The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II and the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF is the longer of the two lenses at 103mm. The OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II with a length of 84mm, is 19mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II's 70mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II weighs 382g, which means it is 373g (49%) lighter than the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF which has a weight of 755g.
Filter Threads
The OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF:
Lens Mounts
The OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II has the Micro Four Thirds lens mount whereas the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF has the Nikon Z lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount and Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount.
Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF is also available in Canon RF and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II has a focal range of 12-40mm and
3.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-80mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Venus Argus 35mm F0.95 FF is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 35mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 52.5mm.
