Agree. Even though it looks bigger in pictures, it's actually small and light and is perfectly balanced with EM1 bodies... I have too started using this more and more along with my other favourite 12-100 f4.
Now is the best time to get one. OM 12-40 2.8 is on the market an you can get the older Version soooo cheap on second hand market. This is the best Lens for M43 in all conditions😊 I bought mine for 440€ and it is like brand new❤
Huh. My friend gave me a bunch of stuff including a 12-40 and it just sits in a box. I can't stand it. Too heavy, dark aperture, and the zoom feels wrong. I never got any good pics because I was always messing with settings and trying to find the right focal length. I just carry around a 12/2.0, 25/1.8, 75/1.8, and Pany 20/1.7 instead.
Probably the best M43 lens I have ever used would be the Olympus 40-150 2.8. The build quality, close focusing, and reach is phenomenal. I know it is a huge lens as far as M43 lenses go but it really is awesome. That being said I've always wanted to try the Panasonic 35-100 2.8. It's so much smaller.
So, I bought the P 35-100 f2.8 because of the smaller size and it being less obtrusive, but often wished it was longer. Eventually I got the 40-150 f2.8, and yes it's a lot bigger and heavier, but for me it's much more useful, and the 1.4x TC is handy at times too. It's also worth bearing in mind that the O & P lenses zoom in opposite directions and some will find this annoying, especially if you have both.
Love 20mm 1.7 since GF1 times, amazing image quality and not many lenses can beat it for pocketability. Swapped the Oly 45mm for Pana 42.5mm 1.7, the nearer focusing distance makes it more versatile, stabilization doesn't hurt either, used they are not that much apart pricewise.
I agree that the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 is a “game changer,” and it was what hooked me on MFT. I use it for event photography, along with the 12mm f/2. For nature photography, I love the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro, and I use that along with the 8-25mm f/4 Pro.
@@SMGJohn The lw/ph will be lower for sure but that's due to the physically smaller sensor. But that may not be visible in practical terms. The gap between APS-C and MFT is not as big as the gap between APS-C and FF, where budget FF glass generally yields worse results on APS-C.
Great Selection of Lenses Robin. also for me the 12-40 and the 25mm1.2 are maybe the best lenses i have, for the 75mm1.8 or 45mm1.8 i choose to go in between and i am super happy with the Sigma 56mm 1.4
Thank you Robin. I have different opinion about 25/1.2 size, but did not want to comment until heard your conclusion about compactness of mft lens. Not to argue wit your choice, but to give an alternative opinion to the readers of the comments: last year I compared side by side Olympus 25/1.2 with 25/1.8 and for me as an amateur the size of 25/1.8 outweighted all 25/1.2 advantages. I compared sharpness, flare resistance, and bokeh. Fast apperture of 1.2 does not in fact transmit much more light compared to 25/1.8: i had almost the same shutter/ISO settings at 25/1.2 ful opened and 25/1.8. So, my use case did no jusify extra weight and cost. Your use case may put more weight to weather sealing, manual focus ring, possibly faster AF and bokeh.
Have you tried the Sigma 56mm f1.4 Robin? Given you really like the 45mm f1.8 I expect you'd love this Sigma lens. It's got that little bit more reach and that 1.4 aperture gives lovely background blur and of course a bit more light. 😊
I soooooo much love your enthousiasm ! I'm rediscovering the E-5 I recently got for 500 bucks with the 12-60SWD, 50-200 2.8-3.5, a 1.4 converter , a vertical grip and an fl36 flashgun... I juste added the 3.5 8mm fisheye in the bag for 200 bucks and I love the vibes this heavy 700 bucks kit brings to my memory... My first DSLR was a mighty E-500.
I bought the 45mm f1.8 because I saw pictures you took with it…this was years ago! I just got my hands on the 90mm macro: a little tricky to use at first, but once you figure it out; WOW! So sharp, so close, and pretty light. After owning Canon, and Sony (both have great lenses) but I like most Olympus lenses better.
There's alot of love in the comments for the 40-150mm f2.8. 👍 I need to do some saving up maybe. I do love the 75mm f/1.8 though and don't really want to stop using it.
Totally agree Robin. Olympus glass is stellar and compact. No problem carrying them around for a wedding shoot. I shoot with the 25 1.8 also nice little piece of glass.
