The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD and the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 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. Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD is the longer of the two lenses at 99mm. The Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 with a length of 86mm, is 13mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0's 68mm 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. Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 weighs 320g, 44% (255g) lighter than the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD's weight of 575g.
Filter Threads
The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0:
Lens Mounts
The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has the Four Thirds lens mount whereas the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 has the Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Olympus E-5, Olympus E-600 and Olympus E-620 for the Four Thirds Mount and OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
12-60mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8 - F4.0.
