Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. vs TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds)
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is a zoom (14-42mm) and the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) 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/2 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 25mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.12x.
Choose the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $99 vs $249 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 25mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 66g (2.3 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) opens to f/2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is 14-42mm, TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) is 25mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is a zoom (flexible framing), the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) is $99, $150 under the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH..
- ›Weight: the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) is 66g (2.3 oz) vs 175g (6.2 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. or the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) better?
The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. is a zoom (14-42mm) and the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) 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/2 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 25mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 14mm vs 25mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 14-42mm zoom covers what the fixed 25mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.17x magnification vs 0.12x.
Who should choose the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds)?
Choose the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $99 vs $249 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 25mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 66g (2.3 oz) it's lighter than the 175g (6.2 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH. and the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds)?
Aperture: the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 C (Micro Four Thirds) opens to f/2 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH.'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 14-42mm | 25mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 6 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 5 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| 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 | 75° – 29° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 28-84mm | 50-50mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $99 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 43mm |
| Diameter | 60.6mm | 40mm |
| Length | 58.8mm | 23.5mm |
| Weight | 175g (6.2 oz) | 66g (2.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
