Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm
Score: 76/100
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM
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 RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact prime lens offering a fast f/1.8 aperture and quiet STM autofocus, making it ideal for everyday shooting and video. Its trade-offs include lack of weather sealing, no image stabilization, and a plastic build that may feel less premium. Best suited for beginners, travel photographers, and vloggers seeking a lightweight "nifty fifty."
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 50 mmbest | |
— | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.9 m | 0.3 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 318 g | 160 gbest |
3.3best | — | |
7best | 7best | |
0.2 | 0.3best | |
12best | 6 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Canon RF |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | stepping motor | STM |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 45-150 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4-5.6 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.90 m | 0.3 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.17 | 0.25 |
Number of Optical Elements | 12 | 6 |
Number of Optical Groups | 9 | 5 |
Coating | Nano‑Surface Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 52 mm | 43 mm |
Weight (g) | 318 g | 160 g |
Length (mm) | 102 mm | 40.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 62 mm | 69.2 mm |
Construction Material | Metal | plastic |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
“easy carry-along companion”
“toy-like”
Professional reviewers commend the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for its ultra-compact design, fast f/1.8 aperture, quiet STM AF and the added control ring, positioning it as a versatile walk-around lens. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing and optical stabilization, and note the plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end Canon optics.
Everyday users consistently praise the lens's lightweight, pocketable form factor, impressive bokeh, low-light performance and silent autofocus, calling it a great value for casual shooting and video. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of weather sealing, no built-in IS, a plastic feel that some deem 'toy-like', and occasional edge softness or flare when shooting wide open.
