Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 § 03 Head to head
Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 vs Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
Kowa 25mm f/1.8 has a physical aperture ring. Olympus 25mm f/1.8 is 263 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Micro Four Thirds mount: the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 is a 25mm f/1.8 prime, and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 is a 25mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 01
Key differences
Why is the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 better than the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8?
- Has a physical aperture ring
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
Why is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 better than the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8?
- 263 g lighter (137 g vs 400 g)
- 18 mm shorter (42 mm vs 60 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (46 mm vs 55 mm)
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Which should you buy?
- street For street photography, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
- travel For travel, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 25mm | 25mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Weight | 400 g (14.11 oz) | 137 g (4.83 oz) ◆ |
| Dimensions | 94 x 60 mm | 57.8 mm (diameter) x 42 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) | 0.25 m (9.84 inches) |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.12x (0.24x 35mm equivalent) |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | Yes | No |
| Aperture blades | 9 ◆ | 7 (circular) |
| Optical construction | 8 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements in 7 groups (including 2 aspherical elements) |
| Filter size | 55 mm | 46 mm ◆ |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2014 | 2014 |
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Size
- A · Kowa
- B · Olympus
- 60 × 94 mm
- 42 × 57.8 mm
The Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 is 18 mm longer and 263 g heavier than the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8.
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Sample frames
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 or the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8?
- The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 weighs 137 g, 263 g less than the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 (400 g).
- Do the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 and the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 or the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 better for street photography?
- For street photography, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Kowa Prominar 25 mm f/1.8 or the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 better for travel?
- For travel, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 has the edge: it is 263 g lighter to carry.
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Other comparisons
- 7artisans 25mm F1.8 vs Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25 mm f/1.8 II
- Meike 25 mm f/1.8 vs Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 vs TTartisan 25 mm f/2.0
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8 vs SainSonic Zonlai 22 mm f/1.8