10 Reasons Why Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8 Is Awesomeness

[@JDa67]

Bonus : #11: Very low price, specially if compared to performances and image quality 😉

[@mehulshewakramani]

Agreed - purchased mine brand new for £130 (~$165 USD). I love this lens more than some of the more expensive ones I have

[@chacooo11]

V

[@daveybug5]

I purchased this lens to take my daughters senior portrait. Great lens, I couldn't be happier with it. The lens paid for itself . Money well spent. Thanks for the review!

[@demarestk]

This lens defines the M43 system for me. Small, light, compact, affordable and stunning image quality

[@robinwong]

Can't agree more

[@lensman5762]

Quite so. One of the main reasons that despite owning full frame Nikon and Canon cameras, I decided to get a used EM1 MKii. I already had an EM5 MKii. The size of some of the recent offerings for other mirrorless cameras, verges on monstrosity. The whole point of mirrorless was to be light, small, affordable plus giving high quality images not being as large and heavy and expensive as the DSLRs.

[@edwintam2349]

Love his videos... Robin Wong has to be one of the most endearing and enthusiastic photographers around!

[@afzolchoudhury4995]

This lens is absolutely stunning! Ultra sharp images, no distortion and makes you work hard for those great compositions unlike zoom lenses. A gem of a lense

[@jackbailey3156]

Reason number 11. A wonderful lens for street photography. It is so small that it doesn't attract a lot of attention. Thanks Robin for a wonderful video ... also for the reminder to dig this out of my camera bag more often.

[@robinwong]

NO worries, glad I can share. Yes, the lens deserves a bit more attention!

[@alxmtncstudio2066]

my main lens for street photography, bought it by mistaking it for a 25mm, never shipped it back, became my main. So small it's contrasting when I see other photographers sometimes with their huge full frame and lenses

[@jenniferbradshaw6704]

Bro, your smile makes me smile. Imma buy this lens, thanks 🔥

[@dw9237]

i love your positive energy bro....keep the great work

[@vitero5745]

This is my favorite lens ever. Literally every picture i take with it makes every other lens feel underwhelming

[@9876karthi]

This 45mm 1.8, and pany 25mm 1.7 are wonderful lenses...budget lenses

[@robinwong]

Yeah, for the price you are paying, you get a lot out of the 45mm F1.8 lens!

[@davebellamy4867]

Oh great, I have those two! Glad someone else thinks they are good.

[@PMS1950]

It is a very good lens and I love its simplicity, compactness and am reminded of the image quality of my Leica Summicron 35mm 1.4 optic I used during the 1970s.

[@robinwong]

indeed, for such a small lens, the results you get from it is truly remarkable

[@joerghummerjohann4854]

Photographers anecdote with this lens: Me to model: "Let's take close ups with my favourite lens" Model "Oh, what a tiny cute thing. Is it a toy?" Model after shoot: "Wow!" :-) In my opinion, it still outcompetes the 25mm/1.2 during most situations Thanks, dear Robin and enjoy your coffee. Joerg

[@robinwong]

Thanks Joerg for the coffee and kind words. I guess, we can't compare 25mm vs 45mm, they are both very different lens, they render the background (telephoto compression) very differently!

[@joerghummerjohann4854]

@@robinwong Thanks, dear Robin. Indeed, the telecompression is an very important effect. Therefore I'm only switching from 45mm to 25mm if needed, e.g. limited space. Have a nice day. Cheers , Joerg

[@GrandmasterBBC]

I own the Zuiko 17mm, 25mm, and 45mm lenses. They are all excellent lenses, but the 45mm is certainly my favorites. Absolutely beautiful results every time. It is a real bargain and a must-have for any micro four-thirds set up.

[@robinwong]

Definitely a must have, agree with you!

[@godofhope]

The 17 wasn’t that sharp overall and the 25 I had wasn’t sharp at the borders. The 45 is perfect though. I have to test the 75 :))) Although for the same price I got a Canon 135 f2 which of course has monster size...

[@ktbikefun]

About to get one today.

