Canon EF 75-300mm f-5.6 III
Score: 58/100
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 is a compact telephoto zoom with strong image stabilization and good central sharpness. Its trade-offs are a variable slow aperture, edge softness and lack of weather sealing. Best suited for travelers and hobbyists who value portability over ruggedness.
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto zoom offering solid reach. Its trade-offs include a sluggish micro-motor AF, lack of stabilization, and softer optics at the long end. Best suited for beginners and casual shooters needing portable telephoto capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.5 m | 0.9 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 480 g | 318 gbest |
4best | 3.3 | |
7best | 7best | |
0.3best | 0.2 | |
13best | 12 | |
9best | 9best | |
58 mmbest | 52 mm |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Micro Four Thirds |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | Micro motor | stepping motor |
Focus Type | AF | autofocus |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 75-300 mm | 45-150 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.5 m | 0.90 m |
Zoom Ratio | 4 | 3.33 |
Macro Ratio | 0.25 | 0.17 |
Number of Optical Elements | 13 | 12 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 52 mm |
Weight (g) | 480 g | 318 g |
Length (mm) | 122 mm | 102 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 71 mm | 62 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III as Canon's basic, budget-friendly long zoom. They commend its ultra-light weight and compact form factor, but repeatedly note the sluggish micro-motor autofocus, modest build quality, and average optical performance, especially the softness and reduced contrast at the 300 mm end.
Everyday users love the lens for its portability and inexpensive telephoto reach, often mentioning how easy it is to pack for travel and wildlife outings. However, they commonly complain about the slow, noisy autofocus, the absence of stabilization, plastic feel, and noticeable softness at the long end, which detracts from image quality in low-light or high-magnification scenarios.
Professional reviewers consider the Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 a standout value lens, praising its sharpness, effective MEGA O.I.S., and compact, lightweight build. They note the variable slow aperture, edge softness at extremes, and lack of weather sealing as trade-offs.
Everyday users consistently applaud the lens's portability and surprising sharpness, especially for wildlife, portraits, and travel photography. Common praise centers on the convenient 52mm filter size, smooth manual focus, and quiet AF for video. Recurring complaints focus on the slow f/4-5.6 aperture, occasional edge softness, and the plastic feel with no weather sealing.
