Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro vs Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 Power O.I.S.

Pick the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro if

• You want a wider view: 12mm vs 35mm at the wide end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.2 m vs 0.85 m
• You want bigger close-ups: 0.3× vs 0.1× maximum magnification
• You want a compact lens: 84 mm vs 99.9 mm long
• You prefer a newer design: released 2013 vs 2012
• Our notes say it suits: Travel and documentary, events and portraits, video with a single lens

Pick the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 Power O.I.S. if

• You want the lighter lens to carry: 22 g lighter (360 g vs 382 g)
• You need more reach: 100mm vs 40mm at the long end
• You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro does not

Our notes

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro

Olympus's weather-sealed 24-80mm-equivalent standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds with a constant f/2.8 aperture. It weighs about 382 g and takes 62mm filters.

Pros

• Constant f/2.8
• Dust, splash and freeze resistant build
• Manual-focus clutch ring
• Compact and light for an f/2.8 zoom

Cons

• No built-in stabilization (relies on the camera)
• Larger than the f/4 12-100mm alternatives

Our notes

Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 Power O.I.S.