[@MrBillUp]

I just bought this lens second hand (£140) as my first ever lens because of this review and others like it, to go with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7. I'm completely new to photography, so am scratching around the internet looking for online photography courses, and reviews on how to use this lens to its maximum. Thank you Mr Wong. 👍😊

[@Muchtoobizy]

I totally agree with you about this lens Robin. I used to own it a few years ago but I sold my entire M43 system back in 2016. However whenever I looked back at my photos from that era, the pictures taken with the Olympus 45mm f1.8 always stood out. Beautiful colour, sharpness and bokeh. So, a couple of months ago I saw a good price on a new Olympus EM10ii and this lens and I bought it. I am so pleased that I did. I shan't buy any other lens for the camera. This is a pairing that will be permanent for me. Its a unique combo; a high quality setup for candid portrait/street shots that weighs so little and performs so well. I really appreciate it when KZbin reviewers go back in time and review older hardware that is now available at such an affordable price.

[@j_owens6208]

I keep researching this lense and have almost purchased it several times, but have stopped each time thinking I don't shoot enough portraits to justify the purchase. However, this video has finally convinced me that I need to add it to my camera bag and will be buying it straight away! Thank you Robin...for this great video and all your other awesome videos!

[@AndrewSowerby]

@Alex Konstantinow agree totally. So far, at least 90% of my shots with this lens haven't been portraits

[@ianmcnamara2100]

Going to buy one, but got a Panasonic 25mm lens instead. The Olympus and Panasonic primes, when coupled with IBIS, are awesome lenses for night photography.

[@j_owens6208]

@@ianmcnamara2100 I have the Panasonic 25mm f1.7 as well.

[@loushared6602]

I have this lease and portraits are the furthest from my mind. It’s a great lens and I’ve just started to use it on my Panasonic G9 and the results have blown me away. I hope you purchased it!

[@j_owens6208]

@@loushared6602 I did and loving it. Got a used one from BH Photo Video for good price.

[@pers4855]

I love my little 45mm 1.8 its so compact and delivers great image quality

[@robinwong]

Likewise

[@stevew3956]

I have and use the 45 f1.8 because of your advice! It truly is a great lens. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and I am glad you love the lens too!

[@VictorReynolds]

Update. Just purchased my 45mm f/1.8 and I'm already loving it! Thanks for letting us know about it!

[@guidomuller4372]

Thanks Robin, beautiful video about the amazing M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8. I own this lens for years and it never fails in tacking beautiful portraits. Greetings from Germany 📷 👍🤗🙏

[@BRUNO-cj9wd]

Love your energy! never lose that. LETS DO THIS!

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks Robin. I bought this second hand today for a cheap price in perfect condition.

[@bakermantube]

I totally agree Robin. This lens is so small and light and the results are amazing. It is so much fun to take pictures with my Pen-F. A realy good combo. At least the price is really good for this lens. Thanks for your video. Your pictures in this video are very nice by the way!

[@robinwong]

Thanks Andreas for the kind words. I always emphasize on photos first - for me at least, no photos, no talk! There is no point rambling on about how great the lens is, if I don't have anything to show!

[@marzy57]

I just bought this lens in mint condition from ebay. It included a clear glass lens protector/filter for %150. Been testing all day on my venerable OM-D E-M1 camera and I must say it is exceeding my wildest expectations. Great video Robin! I consistently watch your reviews before buying Any lens. Bravo! just boug

[@Eti1968]

Fully agree it was the first prime I bought and I was blown away from the first shots.

[@robinwong]

Me too!

[@inseki_j]

I ordered this lens a couple months ago with a $50 discount on the Olympus website. I am in Vietnam, and it was delivered to my dad's place in Vermont. It'll be my present to myself when I get home, once the world becomes sane again. Please world, get sane, so I can use this lens!

[@MegaMikeArnold]

Great content and you always make me happy somehow. You have sold me completely on this lens. Thank you Robin.

[@armanddimeo6575]

This is the first non-kit Olympus lens I purchased. Not realizing that the lens is often discounted, I paid the full price of $400 for it. I feel it is worth every penny even at full price. That Olympus could make a 90mm equivalent lens with such great performance in such a small package is nothing short of amazing.