The 45mm and 75mm are particular favourites of mine too. I also own a Sigma 19mm, which is incredibly sharp AND cheap(!), as well as a lumix 25mm f/1.7. I also have three zooms. The Olympus 9-18mm, the Lumix 14-45mm, and a Lumix 45-200mm.
Great video Robin, I agree with all your picks but would add 1 the Olympus 12mm/f2 another great lens and if that 25mm/f1.2 is just too big the Panasonic Leica 25mm/f1.4 is really worth a look. Thank you for your enthusiasm it is so refreshing 👍😊
As a mft user, I love it as well due to the size. The lumix 20mm f1.7 is my favourite compact pancake lens. Always on my camera instead of a lens cap. I also have the lumix 42.5mm f1.7. Absolutely love it. I’m looking to get the 12-35 / 12-40. Not sure which is a better option.
I’ve not owned the 20mm f/1.7 but bet it’s an amazing lens. I have owned the Panasonic Leica 15mm f/1.7 and it was a great lens. I didn’t really reach for it all that often, but when I needed it, it produced amazing results. That 42.5 is an awesome lens! So good. I’ve owned both the Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 and the Lumix 12-35 f/2.8. The only real difference is the OIS. The Lumix is stabilized whereas the Olympus isn’t. But I’m betting you’re shooting on MFT bodies that have pretty amazing IBIS. When shooting on the Panasonic GH5, I’d use the Olympus lens, every single time for two reasons. 1st was the extra focal length. Sure, that extra 5mm isn’t a lot, but every little bit helps, right? The second reason I’d reach for the Olympus is because it has the manual focus clutch. Using the GH5 for documentary filmmaking, the AF was TERRIBLE. So having the manual focus clutch option made filming much simpler. It was on my camera probably 90% of the time. And the GH5 had AMAZING stabilization. So that combo just worked for me. When filming in the GH5S, I’d go with the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 or the 12-60mm f/2.8-4 100% of the time when not on a tripod. The stabilization just worked and did a relatively good job. Image quality was superb on both of those lenses as well. I’d say whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. I just back from an international trip filming in the jungles of Guatemala and my B cam was a MFT OM Systems camera. I only carried 2 lenses. The Panasonic Leica 12-60 and the Lumix 35-100. And that was all I needed for my MFT setup. Subsequently after returning home, I bought two additional lenses for my best shoot in Guatemala coming up in a few weeks. I went with the Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO and the Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO. Anytime I need to adjust for lower light conditions, I grabbed my FF Lumix S5II. Which again I only carried two lenses for that camera body. The Sigma Art 24-70mm f/2.8 and the Canon 135mm f/2L USM. I shot about half the time with each camera. But the footage I got with the MFT setup was fantastic. You really can’t make a bad decision between going with either the 12-35 or 12-40. They’re both exceptionally good lenses. Just depends what you need in a lens. If I have the option, I’m reaching for Olympus glass over the Lumix. But that’s just my preference with the exception of the Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8. That lens has literally paid my bills for many years. It’s gorgeous and can get you unbelievably incredible results.
my favorite is laowa 7.5mm, 20mm 1.7, 75 1.8, and finally 100 400mm all of my gear, lumix gm5 olympus omd10 miv (i need lumix g9 ii but no have money xd)is very compact and result gear for me
I've been with Olympus for 8 years, since 2014 till 2022. I really liked 17/1.2, 25/1.2 and 40-150/2.8. But with all these huge (for m4/3 system) lenses I lost the key benefit of M4/3 - mobility and small size. I didn't want to lose quality these lenses gave me due to that this year I switched to Sony FF and with small fix lenses i've got the same size as I had on Olympus. So, I mean modern mirrorless FF could be not big if you get the right lenses. Of cource if you want to shoot with something like 75/1.8 you have to carry all day long 135 mm lens or 70-200/2.8 and they are huge, i mean really huge)). So even though I switched to Sony I really miss Olympus and M4/3 system lenses. The system has tons of cheap but good lenses. Yes, Sony E-mount has tons of lenses too but the price is really high in contrast with M4/3. I think you made a right chose staying with Olympus (OM System) coz this system doesn't limit you and as i got perfectly covers all you needs, so you can produce better results with cheaper gears!
The 45mm 1.8 is my go-to lens for corporate headshot photography. I swapped my 12-40 2.8 for the 12-100 f4 but in hindsight, the former was a better lens, due to the extra stop. The 12-100 is really superb in daylight, but a bit of a slouch in low light (unlike the 12-40). Still saving for that 9mm though!
