The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH 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. Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 with a length of 86mm, is 2mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH also has a larger diameter of 73mm compared to the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0's 68mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH and Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH and the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Size and Weight 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 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH weighs 315g, which means it is 5g (1%) lighter than the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 which has a weight of 320g.
Filter Threads
The Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH has a filter size of 67mm 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0:
Lens Mounts
Both the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH and the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-3 Astro , OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 .
Focal Range
Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH has a focal range of 8-18mm and
2.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
16-36mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 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.
