@blinsaff which would be an good nd filter. Can you please help
Does it have built in stabilisation for the lens?
Definitely usable at pretty much any location! Superb lens for the light travel kit
What type of camera stabilizer would you recommend for a GH5?
this guys face at 1:41 LMAOOOOOOOOOO! STRAIGHT LET ONE LOOSE HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Not a review - just a recommendation.
Is it par focal?
Hi Blindsaff is there an option to this lens for an a7III ? Im seeing all your reviews and the lenses are amazing but I have an a7III and I need to know if there are options for me camera
Hey! I'm early in my research of this lens, but it's right at the top of my list currently. I just wanted to find out if it's possible to add Nd filters to this lens? Does it have threading at the end of the lens for filter attachment?
As I'm in the research stage I found this video really helpful. I was wondering if you used this lens for the entire time of the video, excluding when you were showing us the lens? I will be moving from a Nikon D80, which I purchased in 2006/07. I'm moving as I've been really impressed with the technology, price and weight behind the mirrorless cameras. I plan to use purchase a OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The motivation is to be able to take large photographs of my artwork, make use of the video for blogging and for outdoor work. Money is tight so this will be my only lens for a while, till I can afford further lens. What do you think of using this lens as the basis of my work?
Lovely review: beautiful, cinematic, shows off different light conditions, usage, feel, features; super calm and pleasure to watch! Voice is stable, smooth, footage helps to understand performance of the lens. Deem! Thanks a lot for this input. Lot of Panasonic 12-35 f2.8, but I guess Olympus is less popular with the video crowd (E-M 1 II: kinda overpriced (but massive features)? Bodies seem to be rather photo-oriented considering variable framerate/awful pre-amps on the cam I wonder if that was fixed with the 3.0 update? Let me know if You know). But the clutch - the clutch on this one is a bomb move! Now it's kinda "budget" Leica 10-25 f1.7!
What I would also love to see, if there is any focus breathing during focus pulling (as footage example; dunno tho, if that's your shooting style), how long the throw is and feels to you (again, if that's your shooting style). Also it would be great to hear that it's "f4 equivalent - fullframe terms" for all those spec nerds to see, what can be done with m43. It would be also lovely to hear, if this review was also shot on the same combo; hope I didn't miss it
Back to the vid - even the thumbnail straight away looks really pro: really neat footage was so clean, I was hesitant to click! Thought it would be boring "I talk" vid, but turned out to be really balanced between Your personality (+specs) and "look how it works". Great! Loved the review! Should be out there, when people research for Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 for video!
Cheerio!
Dzhai
I love this lens, it's my go to lens for my GH5
Outstanding - and short - review. Liked/subbed. I use this lens nearly constantly, only going to primes when I need a faster f stop. The ruggedness of the camera is one of its best features. Shot a little short on the GH5 to test out a the fly-cam nano, and for the exterior shot I needed a shot in the rain. No problem - threw on the Oly 12-40 and out I went, never having to worry about the camera or lens. Keep up the good work! Link to the vid (it's super short), exterior shot with the Oly, interior with the Panny 20mm 1.7: , maybe some kind of ritualistic sacrifice having the Olympus lens on a Panasonic camera, that said I do get a bit confused about whether you might choose the creative aspects of the 1.8 Olympus primes or just going for the easy as Olympus 12-40 2.8 zoom, what do you think?
I almost always have this lens on my camera, it's definitely my go to lens. The focus clutch is one of the best features of the lens especially when shooting in low light. I really enjoyed the images on this video, great work - I subscribed!
Yup! Me too! Excellent images in this review, imo!
It was the goto lens until the 12-100 f4 pro came out. Still have them both
I agree it's a gem of a lens. subbed!
Definitely a great lens. I made sure I bought my EM5mk2 with it. Seems cranky in low artificial light, but oddly enough not so much outdoors at low light. It's always been a great day lens - ALMOST a jack of all trades within its range. It defo got me hooked on having that focus clutch on my lenses - I've never needed to use any other method to switch and it's spoilt me!
