I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing Micro Four Thirds telephoto lenses, and today I’m diving deep into one of the most common dilemmas facing Panasonic shooters: the 45-150mm vs 35-100mm debate. When I first switched from Canon APS-C to Micro Four Thirds, I was overwhelmed by the options but excited about the promise of compact, high-quality glass. After months of hands-on experience with both lenses, I’m ready to share everything I’ve discovered to help you make the right choice for your photography journey.
Why This Comparison Matters?
Let me tell you something – choosing between these two lenses isn’t just about specifications on paper. It’s about understanding your shooting style, your priorities, and what you’re willing to compromise on. I remember standing in the camera store, holding both lenses in my hands, feeling completely paralyzed by indecision. Both seemed so similar yet so different, and I knew I needed to dig deeper to make an informed decision.
What I discovered through extensive testing and real-world use is that these lenses represent two different philosophies in Micro Four Thirds telephoto design. One prioritizes reach and versatility, while the other champions compactness and portability. But which approach is right for you? That’s exactly what we’re going to uncover in this comprehensive comparison.
Head-to-Head Specifications
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s get the technical specifications out of the way. I’ve compiled everything you need to know about both lenses in one easy-to-read table:
| Specification | Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 | Panasonic 35-100mm f/4-5.6 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 45-150mm (90-300mm equivalent) | 35-100mm (70-200mm equivalent) |
| Aperture | f/4-5.6 | f/4-5.6 |
| Weight | 200g (7.1 oz) | 135g (4.8 oz) |
| Length | 74mm | 55mm (retracted) |
| Diameter | 62mm | 55mm |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 46mm |
| Image Stabilization | Mega O.I.S. | Mega O.I.S. |
| Construction | 12 elements in 9 groups | 8 elements in 6 groups |
| Special Elements | 1 UHR, 2 aspherical | Not specified |
| Focus Motor | Stepping motor | Stepping motor |
| Price Range | ~$130-150 | ~$140-160 |
Right off the bat, you can see some interesting differences. The 45-150mm offers significantly more reach, while the 35-100mm is noticeably smaller and lighter. But as I discovered during my testing, these numbers only tell part of the story.
Also Read: Leica R 35mm F2 vs F2.8
Size and Portability: The Pocket Factor
When I first handled both lenses, the size difference immediately struck me. The 35-100mm is incredibly compact – so much so that I could easily slip it into my jacket pocket when not in use. This might not seem like a big deal until you’re hiking for hours or traveling through crowded city streets.
I took both lenses on a recent trip to the mountains, and the difference was night and day. With the 35-100mm, my entire camera setup felt like a compact point-and-shoot, making me much more likely to actually use it. The 45-150mm, while still small by telephoto standards, definitely had more presence and weight.
What’s really interesting is how the 35-100mm achieves this compactness. It features a retractable design that makes it incredibly small when not in use. You do need to extend it before shooting, which adds a small step to your workflow, but I found this to be a minor inconvenience compared to the portability benefits.
The 45-150mm, on the other hand, maintains a more traditional design. It extends significantly when zooming to 150mm, almost doubling in length. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re trying to keep a low profile.
Image Quality: Sharpness and Performance
Now let’s talk about what really matters – how do these lenses perform in the real world? I’ve shot thousands of images with both lenses in various conditions, and I’ve discovered some interesting patterns.
Center Sharpness
Both lenses deliver excellent center sharpness, which is where most of your important subject matter will typically be. I found that at equivalent focal lengths (say, 70-100mm), both lenses produce remarkably similar results when shooting at optimal apertures (around f/8).
Where I noticed a difference was at the extremes. The 35-100mm maintains good sharpness throughout its range, though it does soften slightly at 100mm. The 45-150mm, meanwhile, is sharpest in its mid-range (around 75-100mm) and shows some softness at 150mm.
Corner Performance
Corner performance is where the 45-150mm shows a slight advantage, particularly at wider apertures. I discovered this when shooting landscapes where edge-to-edge sharpness matters. The 45-150mm holds its corners better, especially when shooting wide open.
However, this advantage diminishes as you stop down to f/8 or f/11, which is where most landscape photographers typically work. For general photography, I found the corner performance difference to be negligible in practice.
