Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens
Score: 69/100
Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm
Score: 79/100Rankings
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is an ultra-compact, fast-aperture prime that delivers sharp images and quiet autofocus. It lacks weather sealing, image stabilization, and its corner performance drops at the widest aperture. Ideal for street, portrait and low-light shooters who prioritize size and speed over ruggedness.
Nikon's 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR lens provides a versatile telephoto range with effective 4-stop vibration reduction in a compact, retractable design. Softness at the 200 mm end and a plastic build detract from its otherwise strong value. Ideal for budget-conscious DX users needing a lightweight zoom for travel and general photography.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 25 mmbest | |
— | 1.7best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.1 m | 0.25 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 g | 125 gbest |
3.6best | — | |
— | 7best | |
0.3best | — | |
— | 8best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | SWM | Stepping motor |
Optics(3) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-200 mm | 25 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0-5.6 | 1.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.1 m | 0.25 m |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 125 g |
Length (mm) | 78.7 mm | 52 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 68.6 mm | 60.8 mm |
Construction Material | plastic | Plastic barrel, metal mount |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the lens's exceptional value, compact build, and effective 4-stop VR, noting very good sharpness through most of the zoom range. However, they point out a clear weakness at 200mm where sharpness falls off, as well as chromatic aberration at the extremes, slower autofocus, and a plastic construction that feels cheap. The lack of advanced VR modes is also mentioned as a limitation for demanding shooting scenarios.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for value, lightweight design, and VR performance, often calling the lens a great addition to kit setups for travel and general photography. Common praise centers on sharp center performance and portability. Recurring complaints mirror the expert critiques, focusing on softness at 200mm, plastic build quality, and sluggish autofocus, with several users noting the limited VR mode options.
“"4-stop Vibration Reduction system enables handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, improving low-light performance."”
“"Compact, retractable design reduces storage size and keeps lens weight at only 300 g for easy portability."”
“"Noticeable softness and loss of sharpness at the 200mm focal length, especially when shooting wide open."”
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its delightfully lightweight and well-built feel, fast f/1.7 aperture, and quiet stepping-motor autofocus that suits both stills and video. They also note the high-quality aspherical/UHR optics that keep aberrations low. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing, image stabilization, and the soft corner performance at the widest aperture, as well as the absence of a mechanical focus coupling.
Everyday users love how portable and light the lens feels, often describing it as "pancake-like" and "so light… not even perceive the extra weight." They appreciate the fast aperture for indoor and low-light shooting and the quiet AF for video. Common complaints focus on its fragility without weather sealing, occasional flare, and the inability to focus closely for macro work.