In fully concure but would like you to consider the Lumix 35-100 mm F2.8 for extending your list up to a #6. This MFT lens is a miracle in many ways, I believe.
I recently got the PL 9mm and it is quickly becoming my favorite ultrawide over the PL 8-18. For primes, I love the Oly 17 f1.8, Oly 25 1.2 and Sigma 56 f1.4. For zoom, love my 12-100 f4 for travel, and the Oly 12-40 f2.8 for strolls around the city.
Hi Robin. I use the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7. It’s compact, yet gives me the angle coverage that I need. I also like that Panasonic 9mm you showed at the beginning; it is a nice lens. Thanks for sharing and all the best!
My most used lens, by far, is the 300 f4. My preferred subjects are birds with non-human mammals, dragonflies and butterflies on the side. My second is the 12-40; it covers almost everything else. The 25 mm f1.2 has tempted me but I don't think I would use it enough.
I am amused by people who complain about how big the f/1.2 primes are (as Robin mentioned), but don't bat an eye about the size of the 12-40 f/2.8. As it turns out, all four lenses are almost exactly the same size. IMHO, the quality of the f/1.2 primes justifies their size (also as Robin mentioned). My only complaint about the 75 f/1.8 is that it has not been upgraded to Pro trim, with at least weather sealing and a lens function button (I rarely use manual focus, so the MF clutch is the least important Pro feature). Optically, the 75 f/1.8 is outstanding. From time to time, my daughter and I shoot my grandson's percussion group (it covers 1st grade through high school; he's in 6th grade) and my granddaughter's school orchestra. My kit for these concerts is E-M1.3, 45 f/1.2, 75 f/1.8, and 40-150 f/2.8. I have my camera set up so that the lens function button allows scrolling through a group of detected faces. But, since the 75 f/1.8 does not have a lens function button, I had to set up another body button for the same purpose, but it's more awkward than using the lens function button.
The 40-150 2.8 is overall my favorite because of how versatile it is for what I do: portraits, mid range wildlife, and tele landscape. Really, it's a tie between that and the 60 mm macro because that's probably my favorite type of photography at the moment. I do want to try the Panasonic 9mm, the Oly 75, and 12-40 pro. My favorite prime is the 45 1.8. When people want a portrait on the fly, that thing is magic.
One lense I want to add: the Sigma 56mm 1.4. It is a wonderfull extra sharp lense e.g. for portrait photography. Despite the shorter focal length it could be a much cheaper alternative to the Olympus 75mm 1.8.
I was about to post about this one... I agree so much with you. And the Sigma 56mm 1.4 is weather sealed! It also works wonders with panoramas: when I stitch 3 pictures from my treks in the mountains, the amount of details I get is insane...
I love trinity of f1,2 primes for their optcal quality. They are all awesome. I also love 12-40 f2,8 for its variability. Last honorable mention won't be m43 lens but old 43 olympus 50-200/f2.8-3.5 swd lens which was a reason why I started shooting with olympus. I'm alway suprised how good this lens is considering his age. It works perfectly fine on my EM1 mk2.
I found a 75mm used for a good price and it comes tomorrow and I could not be more excited! I’ve wanted it for so long! You make me want it more haha ❤.
hi robin I'm happy with what you say, three years ago I bought an m10 mk3 and the first lens I accompanied it with was the fantastic 75 mm 1.8, immediately after the 45 mm 1.8 which I found for just a few euros on offer and I'm excited about it, last week I gave myself the new 12-40 pro 2.8 and I'm in heaven, this evening I see your review and I'm feeling great. Thanks dear by Fabio
The Olympus 45mm f1.8 is a great value lens. I have the Panasonic 12-35mm f2.8 and it's my favourite lens as it's such a useful focal range and super sharp for a zoom. The extra 5mm of the Olympus 12-40mm would be nice, but I can't justify swapping my Panasonic for the Olympus.
The three lenses always in my camera bag are the Lumix/Leica 8-18 f2.8-4.0, Olympus 12-45 f4 pro and Om-system 40-150 f4 pro. The last one is my favorite, light, smal and sharp. All of them are chosen to be light and weather sealed. The 8-18 is lighter than the Olympus 8-25 f4 pro and I also got a great price second hand. All in all three great lenses to carry with you all the time.