Chromatic Aberration
Chromatic aberration (those annoying purple and green fringes) is well-controlled on both lenses, but the 35-100mm shows slightly less fringing in high-contrast situations. This became apparent when shooting backlit subjects or scenes with strong highlights.
Distortion
Both lenses exhibit some barrel distortion at their wide ends, which is typical for zoom lenses in this class. The 35-100mm shows a bit more distortion at 35mm, while the 45-150mm has more noticeable distortion at 45mm. Fortunately, most modern cameras and post-processing software can automatically correct these distortions.
Build Quality and Handling
Build quality is where these lenses show their different design philosophies. The 45-150mm feels more substantial in the hand, with a metal lens mount and high-quality plastics that give it a premium feel. The zoom ring is smooth and well-damped, making precise adjustments easy.
The 35-100mm, while still well-built, feels more like a compact kit lens in terms of materials. However, this isn’t necessarily a negative – the lighter weight and smaller size are part of its appeal. The retractable mechanism feels solid, though I do wonder about long-term durability with frequent extension and retraction.
One area where the 45-150mm shines is in its manual focus implementation. The focus ring is larger and more precisely damped, making manual focus adjustments more comfortable. The 35-100mm’s focus ring is smaller and less precise, though still perfectly usable for most situations.
Autofocus Performance
Both lenses use Panasonic’s stepping motor technology, which means fast, silent autofocus performance. I tested both lenses for various shooting scenarios, and here’s what I found:
Still Photography
For still photography, both lenses focus quickly and accurately. The 35-100mm has a slight edge in speed, likely due to its smaller, lighter glass elements that need to move less distance. In good lighting conditions, both lenses lock focus almost instantaneously.
Where I noticed a difference was in low-light situations. The 45-150mm hunted slightly more in challenging lighting, though this was only apparent in very dim conditions. For most real-world shooting, both lenses perform admirably.
Video Performance
This is where things get interesting. Both lenses are marketed as “HD video support” lenses, and they both deliver smooth, silent autofocus during video recording. However, I found the 35-100mm to be slightly better for video work due to its smaller size and weight, making it easier to handle on gimbals or stabilizers.
The 45-150mm’s longer zoom range can be useful for video, but the significant extension when zooming can cause balance issues on smaller camera bodies. If you’re primarily a video shooter, the 35-100mm might be the better choice unless you specifically need the extra reach.
Real-World Shooting Scenarios
Specifications and lab tests are one thing, but how do these lenses perform in real-world shooting situations? Let me share my experiences across different photography genres.
Landscape Photography
As a landscape photographer, I was particularly interested in how these lenses would perform in the field. I took both lenses on a multi-day hiking trip through mountain terrain, and the results were enlightening.
The 35-100mm’s compactness was a huge advantage on the trail. I could carry it in my pocket and pull it out whenever I needed a bit of telephoto compression for mountain scenes. The 70-200mm equivalent range proved perfect for most landscape situations, allowing me to isolate distant peaks and compress perspective effectively.
The 45-150mm, while bulkier, offered more versatility for distant subjects. There were several instances where the extra reach to 300mm equivalent allowed me to capture details that would have been impossible with the 35-100mm. However, I paid for this versatility with increased weight and bulk.
For pure landscape photography, I found myself reaching for the 35-100mm more often. The weight savings and compactness made me more likely to actually use the lens, and the image quality was more than sufficient for most landscape situations.
Travel and Street Photography
When it comes to travel and street photography, discretion is often key. The 35-100mm absolutely shines in this regard. Its small size makes it much less intimidating, and I found that people were less likely to notice me shooting with this lens compared to the 45-150mm.
I spent a week in a busy European city with both lenses, and the difference was striking. With the 35-100mm, I could shoot candid street scenes without drawing attention to myself. The lens was so compact that most people assumed I was shooting with a compact camera.
The 45-150mm, while still small by telephoto standards, definitely attracted more attention. Its larger size made people more aware that I was taking photographs, which sometimes changed the dynamic of candid street scenes.
Portraits and People
Portrait photography is where these lenses show their different strengths. The 35-100mm offers a more traditional portrait range (70-200mm equivalent), which is perfect for headshots and environmental portraits.
I found that the 35-100mm’s compactness made it less intimidating for portrait subjects, especially children. The lighter weight also made it easier to handhold for longer portrait sessions without fatigue.
