Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is a zoom (12-35mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a 25mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 25mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 200g (7.1 oz) it's lighter than the 305g (10.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 25mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. opens to f/1.4 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 25mm, Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is 12-35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is $599, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is 200g (7.1 oz) vs 305g (10.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II better?
The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II is a zoom (12-35mm) and the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. is a 25mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.4 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 25mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 200g (7.1 oz) it's lighter than the 305g (10.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-35mm zoom covers what the fixed 25mm 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 SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm f/1.4 ASPH. opens to f/1.4 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 II's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 25mm | 12-35mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | 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 | 47° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 50-50mm | 24-70mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.11x | 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) | $599 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 60.4mm | 67.6mm |
| Length | 50mm | 73.8mm |
| Weight | 200g (7.1 oz) | 305g (10.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