Convincing video, Robin. I am still new to the m43 system. After years with a full frame Canon solution, my back and shoulders told me to make a change when I returned from a multiple days job assignment last fall. I traded it all in for an OM-1 with a 12-40 2.8 and a 75 1.8. This new setup is one third of both the size and weight of my previous Canon gear. And I still get the job done.
Buy the olympus 45mm or panasonic 42.5 or sigma 56mm. Any one of those 3 is a must buy. Olympus 75mm f1.8 is slightly heavier but also produces sharp photos. Avoid smaller focal length lenses. You can as well use your mobile phone !!
My favorite m. four-thirds lens? Easy, Olympus 12-100 F4. I love this lens for travel, and it's the lens that kept me in m.four-thirds. I think the sync I.S. is great. When I travel, I also add a fast prime, at the present time, the 20mm 1.4, although the Panasonic 9mm is a tempting carry too. Actually, the 3 of them together is not a hard carry.
Good selection ! And for me (I do travel photography and with the M1m2 I only take with me this lens and now the Panasonic leica 9mm), if I had to choose one lens it will be the 12-100mm f4 pro zoom lens; it is a high quality lens without comparison in the apps-c or FF lenses ( focal lenght with constant f number) this is one of the reasons why I am in Olympus.
The 40-150 2.8 is hands down my favorite lens. I have used it for just about anything you can think of. Even street photography ( not ideal but it was all I had with me on a trip to Chicago lol ) I had the 25 1.2, I had the 75 1.8 and the 17 1.2 . I don't think I gave any of them a fair shake before trading or sending them back. I agree on the 12-40 2.8 as a sure fire lens. I went years with the 12-40 and 40-150 2.8 combo.
Hi Robin! Can you help me with the decision? :) Which of these lenses will be perfect on vacation? I only want to have one lens with me! Thank you! Panasonic 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18 mm f/2.8-4 ASPH Panasonic LUMIX G LEICA DG Summilux 15 mm f/1,7 ASPH Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario 12-35mm f/2,8 ASPH II POWER O.I.S. Panasonic LUMIX G X Vario 35-100mm f/2,8 ASPH II POWER O.I.S.
For my OLY OMD my favorite lenses are the OLY 17mm f1.8, the OLY 45 mm f 1.8, and the OLY 75mm, f1.8. My favorite zoom lens is the OLY pancake 14-42 mm zoom. I mostly use that with my old E-PL 1. along with a Panasonic 25mm f1.8 The EPL1 and these lenses are my backups, and sometimes used on trips because of it's smaller size and lighter weight than the OMD, yet produces great results. I also a OLY 60 mm macro. I use that any macro. These are my main cameras and lenses. The Pan 9mm sounds like an interesting addition to my lenses. For zoom I have a Nikon D7000 and Tamron 14-250mm zoom lens. The Nikon is my general purpose camera which I use where size and weight aren't the major consideration but zoom capability is. I also have a Nikon 50 mm f1.8 for low light. My airline travel camera, which I use when we fly, is a Sony P&S. Smallest yet most capable camera for its size and weight, and it recharges via USB, so no need to carry a plug in charger other than my phone charger.
I enjoy your videos very much and I am a new subscriber. I can only afford vintage lenses for my E-PL3. Have you used any vintage lenses? If so, which one(s) would you recommend??
Very similar favorites. My top one the 25 f1.2, second the 45 f1.8, third the 8-25 f4.0, fourth 75 f1.8, fifth 12-40 f2.8. I don’t use telephotos also. Seeing your macro work I thought that the 60 f2.8 was going to be one of your favorites.
Olympus 25 mm f1.2 or sigma 30 mm f1.4 ? For thé Price the sigma but in practice for indoor shooting 25 mm IS the limit . They are thé two best Lenses for micro four third
Hey Robin, I guess I have a preference for ultra cheap and fast 35mm lenses. Wide open they have a built-in diffusion filter and beautiful flaring (plus other free effects), stop down to f2 or f2.8, and you get reasonable centre sharpness and extra thick bokeh in the corners. I used to have the little pixco 35mm cctv lens with adapter, these days, I use the TT Artisan 35mm f1.4. Cheers, have a great day!
