OM M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II § 03 Head to head
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II vs Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
OM System 17mm f/1.8 is 60 g lighter. Laowa 17mm f/1.8 is 7 mm shorter.
Both lenses are made for the Micro Four Thirds mount: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II is a 17mm f/1.8 prime, and the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT is a 17mm f/1.8 prime. On paper the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
OM M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II 
Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT 01
Key differences
Why is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II better than the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- 60 g lighter (112 g vs 172 g)
- Newer design (2025 vs 2020)
Why is the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better than the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II?
- 7 mm shorter (51 mm vs 57.6 mm long)
- Focuses 10 cm closer (0.15 m vs 0.25 m)
- Has a physical aperture ring
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 60 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 60 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | OM M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II | Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 17mm | 17mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Weight | 112 g ◆ | 172 g (6.1 oz) |
| Dimensions | 37.6 x 57.6 mm | 55 mm (diameter) x 51 mm (length) |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25 m | 0.15 m (5.9 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | — | 0.2x |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | — | No |
| Aperture ring | No | Yes |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 7 |
| Optical construction | 9 elements / 6 groups | 9 elements in 7 groups |
| Filter size | 46 mm | 46 mm |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Released | 2025 | 2020 |
| Price | $649.99 list price | — |
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Size
- A · OM
- B · Venus
- 57.6 × 37.6 mm
- 51 × 55 mm
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II is 7 mm longer and 60 g lighter than the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT.
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Sample frames
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II
Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II weighs 112 g, 60 g less than the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT (172 g).
- Which focuses closer, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT?
- The Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT focuses down to 0.15 m, against 0.25 m for the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II.
- Do the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II and the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 60 g lighter to carry.
- Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II or the Venus Laowa 17mm f/1.8 MFT better for architecture?
- For architecture, the OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17 mm f/1.8 II has the edge: it is 60 g lighter to carry.
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