Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a zoom (12-60mm) and the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a 30mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. 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 close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 12-60mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 30mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is 12-60mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a zoom (flexible framing), the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. reaches 1x magnification vs 0.3x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. better?
The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is a zoom (12-60mm) and the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. is a 30mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. 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 close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 30mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. if you need more reach — it goes to 60mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 12-60mm zoom covers what the fixed 30mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 30mm | 12-60mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 40° | 84° – 20° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 60-60mm | 24-120mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.3x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $399 | $399 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 63.5mm | 63mm |
| Length | 63.5mm | 71mm |
| Weight | 186g (6.6 oz) | 210g (7.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