I have quite some Olympus lenses and I love them all. If there is one lens though that I cannot do without it is actually the 14-42mm EZ kit lens. Because it is so tiny I can carry my camera everywhere I go and therefore 80% of my photos are shot with that lens. I have shot quite some incredible photos with that lens!
I love the 9mm 1.7, also the 12-35 lumix of course (my work horse), and the Laowa 6mm. Robin, your videos are great. I will visit Malaysia one day, it's always been on my bucket list. Cheers!
Well, Robin, I've got all of them save for the Panasonic 9mm. I have the Oly 8mm but, it's a fisheye. As much as I like that lens, the flatter field of the Panasonic is really appealing. Guess I'm going to have to add that to my bag before I head to NYC next month. Thank you for your always enlightening videos. Cheers!
Hi Robin İ m happy to see this video. Have you chance to try Leica 10-25mm f1.7 or 25-50mm f1.7 lenses? What do you think about this lenses? Can you make video please. Thanks
These lenses are used for filming brass band concerts. I love these lenses too. Olympus 45mm F1.8・・For shooting off stage Olympus 75mm F1.8・・Rehearsal shooting on stage Olympus 12-40mm PRO・・Shooting in the audience or dressing room I also love the following lenses. Olympus 9-18mm F4.0・・Dedicated to video recording while on the move Olympus 40-150mm F2.8・・For capturing the full view of the stage during a performance In my case, video shooting is 90% and photography is 10%.
Mine are Olympus 17 f1.8, Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 and Panasonic 35-100 f2.8. These 3 lens perfectly imitate my most used lens on other system I normally used, but in smaller and lighter package. - 35mm lens (equiv) for travel/walkaround. - 24-70mm lens (equiv) for most situation. - 70-200mm lens (equiv) for portrait/sport. These 3 lens (and 2 MFT cameras) weight less than a single 70-200 f2.8 lens alone!!
I don’t have the 9 mm or 25 mm but I have the others and love them. The 75 mm is a little slow with focusing and I think compresses faces a little more than I like so I often gravitate to the 45 mm. I probably alternate from carrying the 17 f1.8 with the 45 f1.8 or just the 12-40 f2.8. Occasionally the Oly 60 mm f2.8 makes it into the rotation and is surprisingly good for portraits. The 40-150 f2.8 is outstanding as well if I need the reach.
My favs 12-40 f2.8 pro, 45mm f1.8, and 100-400 f5-6.3 is. Also I have cheap 25mm f1.7 but i have issue with sharpnes sometimes in this lens but 25mm its good view.
That 25 1.2 is about the size of a 50mm 1.8 for FF. Just imagine what a 25mm 1.2 would be on a FF camera.... probably a beast. Considering a 50 1.2 is rather large... then again, FF lenses are large but my point is the m4/3 lenses aren't that big when compared to other formats. Yes it's bigger than your typical m4/3 lens, but the advantage you have with m4/3 is you can get some very compact cameras and lenses when you don't need the premium lenses, and that's something that you really can't do with FF (or even APSC) as those cameras are generally larger (FF At least) and while you can get a smaller lens, the whole package is still large compared to a m4/3 system. IDK if a 70-200 zoom causes you back or arm issues, then I don't know what to tell you, as most are not all that heavy in reality. Now if we're talking a super telephoto like a 200-500 or 200-600mm zoom, or a long prime, then yeah, Ican understand as those weigh several pounds (some are as much as 8 lbs). But a 70-200 2.8 is not really that heavy, unless you're not used to shooting with a larger system like FF, but after a while, you get used to it and it doesn't really cause any issues that I've personally experienced. Of course, lighter is better, but I wouldn't call the 70-200 on any system to be all that heavy it would cause issues (unless you already have underlying issues, then it can maybe make them worse, like if you have muscle atrophy or something). But this all being said, Idid recently purchase an older Pan GF1 for cheap (like $60) and am going to find some lenses for it (starting with a 25 1.7 for now) as I wanted something small I could carry in a coat or sweatshirt pocket so I could continue to exercise my photography skills (as sometimes having to bring even a travel zoom and a FF body can be more than I want to carry around sometimes, and the GF1 with a compact lens is something I can birng with me everywhere and it's not like "Hey, I'm here" like a FF camera would be (constantly reminding you it's with you). Plus I wanted a smaller cheaper camera to experiment with street photography a bit. And given the price I paid, if it gets lost or damaged, not a big deal (I did buy the cheaper 12-32 kit lens to go with it so the money I've invested is not much, maybe $200 total).
