Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR
Score: 74/100
Panasonic LUMIX G Lens
Score: 60/100Rankings
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight, retractable telephoto zoom aimed at APS-C users. It offers solid optical performance, VR, and a silent AF motor, though its plastic construction and lack of weather sealing limit rugged 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 |
200 mmbest | 25 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 f | 1.7 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 g | 222 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 100 mm | 82 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 110 cm | 25 cmbest |
0.23 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 | Nikon F | Micro Four Thirds |
Autofocus Motor Type | Silent Wave Motor | Stepper motor |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 25 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 200 mm | 25 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 1.7 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 110 cm | 25 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.23 x | 0.14 x |
Coating Type | Super Spectra | Nano Surface Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 222 g |
Length (mm) | 100 mm | 82 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 52 mm | 46 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the lens for its portability, solid optical performance and the addition of VR, while noting the plastic mount and lack of a built-in hood as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight travel companion and effective VR, but complain about the missing hood, cheap plastic feel, and reduced sharpness at 200 mm wide open.
“Perfect travel companion”
“Great for beginners”
“Extremely lightweight (125 g) and compact (52 mm length) for travel and street photography”
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.