[@robinwong]

Indeed, it showcases the lens expertise and know how of Olympus, they really do know what they are doing

[@JeerJer]

I got it for $199 and couldn't be more pleased.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

I’ve had this lens for years and it continues to amaze me! Almost all my MFT lenses are Olympus. My only complaint is the lack of included lens hoods in all but the most expensive Oly lenses, and the fact that the hoods are expensive if you do get them. Great images Robin!

[@jaumeretrogamer1256]

This 45mm F1.8 was one of the reasons y buyed the omd 10 markIII months ago for my family portraits, and even street photography. Its really small and the price ratio is glorious. Still i'm really impressed with the smooth bokeh and sharpnes of this lens. Ty Robin your videos are really great, your passion for photography is really contagious!!

[@robinwong]

Thanks Jaume, appreciate the kind words, and I am glad you have the Olympus 45mm F1.8 too. Go make more shots with the lens!

[@jaumeretrogamer1256]

@@robinwong Yes! i will do that that 45mm is truly a gem on the system, my next step will be the 25 prime or the 12-40 2.8 pro i cant decide! probably the 12-40 pro if i can purchase one on good state second hand. Thank you Robin!

[@piotrwolinski7278]

When I bought an olympus 12mm f2.0 and a hood for it, it turned out that the same lens hood fits 45mm 1.8, It looks very nice and gives good results.

[@HughesyTech]

This is the first lens I ever bought for my Olympus cameras. Sharp focus, dreamy bokeh (not too much, not too little). And cheap too!

[@robinwong]

Yeah, for the price, can't go wrong, it brings a lot to the table!

[@jasonp2906]

I love my 45mm! I use it a lot on my food photography.

[@danielhorvathofficial]

me too!

[@robinwong]

Great lens for food shooting

[@yutellan]

I bought it during my Japan trip from a second hand store and I love using it especially after kit lens it is a knife sharp 😍

[@dominic-ryan]

I have the Olympus 17mm, 45mm and 75mm f/1.8 primes which cover most use cases. They are all seriously good lenses, for me though it is the 75mm that really stands out.

[@charne911]

I've got this lens mounted now on an original E-M5 (Mark i) body that I purchased just last week(!) for under $140! It's a low cost light weight rig but delivers great images!

[@robinwong]

Wow, what a bargain, and yes, that is a great combo, small, stealthy and can deliver fantastic results.

[@DerVagabundli]

This was the 3rd lens I got for mft and I'm absolutely thrilled with it. It's always in reach and has produced some of my favourite images!

[@AndrewSowerby]

It took me a long time to get around to buying this lens, but I finally did a few weeks ago, and I have no regrets. It certainly doesn't disappoint!

[@robinwong]

Indeed, once you have seen the results, it makes you want to use this lens more!

[@AndrewSowerby]

@@robinwong absolutely! I have rarely taken it off my camera since I got it.

[@jeffdrew625]

GAS attack- I had to have this lens on my Pen-f! Absolutely no regrets! Paired with the 12mmf/2, the kit is wonderfully sharp & lightweight! 👍

[@robinwong]

Perfect fit on the PEN-F!

[@polinapetukhova]

Omg you’re so happy and kind when you’re talking about it 😭

[@johnfeit5314]

Great review. For my very light kit, I carry the 45 and the Panny 20 to use on my good old EPL5. Works for most situations I find myself in when mountain biking, ski touring, or just wanting a light kit than with my OMD with Pro lenses. It's hard to beat a such great lens that fits in a shirt pocket!

[@prodj.mixapeofficial6431]

Hey man, may I ask a question, is there an advantage using ibis even it's brod daylight? Or should I disable it and just use it when shutter needs to be low?

[@dimension288]

I'm convinced. Thank you Robin. I'm going to get one.

[@danielhorvathofficial]

My 1st GO TO lens. I use it 90% of my work.

[@robinwong]

Maybe not 90% of my work, but 100% of my images with this lens came out great!

[@photonray]

I really love this lens too. When I'm not underway with the "big" equipment (M1M3 and Pro lenses), I always have the PEN-F with the 17 mm 1.8 attached, the 45 mm 1.8 and the FL-LM3 in my bag. So I can do Landscape, Street and Portrait with minimal gear in a superb quality. :-)

[@robinwong]

For portrait and street photography, the 45mm is a must have lens!

