Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. opens to f/3.5 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 175mm vs 60mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. opens to f/3.5 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is 12-60mm, Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 is 45-175mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. opens to f/3.5 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 45mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. 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 — 0.3x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 if you need more reach — it goes to 175mm vs 60mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. opens to f/3.5 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-60mm | 45-175mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| 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 | 84° – 20° | 27° – 7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-120mm | 90-350mm |
| 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 | 0.3x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $399 | $399 |
| Filter Size | 58mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 63mm | 61.6mm |
| Length | 71mm | 90.4mm |
| Weight | 210g (7.4 oz) | 210g (7.4 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
