72° | 27° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 30-30mm | 90-400mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 90 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) | $499 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 57.5mm | 70.5mm |
| Length | 36mm | 99.9mm |
| Weight | 115g (4.1 oz) | 370g (13.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
