OM System
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Micro Four Thirds Mount
IP53 weather-sealed standard zoom with constant F2.8, MSC autofocus, and 0.3× magnification at 40mm.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
Panasonic
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Micro Four Thirds Mount
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 — 42.5mm f/1.2 for Micro Four Thirds, a popular choice in the panasonic lineup.
$1,599
Launch priceReleased Aug 2014
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 7.5 years newer.
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Wins
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Wins
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BLEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- AM.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II has lower Min focus distance (20 cm vs 38 cm)
- AM.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II has lower Length (84 mm vs 110 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
⌀70 × 84 mm
382 g (0.84 lb / 13.47 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
⌀70 × 110 mm
425 g (0.94 lb / 14.99 oz)
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 26mm shorter than LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II is 43 g lighter than LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 EDA, 2 Aspherical, 1 DSA…
- ✓
Min focus distance
20 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
84 mm vs 110 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
382 g vs 425 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
69.9 mm vs 70 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Pros
- ✓Constant F2.8 across 12–40mm (24–80mm equiv.)
- ✓IP53 dust/splash/freeze resistance with ZERO coating
- ✓Compact 382g body with MF clutch and L-Fn button
Cons
- –No lens-based IS — relies on Sync IS in compatible bodies
- –Extending barrel design
LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II and LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2 at major authorized retailers.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II
Panasonic LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm F1.2
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.