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 Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G 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. Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G is the longer of the two lenses at 142mm. The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD with a length of 99mm, is 43mm shorter. On the other hand, the Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G's 77mm 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. Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD weighs 575g, which means it is 50g (7%) lighter than the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G which has a weight of 625g.
Filter Threads
The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G has a 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend for the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G:
Lens Mounts
The Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has the Four Thirds lens mount whereas the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G has the Sony E 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 Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700 and Sony FX30 for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Olympus ED 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD has a focal range of 12-60mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-120mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 G has a focal range of 70-350mm and 5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 105-525mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