Great lens, but ultimately I switched to the 12-45 f4 as a much better match with my EM5.
In your images sample, its already graded or default tone?
Can I use it with Olympus Pen E-pl8?
Thank you!
Anyone uses this lens with a Olympus Pen (e.g. e pl-9) and would recommend it, because of weight issues?
It is not a 2.8 lens compared to fullframe. It's a 5.6 because of the crop
Objection! The best zoom must be Panasonic 12-25 f1.7
I think this lens is made in Japan
Great review ! thanks for clearing it n selling it to me
This has to be the best video I have seen on this lens. The commentary being shot on location feels like we are on a journey together. Tons of sample shots. This video gives me the feeling of what it'd be like if I was out and about with it. Thank you !
Who is the intro and outro music?
I use it for my lumix g7
It’s a very happy review thanks.
The size difference compared to that canon f/4 lens makes perfect sense. It's a f/5.6 lens converted to full frame.
Just purchased one. Will give it a go on an upcoming trip to San Francisco.
Just picked up a G9 and this lens. I freaking love it. Since I have this lens is it worth it to get the Panasonic 25 1.7 and the 42.5? I won’t be getting the Leica versions.
This video was so helpful. Thank you. I'm currently in research mode. I'm seriously considering to purchase the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and this particular lens.
I'm currently thinking of buying one. Went directly to your video
Would that lens be too heavy for comfortable use on an OMD EM5 M11? Thanks for the great reviews
I'm planning on getting the OM-D EM5 mii and actually wanted to get the 25mm f1.8 and 17mm f1.8 prime lenses. My Major use of the camera would be for street and stills in the City. Maybe getting the 40mm prime later as well. Since the lenses are so compact, I think it's still Handy to have a couple primes. or would this zoom be an Option?
Great video Peter! I was very fortunate to pick up this lens with a lightly used OMD EM5 II as a combo for like 320 Euro and I've really enjoyed the results. It's such a great and sharp all rounder kinda lens and it'll be with me for a very long time to come I'm sure. Having said that I would say my all time favourite and most used lens has to be the 75mm F1.8 as it's so sharp and renders beautiful bokeh.
Back in the day about 10 years ago I started with heavy Canon bodies and L series lenses. The image quality was fine but the weight just sucked and it got to the point where I wouldn't be motivated to do long shoots because of the weight. Then in 2015 I jumped to Olympus and haven't looked back. I've definitely taken a lot more images because of the amazing compactness and quality you get out of Olympus gear overall.
Love this beast with my G85. Never fails
Hi Peter, I'm able to get my hands on a 14-35 F2 fourthirds lens. I've heard and seen some impressive examples of what it is capable of. I'm also looking at the 12-40mm and wondering if might be a better bet. Any thoughts? Thanx!
Thanks Peter for the great video as always!
Would be good if you do some comparison with other lenses; for example with 9-18mm
Hi Peter, thanks for your videos. I have an M5MKII with a kit lenses 14-150 weather sealed. Bought it a few months ago , but i will buy until the end of the year the M1 MK III. body to use with the 12-40 2,8 PRo lenses i bought a month ago A. It's absolutly fantastic but i have some problems with the settings of the L-Fn button. I really don't know what to do with it. Until now fully satisfied with those lenses Very, very sharp. With the old photos, well I must say I really see a great difference and I really didn't know what photography is all about. Maybe You can help me in see how can I set up the L-Fn button of this wonderful lenses. Merry christmas and an happy New Year for you and your family
I'm waffling. I have fallen in love with the 25mm 1.8 and the 17mm 1.8 primes and have pretty much stopped shooting with zooms aside from the 14-150. When I travel light I carry 1 prime and the zoom. Could this replace the f1.8 and give me satisfying results? I wonder.