[@scottfineshriber5051]

You’ve inspired me to use that little gem more! I agree that the 45/1.8 is a great lens. I think it’s destined to become a legend.

[@robinwong]

Yes, please bring the lens out more, it deserves some attention!

[@vkmccable]

One of my favorite Olympus lenses.

[@robinwong]

Mine too

[@ravineelakantan6417]

Great video Robin bringing out the Top reasons of this unique lens...and the fact that it was introduced in 2011 and still remains a top choice...and all this for an unbeatable price of USD 299 !!!

[@robinwong]

indeed, for that price, it brings a lot to the table!

[@K7.2023]

Thanks man! I am going to buy this lens!

[@Russtick92]

Hi Robin, hope youre well! Thanks for the video as always. I own the 12-45mm M.Zuiko Pro, which has been a great entry into M43 and digital cameras in general. However I've found a 45mm f1.8 2nd hand at a good price. I was considering the 17mm as I shoot landscape & street more frequently; but after seeing this video Im going to pick t 45mm up and hopefully that'll sort me out for low light & portrait on my travels!

[@duckd50]

Hi Robin. This was one of my first Olympus lenses. In pre-OM-D days I intended to work with the 4 f1.8 primes only. The EM-5 and the 12-40 PRO changed all that. I still have the 45, and use it periodically. Thanks for a good review.

[@robinwong]

Sure, the 12-40mm is a fantastic lens! And if you need a PRO, that is one must have lens.

[@petrvalach6288]

This lens is always AWESOME for me. Small, cheap and best. I'm addicted to its bokeh.

[@alangamble3236]

Another great video, thank you Robin, I purchased this lens over a year ago and have to say it produces razor sharp images.

[@robinwong]

Indeed, it does produce really impressive results, something many would not expect such tiny lens to be capable of making.

[@mrjamrol]

This was my first lens buy after the ‘kit’ lens and it’s a portrait BEAST! So tiny and light but soooooo capable!

[@aleksandrak.7033]

That is exactly my situation. I ordered mine before I saw this video. Not delivered yet but from what I see in comments I think it was a good choice 😊

[@MatthiasBouillon]

Just got mine delivered today ☺️ Just 110€ including a lens hood (used, but like new). Coming from a vintage 50mm 1.9, this tiny thing is a beast for taking pictures of our cats in low light 🤣

[@c.augustin]

This lens weather sealed and with a 46 mm filter thread - it would be a dream lens! Well, with this low price, weather sealing is not that much of an issue, because the lens is so cheap. Still, I would pay more and carry (a bit) more weight for the convenience. It might actually come … ;-)

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

Great lens! I have a couple of other lenses in my camera bag, but this lens is always the first one I have attached to my camera!

[@robinwong]

I can say the same!

[@rocojo1]

I've just bought this one! My first prime lens ever.

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. One reason I like the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens on my micro 4/3 digital camera is that I can use it for test shots for my Leica M6 35mm film rangefinder with 90mm f/2 Leitz lens.

[@colinmorris2604]

Great lens loves the f1.8 lenses, so easy to keep in a pocket just wish the 45mm had the same focus ring like the 17mm and all f1.8 lenses used the same filter thread thought your point 11 would be you have ten for sale on eBay lol. point 12 try the 45mm with the extension tube it's a fantastic macro lens then.

[@robinwong]

The 45mm was meant to be in a lower tier than the 17mm, hence it has plastic body and no manual focusing clutch. Not sure what happened after that, Olympus just put them all in the same category.

[@colinmorris2604]

@@robinwong .seems just as sharp,would be fantastic if the new company revised the F1.8 lenses and updated them.

[@victorburnside]

Robin,I love your enthusiasm.

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@MarcelloAndreoli]

Olympus 45 mm f 1.8 Is fantastic!!

[@AguilaDeOnix85]

I scored one for $120. It's actually the second prime lens I purchased (found a 30mm macro for $160). I love how versatile it is for what I do with it (family events, snake photos).