My best 5 picks: Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8. Panasonic 35-100mm F2.8. Sigma 56mm F1.4. Olympus 25mm F1.8. Olympus 25mm F1.2. All Sharp for purpose, light an portable.. Except the 25mm F 1.2... that thing is Quality F2 full frame territory as mentioned lol, I often question having it, considering also having the Panasonic 50mm F1.8 for the S5 at near the same size and weight all up, very comparable lenses minus camera ISO and arguable price differences, but I prefer taking the EM5 MIII over the S5 for photography.. just feels better, feels like I'm so dumb for it though haha, Hell some days I prefer the EPL10 and think... Gheesh, how big and crisp do I really need these model pictures? the answer is usually not very big.
I've got to use an OM System 20mm f/1.4 a few times and man do I want one full time for my E-M1.III. Hopefully there will be a point where I can pick one up basically new for 350 like I did with a 12-40 f/2.8. I'd probably go up to 500 for one since 40mm equivalent is my sweet spot for a prime. I have a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 II basically glued to whichever smaller body I'm using (usually E-P5, but it's a pretty fun combo on the E-PL8 I admittedly originally bought cheap mostly for looks on the shelf but have since really started enjoying using it) and it gets the job done for what I do, but being that much faster aperture and af wise, weather sealed, and overall build it was perfect for my e-m1.iii. Otherwise, this is mostly the same as my list. I don't like super wide, so I start at the PanaLeica 15mm, then Pana 20mm II, Oly 25mm f/1.2, Oly 45, Oly 45, Oly 12-40 f/2.8, and Oly 40-150 f/4. I'd probably put the Sigma 30mm and 56mm f/1.4 in there too. Despite being APS-C, those two of the three aren't terribly big on an E-M1 or G9 and they provide good quality for an affordable price. The dream is a PanaLeica 20mm f/1.4 with aperture ring to come out for my GX8 or GX85, but I don't see that happening. If it did come out and was weather sealed, it'd prob just stay on my GX8. Maybe release it as a kit for a proper GX8 update with the size of a GX9...I'd probably pay too much for that combo.
I'm just a hobby photographer and I can't afford the very best gear. My favorites of those lenses that I do have are: M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8, M.Zuiko 30mm f3.5 macro, Sigma 60mm f2.8 DN Art, Samyang 300mm F6.3 ED UMC CS (reflex lens which I really like, I'm weird!) and a vintage lens Meyer-Optik Gorlitz 180mm 1:5.5 Telemegor (M42) which I used today, a very nice old East German lens.
Here's my top five: Olympus m.Zuiko 12mm f2 Olympus m.Zuiko 75mm f1.8 Olympus m.Zuiko Pro 25mm f1.2 Olympus m.Zuiko Pro 12-100mm f4 Panasonic Lumix 20mm f1.7 Hard to choose, the system has so many great lenses.
Olympus hit it out of the park with the 12-40. It's not tiny, but it's sharp into the corners at all focal lengths. I understand the 12-100 is equally good but it's too large for m43 in my opinion. I have a bunch of primes but since m43 is so small, I carry a 3 zoom outfit. Panasonic 8-18, Olympus 12-40, and Olympus 40-150/4. The Panasonic 35-100/2.8 is also terrific if you want more speed. I considered the Panasonic 9mm, but after the mixed reviews I got a Laowa 6mm instead. I don't use it often but when I do, it can do things the 8-18 cannot. Finally, the little Pansonic 20/1.7 is the only really inexpensive m43 lens I've found that's really good. The 20mm is a bit slow and noisy, but the image quality is excellent and it weighs almost nothing.
Robin, where is sigma 56mm in the list ? by far a superior lens and value for money when compared to oly 75mm. my favorite mft glass is 12-60 Leica and 56 sigma.
I mainly shoot landscape and these days I carry a three lens kit in my MFT bag: The 12-40 f/2.8, the 40-150 f/4.0-5.6, and the SLR Magic 8mm f/4. I haven’t had to buy a new lens in years, sorry for my part in Olympus’ financials 😞
Hi Robin, how are you doing today? Love your content. Can you take the time to let me know how you keep yourself in focus using the Olympus 45 1.8? Does your camera has phase autofocus or do you shoot yourself in manual (someone pulling focus for you). I own the em10 mk 3. Thanks for your time.
