Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 vs Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 70g (2.5 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 32mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 is 12-32mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 is 70g (2.5 oz) vs 175g (6.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 or the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 70g (2.5 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. if you need more reach — it goes to 42mm vs 32mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 and the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.?
Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 is 12-32mm, Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-32mm | 14-42mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | 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 | 84° – 37° | 75° – 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-64mm | 28-84mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 37mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 55.5mm | 60.6mm |
| Length | 24mm | 58.8mm |
| Weight | 70g (2.5 oz) | 175g (6.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
