Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens
Score: 69/100
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.
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 | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1.1 m | 0.9 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 g | 318 gbest |
3.6best | 3.3 | |
— | 7best | |
0.3best | 0.2 | |
— | 12best | |
— | 9best | |
— | 52 mmbest |
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(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | SWM | stepping motor |
Focus Type | auto/manual | autofocus |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-200 mm | 45-150 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0-5.6 | 4-5.6 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.1 m | 0.90 m |
Zoom Ratio | 3.64 | 3.33 |
Macro Ratio | 0.289 | 0.17 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 318 g |
Length (mm) | 78.7 mm | 102 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 68.6 mm | 62 mm |
Construction Material | plastic | Metal |
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 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.