The 45-150mm, with its longer reach, excels at candid portraits where you need some distance from your subject. I used it successfully at a family gathering where I could capture natural expressions without being in people’s faces. The extra compression at 150mm also creates beautiful background separation for environmental portraits.
Wildlife and Nature
This is where the 45-150mm really shows its value. While neither lens is specifically designed for wildlife photography, the extra reach of the 45-150mm makes it much more versatile for capturing birds and small animals.
I tested both lenses at a local nature reserve, and the difference was dramatic. With the 35-100mm, I could capture larger birds and animals that were relatively close, but I often found myself wanting more reach. The 45-150mm allowed me to capture smaller birds and more distant wildlife that would have been impossible with the shorter lens.
However, it’s important to note that neither lens is ideal for serious wildlife photography. If wildlife is your primary subject, you’d be better served by a longer lens like the Panasonic 100-300mm or Olympus 75-300mm.
Value for Money
Both lenses represent excellent value in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, but they offer different value propositions.
The 35-100mm typically sells for around $140-160, making it one of the most affordable telephoto lenses available. For this price, you get incredibly compact size, good image quality, and the versatility of a 70-200mm equivalent range. It’s an absolute bargain for travelers and street photographers.
The 45-150mm usually costs slightly less, around $130-150, and offers more reach for the money. If you prioritize versatility and focal length range over compactness, it’s an excellent choice that won’t break the bank.
When considering value, it’s important to think about how often you’ll actually use the lens. The 35-100mm’s compactness means you’re more likely to carry it and use it, potentially giving you better value despite the slightly higher price. The 45-150mm offers more versatility, but only if you’re willing to carry its extra size and weight.
Who Should Choose the 35-100mm?
Based on my extensive testing, I believe the Panasonic 35-100mm f/4-5.6 is the ideal choice for:
- Travel photographers who prioritize compactness and lightweight gear
- Street photographers who need to be discreet and unobtrusive
- Landscape photographers who primarily shoot in the 70-200mm range
- Portrait photographers who want a lightweight, versatile portrait lens
- Videographers who need a compact telephoto for gimbal or stabilizer work
- Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who need to minimize weight and bulk
The 35-100mm’s biggest strength is its incredible compactness. If you value portability above all else, this is the lens for you. It’s the lens I find myself reaching for most often when I’m traveling or shooting in urban environments.
Who Should Choose the 45-150mm?
The Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 is the better choice for:
- Wildlife enthusiasts who need extra reach for birds and small animals
- Sports photographers covering events from a distance
- Landscape photographers who frequently shoot distant subjects
- Portrait photographers who want more compression and background separation
- Photographers who want one telephoto lens to cover most situations
- Those who prioritize versatility over compactness
The 45-150mm’s extra reach makes it more versatile for a wider range of subjects. If you frequently find yourself wishing for more telephoto reach, this is the lens that will serve you better.
My Personal Experience and Recommendation
After months of shooting with both lenses, I’ve come to some clear conclusions about which lens works best for different situations. Let me share my personal journey with these lenses.
When I first started testing, I was convinced that the 45-150mm would be my go-to lens. The extra reach seemed too good to pass up, and I figured I could tolerate the slightly larger size. For the first few weeks, I primarily used the 45-150mm and was impressed with its versatility and image quality.
Then I took a week-long trip to a European city, and everything changed. I brought both lenses but found myself reaching for the 35-100mm 90% of the time. The compactness was liberating – I could carry my camera all day without fatigue, and I was much more likely to actually use the telephoto lens because it was so convenient.
That experience taught me an important lesson: the best lens is the one you actually use. The 45-150mm might be more versatile on paper, but the 35-100mm’s compactness meant I used it more often and got more keepers.
However, when I’m shooting landscapes or wildlife, the 45-150mm still gets the nod. There have been countless situations where that extra 50mm of reach made the difference between getting the shot and missing it entirely.
So what’s my recommendation? If I could only keep one lens, I would choose the 35-100mm for its incredible compactness and the fact that I’m more likely to actually use it. However, if budget allows, owning both lenses gives you the best of both worlds – compactness when you need it and reach when you want it.
Technical Deep Dive: Image Stabilization
Both lenses feature Panasonic’s Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization), but there are some subtle differences worth noting. During my testing, I found that both systems work exceptionally well, but they excel in slightly different situations.
The 35-100mm’s lighter weight means the image stabilization system has less mass to stabilize, which can result in slightly better performance at slower shutter speeds. I was able to get sharp handheld shots at 1/30s at 100mm, which is impressive for any telephoto lens.
The 45-150mm’s image stabilization is equally effective but works differently due to the lens’s larger size and weight. I found it most effective at moderate shutter speeds (1/60s to 1/125s), where it provided consistently sharp results.
It’s worth noting that both lenses work beautifully with Panasonic’s Dual I.S. system when paired with compatible camera bodies. This combination of lens-based and in-body stabilization provides exceptional stability, making handheld telephoto photography more accessible than ever.
Low-Light Performance
Neither lens is particularly fast, with maximum apertures of f/4-5.6, so low-light performance isn’t their strong suit. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how well both lenses performed in challenging lighting conditions.
The 35-100mm’s slightly brighter maximum aperture at the wide end (f/4 vs f/5.6) gives it a small advantage in low light. I found that I could typically shoot about half a stop slower with the 35-100mm while maintaining similar image quality.
However, the difference is minimal in practice. Modern Micro Four Thirds cameras have excellent high-ISO performance, making both lenses usable in surprisingly low light. I’ve captured sharp, clean images at ISO 3200-6400 with both lenses, something that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.
Weather Sealing and Durability
Neither lens offers weather sealing, which is worth considering if you frequently shoot in challenging conditions. During my testing, I encountered light rain with both lenses, and neither showed any immediate issues. However, I wouldn’t recommend using either lens in heavy rain or dusty environments without protection.
The 45-150mm feels slightly more robust due to its larger size and metal lens mount, but both lenses should withstand normal use with proper care. If weather sealing is a priority, you might want to consider Olympus’s weather-sealed alternatives, though they come at a higher price point.
Also Read: Canon SL2 vs SL3
Alternative Lenses to Consider
While these two Panasonic lenses offer excellent value, it’s worth considering some alternatives that might better suit your specific needs:
Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R
This is probably the most direct competitor to both Panasonic lenses. It offers similar specifications and performance, with slightly different rendering characteristics. Many photographers prefer the Olympus’s color rendering, and it’s often available at similar price points.
Panasonic 45-175mm f/4-5.6 Power O.I.S.
This lens sits between the two we’re discussing, offering more reach than the 35-100mm but less than the 45-200mm. It features Panasonic’s newer Power O.I.S. system, which provides better stabilization but at a higher price point.
Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8
This is the premium version of the 35-100mm, offering a constant f/2.8 aperture and professional-grade build quality. It’s significantly more expensive but offers superior low-light performance and background separation.
Olympus 75-300mm f/4.7-6.7
If wildlife is your primary subject, this Olympus lens offers significantly more reach in a relatively compact package. It’s more expensive than either Panasonic lens but provides the versatility needed for serious wildlife photography.
Final Verdict
After months of testing and real-world use, I can confidently say that both the Panasonic 45-150mm and 35-100mm are excellent lenses that serve different purposes. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and shooting style.
Choose the Panasonic 35-100mm f/4-5.6 if:
- Compactness and portability are your top priorities
- You primarily shoot travel, street, or portrait photography
- You want a lens you’ll actually carry and use regularly
- You need a discreet telephoto for candid photography
- You’re on a tight budget but want excellent image quality
Choose the Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 if:
- Versatility and reach are more important than compactness
- You frequently shoot wildlife or distant subjects
- You want one telephoto lens to cover most situations
- You don’t mind carrying slightly larger gear for better performance
- You want the best value for maximum focal length
For me, the 35-100mm has become my go-to telephoto lens for most situations. Its incredible compactness means I actually use it, and the image quality is more than sufficient for my needs. However, I keep the 45-150mm in my bag for those situations where the extra reach makes all the difference.
The good news is that you can’t really go wrong with either lens. Both represent excellent value and deliver impressive performance in compact packages. The best choice is the one that aligns with your specific photography style and needs.
FAQ
Which lens is better for video work?
The Panasonic 35-100mm is generally better for video work due to its smaller size and weight, making it easier to balance on gimbals and stabilizers. Both lenses offer smooth, silent autofocus, but the 35-100mm’s compactness gives it the edge for most video applications.
Can I use these lenses for sports photography?
Both lenses can work for sports photography, but they have limitations. The 45-150mm’s extra reach makes it better for distant sports like soccer or baseball, while the 35-100mm works well for closer sports like basketball or volleyball. However, neither lens is ideal for professional sports photography due to their relatively slow apertures.
How do these lenses compare to Olympus alternatives?
The Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R is the most direct competitor and offers similar performance with slightly different rendering characteristics. Many photographers prefer the Olympus’s color rendering, but the Panasonic lenses often focus faster and work better with Panasonic cameras.
Are these lenses weather-sealed?
No, neither the Panasonic 45-150mm nor the 35-100mm offers weather sealing. If you frequently shoot in challenging weather conditions, you might want to consider weather-sealed alternatives like the Olympus PRO lenses.
Which lens is better for beginners?
The Panasonic 35-100mm is generally better for beginners due to its smaller size, lighter weight, and more manageable focal length range. It’s less intimidating to use and easier to carry, making it more likely that beginners will actually use it regularly.
Can I use these lenses for professional work?
While neither lens is specifically designed for professional use, both can produce professional-quality results in the right hands. The 35-100mm is popular among professional travel and street photographers who value compactness, while the 45-150mm is used by professionals who need extra reach in a compact package.
How do these lenses perform with teleconverters?
Neither lens is officially compatible with teleconverters, and even if you could physically attach one, the image quality would likely suffer significantly. If you need more reach, you’re better off investing in a longer lens rather than using teleconverters with these lenses.
Which lens has better bokeh?
Both lenses produce pleasing bokeh, but the 45-150mm has a slight advantage due to its longer focal length, which provides more background compression and separation. However, the difference is minimal in practice, and both lenses can create beautiful background blur when used properly.
Are these lenses good for astrophotography?
Neither lens is ideal for astrophotography due to their relatively slow apertures. However, both can be used for astrophotography if you’re willing to use higher ISO settings and longer exposure times. For serious astrophotography, you’d be better served by faster prime lenses.
How do these lenses compare to the Panasonic 14-140mm?
The Panasonic 14-140mm is a superzoom lens that offers more versatility but compromises on image quality and size. Both the 45-150mm and 35-100mm offer better image quality than the 14-140mm at equivalent focal lengths, but the 14-140mm provides the convenience of not needing to change lenses.
Pro Photography Tips
Getting the Most from Your Telephoto Lens
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that can help you get the most out of either of these Panasonic telephoto lenses:
Use a monopod for stability: Even with image stabilization, a monopod can significantly improve your sharpness, especially at longer focal lengths. I keep a lightweight carbon fiber monopod in my bag for exactly this purpose.
Stop down to f/8 for best sharpness: Both lenses perform best when stopped down to f/8. While they’re usable wide open, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in sharpness across the frame at f/8.
Use the dual IS system: If your camera supports it, make sure to enable Dual IS. This combines the lens’s optical stabilization with the camera’s in-body stabilization for dramatically better results.
Master the art of panning: Both lenses are great for panning shots due to their light weight. Practice your panning technique to capture sharp moving subjects with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
Use back-button focus: Both lenses focus quickly, but using back-button focus can give you more control over your autofocus, especially for action or wildlife photography.
Maintenance and Care
Taking care of your lenses will ensure they last for years:
Keep a UV filter on: A good quality UV filter will protect your front element from dust, moisture, and scratches. Both lenses use common filter sizes (52mm for the 45-150mm, 46mm for the 35-100mm).
Store properly: When not in use, store your lenses with caps on both ends and in a dry, cool place. The 35-100mm should be stored in its retracted position.
Clean carefully: Use a proper lens cleaning kit and never apply cleaning solution directly to the lens. Always spray solution onto the cleaning cloth first.
Check for firmware updates: Panasonic occasionally releases firmware updates that improve autofocus performance or add new features. Check the Panasonic website periodically for updates.
Save This Article for Later
Photography gear decisions can be overwhelming, and you might want to refer back to this comparison when you’re ready to make your purchase. I recommend bookmarking this article or saving it to your reading list for easy access later.
Photography technology evolves quickly, and I’ll be updating this article regularly with new information and real-world testing results. Be sure to check back periodically for the latest updates on these excellent Panasonic telephoto lenses.
Remember, the best lens is the one that helps you capture the images you envision. Whether you choose the compact 35-100mm or the versatile 45-150mm, you’re getting an excellent lens that will serve you well for years to come. Happy shooting!