The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS and the Olympus M 45mm f1.8 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 42.5mm F1.7 OIS is the longer of the two lenses at 50mm. The Olympus M 45mm f1.8 with a length of 46mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Olympus M 45mm f1.8 has a larger diameter of 56mm compared to the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS's 55mm 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 M 45mm f1.8 weighs 116g, 10% (14g) lighter than the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS's weight of 130g.
Filter Threads
Both the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS and the Olympus M 45mm f1.8 have the same Filter thread size of 37mm.
Below are links to the 37mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS and the Olympus M 45mm f1.8 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-1 II, Panasonic G9 II and OM System OM-5.
Focal Range
Panasonic 42.5mm F1.7 OIS is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 43mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
86mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
On the other hand, the Olympus M 45mm f1.8 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 45mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 90mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.