Just got this lens reconditioned from the Olympus Outlet for $500. Can't wait to use it.
Biggest drawback is it’s quite large and heavy to carry around. Not very micro four thirds -ish.
Even I use 12-40 mm. mostly and also 40-150, f 2,8 lens. But I don`t buy anything from amazon. They are criminel against there own workers. Don`t buy anything from amazon!
Just got the EM-1 mk III and the 12-40. Can you do a video of possible functions for the switch? Thanks
I would like to ask you for your opinion on something that has been in my mind for a while. I own the Olympus 14-150 m f/4-5.6 which I am very satisfied with. Now I wonder if the purchase of the 12-40 mm f/2.8 would give me added value next to this other lens? Mainly in this dark days of the year. Can I ask your opinion on that?
Thanks for a little answer if possible?
Greetings from Belgium
Freddy Van Erp
fvanerp@
I just bought mine on amazon yesterday! I can't wait to use it!
Very helpful. Getting this lens for my G9.
Nice minimalist images! I wonder how this lens matches up to the new 12-45mm/f4? (I usually shoot mostly f4-f/8)
I’m curious about the sound that is made in the video when you do the close up; is that the actual sound of the camera/lens combo? If so it’s a bit harsh for me.
I use an E-M5 II with a 14-54mm I and the sound they produce is quite agreeable. I only got the lens at the beginning of January as I was looking for an affordable non neck-breaking alternative to the superlative 50-200mm and I have to say this is my favourite lens even though I’ve had it less than 2 months. I can say this because I take photographs every day sometimes numbering approximately equivalent (lol) to 8 rolls of film.
As to improving in my IQ? The answer is an affirmative yes as I will quite happily pick up my camera to take the shot never worrying about social etiquette even if I’m in the middle of a conversation.
I am not against the 12-40 but for me it’s a bit expensive and worry it’s a bit short though imagine that that may be negated by the sharpness of the subject at 40mm.
I’ve just posted an image on Instagram and doubt the 12-40 could improve the IQ.
This is a very late post, have only come to Olympus in the last 2/3 months.
Have always been attracted to this lens, even though I have a Fuji XT3 and Fuji glass.
Was able to purchase a mint Pen F and one of these great lenses for a very, very reasonable price.
I take no persuading to that this is a truly excellent lens.
Also, wanted a faster lens for portrait type work and purchased, again, a mint 25/1.8. Very happy,
Have purchased the Pen F and this glass for a more compact walk about and small form travel system. Will also be purchasing the non-pro 9-18?
Thanks Peter. I recently purchased this lens are love it. That and the 40-150mm are my two favourites
My most used lens is Panasonic 12-35mm 2.8 I wanted the Oly 12-40 but I got a great deal on the Panasonic so I went with Panasonic.
Now I’m not sure which to buy next, the Olympus 40-150 2.8 or the Panasonic 35-100 2.8.
My initial idea after getting M10 with 12-42 EZ 3,5-5,6 was to have hobby-grade equipment which does not scream "expensive". 12-42 EZ on the small body like M10 actually screamed "compact" therefore "cheap". Even when the lens was capable to do most work i needed for hobby purposes, i realized it has almost no bokeh, and that i use to take photos during the night or in dark environments.
I usually take photos on concerts, parties and ocassionally cosplayers, and even when the zoom range was perfect, lack of bokeh needed a fix. I was still getting "hobby" equipment so i ended up with really small M.Zuiko 45mm/F1,8 which looks to me like a spiritual successor to famous portrait lens - Zeiss Pancolar 80mm/f1,8. When i was comparing photos done by those two lenses, i could not tell the difference. I tested 45/f1,8 on a concert and it was best set i ever did. Even when its a perfect portrait lens, its focal lenght is bit too short for open-air festivals so I took 75mm/f1,8 which has similar qualities.