[@fetzinger10]

I recently bought the 45mm 1.8 and the 25mm 1.8. I love the look and overall picture quality of both of those lenses! For street photography the 45mm is a little tight. In crowded places there´s always someone between you and your "target". But for people and portraits in particular, it´s fantastic!

[@davidcooper6704]

Amazing quality and at a reasonable price. Highly recommended.

[@daniellethomson3123]

I love my 45 1.8 M.Zuico lens. My go to lens.

[@michaelmontes3933]

What an amazing experience with yo article! Congratulations. Thanks for sharing that story!! Keep up!! Love the videos. And yes, love the look of the 45mm.

[@allencrider]

I enjoy my 45mm f1.8 a lot!

[@robinwong]

Likewise

[@williamsiviter8760]

Hi Robin, Thanks for the reviews. I really appreciate them. I am a Canon full frame user (amateur), but purchased an used Olympus pen ep7 with a 14-42 lens following a review on zenography KZbin channel about the pen cameras and I am really impressed with the image quality and the fact I can put it in my pocket. Please keep up your reviews for ordinary non-professional photographers like me. Thank you again.

[@ScottAtwood]

I agree with everything you say in this review! This is indeed a fantastic lens packed into a tiny little package!

[@robinwong]

Thanks! What a great little lens!

[@photooutdoor2574]

I love this lens! There are three lenses, I‘d never give away! The 300mm f4, the 60mm Macro and the 45 f1.8!

[@ggwildlife]

nice video Robin i am thinking of adding this to my E-PL9/EM10 mkII, it will compliment my 14-42mm & 40-150mm.

[@dragonflysadler]

I'm doing my first official wedding gig and the store clerk at B & H photo recommended this lens. I also have a 12-60mm Leica lens so I hope I'm covered as I've run out of budget for more lenses. Thanks for this reassuring video.

[@TOPP3R1993]

The nice thing about M43 is not only that you don't have to stop down for sufficient DoF, as almost all the FF-Pros do, but still have the benefit of letting in more light with comparable DoF and being so much lighter and smaller at the same time :)

[@robinwong]

An important point a lot of people have missed. But when we being this up, there will be a lot of people saying things like oh but you can't go any wider if you want to. Sometimes, I have learned it is best to just keep quiet. There is no end to these kind of argument.

[@austinjohnson3009]

I love this lens; however, I'm thinking about selling it and buying the Sigma 56mm F1.4 in its place.

[@germanevision]

I have three best lenses for video -- Tokina 11mm-16mm f2.8 (there is a learning curve for getting to know how to use this lens), Nikkor 35 mm f1.8 on my D3300 and Olympus 45 mm f1.8 on my G85. You are right, this lens is the best to convince clients.

[@sector9films]

Awesome I have this lens and dont use it as much as I should. Recently I bought the Panasonic Lumix. G9 II i think this lens will be a perfect partner for it. Cheers John

[@shiyangzhang110]

Yeah, it’s a great lens, certainly my favour one, just next to 40150 Pro.

[@robinwong]

My favourite too!

[@davidplumb]

Three and a half years ago this was the lens that was finally responsible for me selling all my full frame gear and moving to Micro 4/3rds. I handled the lens at a photography show and coundn't believe that it really was the equivalent of a full frame 90mm f1.8, after the big, heavy 85mm and 90mm f1.8 full frame lenses I'd been using. It's now my most used prime lens and second only to the Olympus 12-40mm f2.8, which is the most used lens I have. It's sharp and it's lovely, what more can I say?

[@markanderson6639]

Thanks Robin. I found an "open box" lens being offered by a reputable online retailer at a reduced price and just bought it based on this review and a Peter Forsgard review.

[@imcoop13]

I’m just about to move to M4/3 Robin by purchasing EM5 markiii & am finding your videos a great help in my selection of lenses. I’m pretty much settled on the kit lens14-150, +75-300 ( for wildlife ) and either the 30 mm macro or the lens you review here the 45 mm1.8. Iloved your photo examples but would really have appreciated the settings which you normally include. Thanks for great tips & Im delighted you are now an OMD visionary. They would have been mad to let you go. Greetings from a grateful Scot🙏🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@NQMediaUK]

Hi Robin, fab video and I agree it is an outstanding portrait lens for the size and money.. great for video too...my own preference for the majority of outdoor portraits is now the Olympus 75mm f1.8 but the 45mm and 25mm are still gems to use when needed...