Isn't it ironic that we as photographers have all these injuries, but our cameras and lenses are still kicking! Even our memory cards have pretty good health rate :)
I'm getting into real estate photography. I'm looking at the Laowa 7.5 as it's the most consistently recommended for such work. Now I wonder: would the 9mm also suit real estate shots? Primarily residential properties, no architecture shots or anything like that. If anyone has any thoughts, please let me know.
Hi Robin, I used the lumix 42.5 f1.7 and it was already great, then I tried the leica 42.5 f1.2 and finally I tried the olympus 45 f1.2 pro the best ever ... Even better than the Olympus 17 F1.2 Pro. The olympus 45 f1.2 pro in my opinion could be the best lens for micro 4/3 ever. I would like to know why you prefer the 45 f1.8 instead of the 45 f1.2, it is true that it is heavier but a stop of advantage and is even sharper. Thanks and see you soon
My 5 most used lenses right now: 1. Olympus 9-18 - actually my newest lens. Primarily.used for landscape shots while backpacking. What an under-appreciated gem this lens has turned out to be. 2. Panasonic/Leica 15mm/f1.4 - favorite travel prime for low light. Perfect for indoor shots on family trips. 3. Olympus 12-45 f4pro - this has replaced my 12-40 as my all-purpose walkabout lens. Its sharper, lighter and a bit more reach. Equally at home on my E-P7, E-M5III, or OM1. In low light, I'm typically using one of the primes. 4. Sigma 30mm f1.4 - my indoor/environmental portrait lens of choice. A bit more pop than the 25mm/1.8, and more budget friendly than the 25mm/1.2. Beautiful shots every time. 5. Sigma 56mm f1.4 - has replaced my Olympus 75mm more often than not, as I find the focal length to be more useable and the results just as amazing. I still use the 75mm primarily for candid portraiture at large venues or outdoor parties & events where I can put the extra reach to good use.
When I saw the still image for the video, I thought: Why is the Olympus 45mm not in his Top 5 list ;) It's design is so noticable. Then I saw the video and noticed you just had a different lense in the still image. The image at 11:25 shows it. :)
My fave lens combo is the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8 and the 40-150mm f2.8 telephoto. Both are superb zooms with bright constant apertures. Thinking of re-purchasing a Panasonic 20mm f1.7mm. I sold it many years ago, but miss it. It is my fave prime compact lens for the m43 system.
Hi Robin, great to hear you are enjoying your new 9mm lens! As a long time follower i just knew what the other four lenses would be :-) Thanks for the good info.
The ultimate travel lens ia the 12-100mm F4. I have a few lenses including the 75mm F1.8 but the one that is bonded on my camera when I go on vacation is the 12-100mm. It is equivalent to 24-200mm in FF terms. It has an unbelievable IS system that mates beautifully with the IBIS on my EM1 MkIII. Unless shooting action, the F4 aperture is not an issue as you can take handheld shots with very long shutter speeds in low light and still get sharp photos.
Always nice to hear options as to why these are your favourite lenses thought since you shoot a lot of macro one of those would have been included. For me in no particular order maybe other than focal length Olympus 17 mm f1.7, lumix 25 f1.4, 60 mm f2.8 olympus macro,, 12-40 f2.8 and 12-100 f4 last included if I am traveling and limited amount of space that and a small prime
My list is based on most used/most likely to be in my camera bag and is... 1. Lumix 14-140mm (original version) 2. Olympus 9-18mm 3. Lumix 12-60mm 4. Olympus 12-40mm Pro 5. Olympus 75-300mm I have a few other lenses, but these are definitely my top 5. Camera bodies are an E-M1 ii and E-M10 iii
I own the 8-25, 12-100, 100-400 and the 12, 17, 25, 45 F1.8 lenses + the 60 macro from Olympus. I use the zoomlenses because of the versatile (quality is also very good), but I prefer to schoot with a prime lens. As you mentioned these are compact and light, and the quality is very good/excellent. In my opinion, the 60 F2.8 macro and 45 F1.8 are the best followed by the 25, the 17 and 12 are close together. I use the 45 for portraits and events. I am very fond of this lens. I have often heard and read that the 75mm F.1.8 is a special lens. Maybe I'll still buy this one. It is a pity that the F1.8 lenses are not resistant to dust and water.
