M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO IIvs 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022) Starting from £549 new Best for Travel, events & everyday shooting View M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II
VS
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (2013) Starting from £499 new Best for Low light, portrait & events photography View 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

Travel, Events & Everyday Shooting — M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022): The go-to standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds — sharp, fast, and built to withstand the elements.

Low Light, Portrait & Events Photography — 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (2013): The world's only constant f/1.8 zoom — an extraordinary APS-C lens that renders like a prime at every focal length.

↓ Full specifications below

Who should buy what

Quick take: The 18-35mm f/1.8 dc hsm art is the most affordable; only the m.zuiko digital ed 12-40mm f/2.8 pro ii is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II (2022)18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art (2013)
Price £549 £499
Sensor f/2.8 (constant max aperture) f/1.8 (constant max aperture)
Video 20cm minimum focus distance 28cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus Dual FAST AF with linear motors — fast, quiet, and precise HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) — fast and near-silent with full-time manual override
Stabilisation None (relies on body IBIS) None (relies on body IS if available)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 382g 810g
Dimensions 69.9mm diameter × 84mm length 78mm diameter × 121mm length
Weather Sealed Yes No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Micro Four Thirds Canon EF / EF-S
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A

Suitability by genre

Genre M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
Travel
9.0
—
Portrait
7.0
9.0
Street
7.0
7.0
Wedding & Events —
9.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II prices → 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art prices →

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