[@CheikoSairin]

Thanks sharing the 10 reasons why Olympus M.zuiko 45mm f1.8 is awesomeness lens. Good jobs, Robin. You got 1 like from Singapore

[@Katira-KR7]

You can get this lens for used about 160 Euros in Germany. Actually I saw one still with the original plastic covers not removed for 165 Euros in the shop. I have the zuiko 14-150 mm and the Lumix 20mm and all the shots that people like are taken with the Zuiko 45mm f1.8. For Robin the lens is the money maker, I don't make any money with it yet, but it is the lens which makes most people happy with their pictures.

[@1957PLATO]

Great video, Robin. I do own the lens and agree it is light, has nice bokeh and excellent image quality. I do find it is prone to hunting in low light or back light situations.

[@robinwong]

I'd suggest shooting at wide open F1.8, then the hunting is less. Also depends on which camera you are using. If you are using the older Olympus cameras, then yes, the hunting is a real issue. Any newer OM-D cameras (E-M1 Mark II, E-M1X, E-M5 Mark III, etc) will have the ability to take advantage of wider aperture and focus much better in low light.

[@avishaiyacobi6211]

Hi Robin, I'm sure that now you are more famous than Steve Huff and Mike Johnston together (I never heard of them before). Please continue your great job!

[@robinwong]

It is not a competition! We are all different and we bring different things to the table. Variety is good for content especially these days!

[@mikethebeginner]

@@robinwong That's what I say too! And thank you, Robin, for your kind words.

[@WithinMyFrame]

Miss the old days :) stay healthy always

[@michael-mvtd]

Love this lens too. And with 17mm 1.8 & 60mm macro, the whole kit is so light... It truly fulfills the m4/3 promise of mobility. I just wish they'd included the plastic lens hood; I mean really, how much cost could that be?!

[@robinwong]

To save the environment you know (jabbing at Apple)

[@fk4866]

This is amazing! I have a mirrorless camera and got this lens too and I was hoping I can do KZbin videos for this! I really enjoyed this.

[@FukuroOFU]

I mainly shoot video and have an M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8, but I haven't mastered it yet. I would like to consciously use it more.

[@robinwong]

It is a wonderful lens for video, creating cinematic look!

[@martinschnabel1961]

This lens sparked my interest in M43. I bought it used together with a Panasonic GX850, combined 400€. My other cameras didnt leave the draw since. I am so surprised about the quality in this little form factor. Truly amazing technology. Thank you for the vid, great review!

[@DLD_Photography]

A great little lens. My DJI Inspire 2 has a M43 camera and this lens works great on it.

[@ChrisKoehn]

I bought this and a 75mm f/1.8 in an Olympus travel kit and both lenses never fail to impress me on any M43 camera.

[@kleijn.w]

I also think the lens is perfect. You forgot another reason. Because the lens is so small, it appears much less threatened to people and you can easily walk between people.

[@lichtloper]

less intimidating, yes

[@Bigmountainmurda]

Just grabbed this for 219$ on mpb love how in just getting into m43 at the right time where all these lens were 4-6 hundred dollars years ago and are now dirt cheap on the used market. Bought a g7 about 2 months ago and have sourced 4 lens for under 1k

[@abdulrazacksyed41]

Fantastically explains 10 reason , amazing , thank you so much sir

[@MrJueKa]

this lens is a must-have for nearly every MFT user

[@bertrandroessli7862]

There is only one reason why this lens is awesome: it is a great lens

[@smkunder1]

I am thinking, this will be my first prime, when I go beyond the kit lens. Great review!

[@VictorReynolds]

Definitely on my list to purchase! Thanks for this information Robin!

[@leonthemunoztrujillo7563]

Excellent review of this great lens greetings from Bogota Colombia.

[@ianllyodlimtago3131]

Thanks you convinced me to buy this awesome lens, I got mine for 120$ secondhand