Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. vs Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. gives that up to stay lighter (135g (4.8 oz)) and cheaper ($249). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $699 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 360g (12.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. is $249, $450 under the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. is 135g (4.8 oz) vs 360g (12.7 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. or the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 versus the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. gives that up to stay lighter (135g (4.8 oz)) and cheaper ($249). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. if you're on a budget — $249 vs $699 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 360g (12.7 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. and the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II?
Aperture: the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm f/2.8 II opens to f/2.8 vs the Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm f/4-5.6 ASPH.'s f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35-100mm | 35-100mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 34° – 12° | 34° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 70-200mm | 70-200mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 90 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 46mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 61.6mm | 67.4mm |
| Length | 84.2mm | 99.6mm |
| Weight | 135g (4.8 oz) | 360g (12.7 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
