Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens
Score: 60/100Rankings
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom that delivers solid image quality and useful vibration reduction for DX-format shooters. Its plastic construction and slower AF make it less suitable for demanding professional use.
The Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is a compact, fast-aperture prime that delivers sharp images and quiet AF, making it a strong value for Micro Four Thirds shooters. Its lack of IS and weather sealing keep it from harsher environments, but its portability and price are hard to beat.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mm | 25 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 25 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 1.7 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 222 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mm | 82 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 25 cmbest |
0.28 xbest | 0.14 x | |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | F-mount | Micro Four Thirds |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | Stepper motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 25 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 25 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 1.7 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 25 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.14 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Nano Surface Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 222 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 82 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 46 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the lens for delivering sharp, high-contrast images across most of its range and for its effective VR II system, while noting the slower AF motor and lack of full-time manual focus.
Everyday users appreciate the lightweight build, long reach, and VR performance, but complain about sluggish low-light autofocus and the extending barrel that invites dust.
“Extremely lightweight (125 g) and compact (52 mm length) for travel and street photography”
“Fast f/1.7 aperture for low-light shooting and shallow depth of field”
“Quiet stepper-motor autofocus ideal for video and vlogging”
Professional reviewers praise the Panasonic 25mm F1.7 as one of the best value-driven primes for Micro Four Thirds, highlighting its sharpness, compactness, fast aperture, and quiet stepping motor for video.
Everyday users echo the experts, lauding the lens as a perfect walk-around option with strong low-light capability, fast and silent AF, and impressive sharpness. Common complaints focus on flare, the absence of weather sealing, and occasional focus quirks on older bodies.
