M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO IIvs 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

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 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (2021) Starting from £649 new Best for Everyday, travel & events on Fujifilm or Sony APS-C View 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary

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.

Everyday, Travel & Events On Fujifilm Or Sony Aps-C — 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (2021): The lightest f/2.8 standard zoom ever made — 290g is astonishing for a lens of this capability, and it optically over-delivers at the price.

↓ Full specifications below

Who should buy what

Quick take: The m.zuiko digital ed 12-40mm f/2.8 pro ii 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)18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary (2021)
Price £549 £649
Sensor f/2.8 (constant max aperture) Fujifilm X mount (APS-C)
Video 20cm minimum focus distance N/A — lens
Autofocus Dual FAST AF with linear motors — fast, quiet, and precise Stepping motor — fast, quiet, video-friendly
Stabilisation None (relies on body IBIS) None
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 382g 290g
Dimensions 69.9mm diameter × 84mm length 65.4mm diameter × 76.8mm length
Weather Sealed Yes No
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Micro Four Thirds 55mm filter thread
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 II18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Travel
9.0
9.0
Portrait
7.0
7.0
Street
7.0
9.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II prices → 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary prices →

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