Lenses without zoom are great, but you need to move a lot, and in a full club or a festival its not always an option. Also it became clear that these kind of events pose risks of rain, dust . and even worse - beer :D. The other factor was that you sometimes want to get the attention/agreement of potential subject on a photo. Smaller lenses do not have this psychological effect - you cannot just point on the camera and person will understand you want a photo, or he would not agree.
So weather sealing, F2,8, bokeh, size and pro-look were the reasons why i got myself M. Zuiko 12-40 F2,8 PRO. MF clutch, really great manual zoom and L-Fn button were just great bonus to already great lens. Its the best all-round lens i ever had and I can use it for any purpose. Since then it became my main lens, while i carry around 45mm/F1,8 when i want to do portraits.
12-42 EZ then became by backup main lens, M10 later followed the suite as my requirements on weather-sealing and pro-look extended to the camera body when i recently got M5 Mark III.
What about the old Olympus 14-35F2 ? How does it compare with this one? Thanks.
For people that still think this camera is somehow good for its price. Then by all means buy it here: at the thumbs-up-thumbs-down version you are clearly suffering from the "I make a negative video so I get negative feedback" phenomenon
That said, your review is fairly unique about this camera on the negative side and I don't agree with most points (if at all), but not every camera suits everyone
LOL)
Very under educated attempt at a review on a decent piece of kit.
You are clueless
Typical Olympus user error. In low light or indoor u should use an fast cheap lens like the sigma 30mm 1.4. 2.8 is just too slow ( 5.6 FF EQ) U will get much better results even with the em10 mk 2 (the budget one from Oly)
Dude, this was uttermost embarrassing! Do you have the slightest idea what you are talking about? I don’t know what your profession is, but it has certainly nothing to do with photography .even my wife thinks so :-D
You are not a photographer, Sony without Lightroom is nothing. Fanboy.
"It looks like a Sony" lmao
Yoshihisa Maitani designed the original classic OM series.
OM-D's design are a homage to his work.
clueless awful review
Do you work for Sony? This video is not very believable. I'm sorry I feel that it was something that needed to be said. Just for the record, I use Nikon.
Your sony was hunting for focus during your video. Maybe next time learn how to use a new camera you are unfamiliar with before you post a review on it, I can understand why you have so many down votes for this video, as this was like someone complaining about a soft serve they got from mcdonalds and drove 40 min home before eating it and doing a review saying it was melted, so it was not worth the money you paid for it.
With M43 you need fast glass for low light. The 17mm f1.2 is the go to tool for indoor lowlight photography for me.
The advantage I’ve found moving to M43 from full frame, is shooting wide open to get enough light also has a decent depth of field.
I always found 35mm f2.0 on my RX1RII too shallow for documentary style photos in low light. Obviously fine for a portrait, but I now love that I can shoot wide open for the light and still get equivalent depth of field of f2.8
Troll or just plain braindead
So much is wrong with this video. First, of course your B-day photos sucked, the room was a mess, you didn't use any lenses that could afford any sort of cinematic look, even your video was crooked and sideways half the footage. Every camera has strengths and weaknesses, you simply don't know how to use the strengths of this camera. and IQ is more about the lens than the camera nowadays.
No mention of of the features it offers like 18fps, super rez, or the 237mb/sec video codec, compare that with your Sony. "Testing" out a camera with a single slow lens, and judging based on a shitty birthday party, that's just dumb.
I get very sharp photos from my Panasonic G9, which has the same sensor.
The brutal truth can be hard to digest. IBIS is the only saving grace on Micro 4/3 cameras (for low light conditions). Sony is not perfect either, far from it. I owned a few and sold them Anyway, Olympus has bowed out of the camera world. R.I.P Olympus.
You really should not do camera reviews. This was just embarrassing to watch.
The image quality is the same as a smartphone? Wow. That’s a pretty disqualifying comment. Of course I mean you, not the camera.
.' this was the first time I ever used a micro four thirds camera' No sh#t Sherlock. Like a guy driving a 911 for the first time after driving a Bentley.