Panasonic’s 45-150mm and 35-100mm are both telephoto zooms for Micro Four Thirds cameras, and the main difference is reach versus coverage. The 45-150mm reaches farther for distant subjects, while the 35-100mm covers a slightly wider range that suits portraits and people. Choose the 35-100mm for portraits and events, and the 45-150mm for travel, sports and wildlife at a distance.
Understanding the Focal Ranges
On Micro Four Thirds, focal lengths behave like roughly double on a full-frame camera. That makes 35-100mm similar to 70-200mm and 45-150mm similar to 90-300mm in field of view.
The 35-100mm range is the classic portrait and event telephoto: it frames a head-and-shoulders portrait at the short end and isolates details at the long end. The 45-150mm trades some of that wider coverage for extra reach, which helps when you cannot get close.
Where They Differ
| Trait | 35-100mm | 45-150mm |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Medium telephoto | Longer telephoto |
| Best subjects | Portraits, events, details | Distant action, animals, scenery |
| Equivalent view | About 70-200mm | About 90-300mm |
| Typical use | Walk-around telephoto | Reach-oriented travel zoom |
Panasonic has offered more than one version of each focal range, with differences in aperture, size and build. Check the maker’s page to confirm which version you are looking at, because size and light gathering change between them.
How to Choose
- Decide what you photograph most: people close by, or subjects far away.
- Consider how close you can physically get to the subject.
- Think about the lens you already own, so there is little overlap.
- Check weight and length against how you carry your camera.
Practical Settings as Rough Guides
- For handheld shots at 100mm, a shutter speed of roughly 1/200 or faster is a reasonable rough guide.
- At 150mm, consider 1/320 or faster unless your stabilization is strong.
- For portraits, use the widest aperture available and keep some distance from the background.
- For moving subjects, aim for roughly 1/500 and faster to freeze most movement.
These are general guidelines, not guarantees, and results depend on your camera and technique.
Whichever you choose, pair it with a sturdy tripod or a steady stance for the long end, and keep a lens cloth handy for outdoor shooting. Good technique often matters more than the small differences between two similar lenses.
FAQ
Can I own both lenses?
You can, but they overlap a great deal. Most people are better served by choosing one telephoto zoom and adding a wide or standard lens for the other end.
Do these fit non-Panasonic cameras?
They use the Micro Four Thirds mount, so they fit OM System and other bodies in the system. Features such as stabilization pairing can vary by body, so confirm with the makers.
The Short Version
The 35-100mm is the better fit for portraits and events, while the 45-150mm is for subjects farther away. Confirm which version of each lens you are comparing, then choose based on the distance to your subjects.
