Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. is 45-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. for telephoto.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 14mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 200g (7.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 45-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 14mm can't reframe.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. opens to f/2.5 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. is 45-150mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 55g (1.9 oz) vs 200g (7.1 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. is 14mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. is 45-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. for wide-angle, the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. for telephoto.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH.?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. if you want more light and background blur — f/2.5 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 14mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 55g (1.9 oz) it's lighter than the 200g (7.1 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 14mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 45-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 14mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.2x magnification vs 0.1x.

What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.?

Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G 14mm f/2.5 II ASPH. opens to f/2.5 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length14mm45-150mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements612
Optical Groups59
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.5f/4
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View75°27° – 8°
35mm Equivalent28-28mm90-300mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingStepping
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance18 cm90 cm
Max Magnification0.1x0.2x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$299$299
Filter Size46mm52mm
Diameter55.5mm61.6mm
Length22mm84.2mm
Weight55g (1.9 oz)200g (7.1 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo