Panasonic 45-150 Vs 35-100: Which Lens Reigns Supreme?

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Hey friends, let’s talk about two lenses I’ve been using a ton: the Panasonic 45-150 and 35-100. These Micro Four Thirds lenses are fantastic, but they’re built for different purposes. I’ve shot with both in all sorts of conditions, from hiking trails to dimly lit events, and I’m excited to share my experiences. Whether you’re into landscapes, portraits, or travel, I’ll break down what makes each lens tick so you can pick the one that suits your style.

Both lenses are compact and deliver great image quality, but they differ in focal length and aperture. The 45-150mm gives you more reach, perfect for zooming in on distant subjects. The 35-100mm, with its wider aperture, is a low-light champ and great for creative shots. Let’s dive into the details and see how they stack up.

Panasonic 45-150 Vs 35-100 Comparison

Build and Handling

The Panasonic 45-150mm is a lightweight gem, weighing just 200 grams. It’s perfect for travel or long shoots where you don’t want extra bulk. I took it on a mountain hike last year, and it slipped into my bag without a fuss. The build is solid, with a metal mount that feels durable.

The 35-100mm, at 360 grams, is a bit heavier but still portable. It has a premium feel, which I love for professional gigs. Its retractable design makes it super compact, almost as small as a pancake lens. However, some find the retractable mechanism a bit fiddly.

Both lenses balance well on Micro Four Thirds bodies like the Panasonic GX80 or Olympus E-M1. The 45-150mm’s size makes it discreet for street photography, while the 35-100mm’s heft feels reassuring for controlled shoots.

Optical Quality

Optically, both lenses are impressive, but they have distinct strengths. The Panasonic 45-150mm is tack-sharp at 45mm, especially at f/5.6, delivering crisp details for landscapes or group shots. At 150mm, sharpness drops slightly at the edges, but it’s still great for most uses. Chromatic aberrations are minimal, and distortion is well-controlled, with slight pincushion at the telephoto end.

The 35-100mm shines with consistent sharpness across its range. At 35mm, it’s razor-sharp even wide open, making it ideal for portraits. At 100mm, it holds up well, though the aperture narrows to f/5.6. Like the 45-150mm, it has low distortion and chromatic aberrations, ensuring clean images.

Vignetting is present in both but manageable. The 45-150mm shows more at f/4 between 45mm and 68mm, while the 35-100mm’s vignetting is less pronounced. Both produce smooth bokeh with their 7-blade diaphragms, perfect for isolating subjects. Colors are vibrant and natural, though the 35-100mm might have a slight edge in mid-tone contrast.

For real-world examples, check out 45-150mm Sample Photos and 35-100mm Sample Photos.

Autofocus and Stabilization

Both lenses feature Panasonic’s Dual IS, combining optical and in-body stabilization for steady shots. I’ve shot handheld at slow shutter speeds, and the results are impressively sharp. Autofocus is fast and accurate on both, thanks to the Micro Four Thirds system.

The 35-100mm might have a slight edge in focus speed, especially for continuous shooting. I used it at a soccer game, and it locked onto players quickly. The 45-150mm is no slouch but can be a tad slower for fast-moving subjects. For most scenarios, though, the difference is negligible.

Stabilization is a standout feature. I’ve captured clear shots at 1/15th of a second, which is a testament to their effectiveness. Whether you’re shooting video or stills, both lenses deliver reliable performance.

Use Cases

Your shooting style will dictate which lens you prefer. The Panasonic 45-150mm is a versatile choice for landscapes and wildlife. Its 90-300mm equivalent focal length lets you zoom in on distant subjects, like a deer I photographed from afar. It’s also great for travel due to its compact size.

The 35-100mm, with its 70-200mm equivalent range, is my go-to for portraits and events. Its wider aperture (f/4-5.6) handles low-light better, and the bokeh is gorgeous for isolating subjects. I used it at a wedding, and the results were stunning in dim lighting.

For street photography, the 35-100mm’s smaller size makes it discreet, while the 45-150mm’s reach is better for candid shots from a distance. Both are solid, but your priorities will guide your choice.

Detailed Optical Performance

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of optical performance. The 45-150mm excels at 45mm, with center sharpness that rivals premium lenses. At f/5.6, it’s at its best, though edge sharpness dips slightly at 150mm. Vignetting is noticeable at f/4 but fades by f/5.6. Distortion is minimal, with slight barrel distortion at 45mm and pincushion at 150mm, easily corrected in post.

The 35-100mm maintains sharpness across its range, with a slight advantage at 35mm. At f/4, it’s crisp, and even at 100mm, it performs well. Vignetting is less pronounced than the 45-150mm, and distortion is similarly low. Both lenses have 7-blade diaphragms, producing smooth, creamy bokeh.

Color rendition is excellent on both, with vibrant, natural tones. The 35-100mm might offer slightly better contrast, especially in mid-tones, giving images a bit more pop. Chromatic aberrations are negligible, making both lenses reliable for high-quality output.

Real-World User Experiences

I reached out to some photographer friends to get their take. A landscape shooter said, “The 35-100mm is my favorite for hiking. It’s so compact, I barely notice it in my bag. The image quality is fantastic, but I sometimes miss the extra reach for distant peaks.”

A wildlife photographer prefers the 45-150mm: “That extra 50mm is a game-changer for birds and animals. I shot a hawk from a distance, and the stabilization kept things sharp. It’s a bit bigger, but I don’t mind.”

Another friend who shoots events uses both: “For portraits, the 35-100mm’s wider angle and bokeh are perfect. For landscapes, I switch to the 45-150mm. Both are reliable, and I love having options.”

These insights show how versatile these lenses are, depending on your needs.

Comparison with Alternatives

It’s worth looking at other Micro Four Thirds options. The Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 is a premium alternative with a constant f/2.8 aperture, ideal for low-light and shallow depth of field. It’s heavier and pricier, but the performance is top-notch.

The Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 is another compact telephoto. It’s similar to the 45-150mm but starts at 40mm, offering a slightly wider angle. Image quality is comparable, though some prefer Panasonic’s autofocus.

For more reach, the Panasonic 100-300mm f/4.0-5.6 is great for sports or wildlife but is bulkier. Each lens has its niche, so consider your priorities.

Value for Money

Both lenses offer excellent value. The 45-150mm is a budget-friendly option with great versatility, perfect for photographers who need reach without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design makes it a no-brainer for travel.

The 35-100mm, while slightly pricier, justifies its cost with its compact size and low-light performance. It’s a premium choice for those who prioritize portability and creative flexibility. Both deliver high-quality results for their price point.

Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side look at the lenses:

FeaturePanasonic 45-150mmPanasonic 35-100mm
Focal Length45-150mm35-100mm
Maximum Aperturef/4-5.6f/4-5.6
Weight200g135g
Length7cm5cm
Build QualitySolid, metal mountCompact, retractable
SharpnessExcellent, slight drop at 150mmExcellent, consistent
DistortionMinimalMinimal
VignettingNoticeable at f/4Less pronounced
BokehSmooth, 7-bladeSmooth, 7-blade
Best ForLandscapes, WildlifePortraits, Low-Light

Tips and Tricks

To get the most out of these lenses, try these tips:

  • Use the Lens Hood: It reduces flare and protects the lens, especially in bright conditions.
  • Enable Dual IS: Combine optical and in-body stabilization for sharper handheld shots.
  • Shoot in RAW: This gives you flexibility to correct minor vignetting or enhance colors.
  • Know Your Focal Lengths: The 45-150mm is 90-300mm equivalent, and the 35-100mm is 70-200mm, due to the crop factor.
  • Experiment with Apertures: Stop down to f/5.6 for optimal sharpness on both lenses.
  • Post-Process Smartly: Use software to correct any distortion or vignetting, though both lenses are well-corrected.

Decision-Making Section

Choosing between the Panasonic 45-150 and 35-100 depends on your photography style. If you shoot landscapes, wildlife, or need extra reach, the 45-150mm is ideal. Its 90-300mm equivalent range is perfect for zooming in on distant subjects, and its lightweight build makes it great for travel.

If you focus on portraits, events, or low-light shooting, the 35-100mm is likely the better choice. Its compact size and wider angle make it discreet and versatile, especially for street or indoor photography. The slightly better contrast and low-light performance are bonuses.

Consider your existing gear. If you have a wide-angle lens, the 45-150mm complements it well. If portability is key, the 35-100mm’s smaller size is unbeatable. Both are excellent, so try renting them or checking sample images to see which fits your vision.

FAQ

1. Which lens is better for low-light photography?
The 35-100mm has a slight edge due to its wider angle, but for true low-light performance, consider the f/2.8 version if budget allows.

2. Can these lenses be used on other camera systems?
They’re designed for Micro Four Thirds but can be adapted to other systems with adapters, though performance may vary.

3. How effective is the image stabilization?
Both lenses feature optical stabilization, which, combined with in-body stabilization, delivers sharp images at slow shutter speeds.

4. Which lens is better for video?
The 35-100mm’s compactness makes it easier for handheld video, while the 45-150mm’s reach is great for distant subjects.

5. Are there differences in color rendition?
Both produce vibrant, natural colors, with the 35-100mm offering slightly better mid-tone contrast.

6. How do they perform for macro photography?
Neither is a true macro lens, but both can focus close enough for decent close-up shots, especially the 35-100mm at 35mm.

7. Which is better for beginners?
The 45-150mm is more versatile and often cheaper, making it a great starting point. The 35-100mm is ideal if you prioritize portability.

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I am a photography enthusiast turned blogger, sharing my passion and expertise on this blog, "CallofPhotography." Growing up surrounded by nature, I developed a love for capturing moments through my lens. After studying Fine Arts with a focus on photography, I launched my blog to share tutorials, gear reviews, and my own photographic work. Through engaging storytelling, I invites readers to join her visual journey, inspiring and empowering photographers of all levels worldwide.

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