A Look At The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro Zoom for Micro Four Thirds Cameras

[@joeprete7424]

R.I.P. David Thorpe, we miss you!!!

[@Swaggerlot]

Always find it restful to re-visit David's videos. Lest we forget.

[@castielvargastv7931]

I love my 12-40. its a pleasure to use. The focus clutch is a dream , manual focusing is the best of all lenses i ever had

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I agree with all that, Castiel. Well thought out and well implemented and a pleasure to use..

[@yannolove1335]

castiel vargas question can you use photo and portrait wedding photo etc and macro

[@JennyDarukat]

Bought one of these recently for the money I got for my old D600, love this thing! Something that I found very odd at first, but quickly grew to like was that the zoom is at its minimum size around 17mm (34 equiv.) - I'd always been used to zooms being smallest at the widest and it threw me off initially, but in a strange way I prefer this now. I naturally "see" things a lot more closely to a 35-40mm equivalent, so having the zoom be at that setting whenever I pull it out the bag is a great feeling, much as initially it was a bit annoying to find the right spot in the range to quickly collapse and stow it away. Plus, starting off more close to the middle of the range, it's actually a better and more neutral starting position for the motion of zooming itself - I can go a bit wider or a bit longer pretty quick, rather than doing a 180-turn to go from all wide to all tele. These little things together with the focus clutch and feel in hand have now actually made me a fan of a standard zoom lens again, something I didn't expect would happen. I bought this lens to have a proper weather sealed and flexible option in my bag, one that wouldn't give up too much IQ and microcontrast (..one of those buzzwords) to a prime and basically only leave me wanting in dire light or for ultra shallow depth of field. Well, now I have a true every-single-day companion. I can see this one staying with me for a long long time. I might sell my 45 1.8 now, much as it is lovely, it's not much more so than the 12-40, and I have hardly felt the need to swap to it - when I wanted something specifically for portrait, I've trended to using my adapted and speedboosted Schneider-Kreuznach 50mm f1.9 Xenon vintage lens, or my 135mm f3.5 Carl Zeiss Sonnar. I'm even considering to sell my PL 25 1.4, but that one might stay with me a while yet - the difference in maximum aperture makes me want to hold on for those really dire light situations, say taking photos in the arcade that I often visit back in Stockholm (come COVID being over). This is to say: this one's a keeper, from wide to medium depth-of-field portraits to fantastic close-up capability and everyday compatible size, there is nothing not to love about it. Well, unless you're used to the zoom ring turning the other way from Panasonic lenses I guess :b Addendum: I guess the bokeh balls can be quite nasty in terms of onion ringing if you're taking a purely bokeh shot, but I've never found myself doing that anyway. You'd not be using a 2.8 zoom on MFT for that as a real bokeh addict, would you? Having done extensive comparing of the out of focus elements, it's not someting that's ever entered my mind in a real shot, at the very least.

[@fansofER]

Fantastic impression! thanks for sharing!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Jenny - the bokeh (I hate that word!) is not something I bother about overly either. When people comment on that, I often advise that if ultra- shallow depth of field and ultra-smooth out of focus areas are an obsession, you should be using MF or FF at a minimum. I hate to say this but the only time someone mentioned a great out of focus effect on one my stills for a video, it was one I'd messed about with on Photoshop and used by mistake. No lens gives such a buttery effect as Photoshop can, used with taste. Oh dear! I agree with all your remarks about the 12-40. The only thing I'd say is that I sold my Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 and realised what a mistake I'd made. That extra 2 stops is brilliant to have available sometimes.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks you, Daniel!

[@AndrewSowerby]

My old Pentax 18-55mm kit zoom was at its most compact size at 35mm. I suppose it depends on how the lens elements are arranged.

[@Centauri27]

@@DavidThorpeMFT If you regret selling your PL 25mm f/1.4 and you only need it for low light, consider picking up a Zyonghi Mitakon 25mm f/0.95. It's another 1+ stop faster, at half the price of the PL 25. Granted, it's not nearly as sharp wide open, but it produces really pleasing portraits in extreme low light.

[@davebellamy4867]

Another great, quick and no-nonsense review. I wish I had found this channel before 2022.

[@Iorndealer]

David I own this lens and you are so right. Mount it, open to f/2.8 and enjoy. Thank you for your fine review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, as simple as that, I agree. Glad you liked the reveiw

[@CameraGeeks]

Fantastic review as always David! I bought the Panasonic 12-35mm when I started filming weddings by if I'd been aware of this lens at the time, I'd definitely have stretched the budget because the extra reach, manual focus clutch and gorgeous optics definitely warrant the higher price. Keep up the great work!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks!

[@jeffslade1892]

If you're filming weddings you would probably want a Panasonic back because the Olympus sensors don't have the heat sink and cannot video for very long without turning magenta (this is in very small print in the manual), so you want the Pan GX 12-35 f/2.8 with OIS, its companion lens is then the GX 35-100 f/2.8 P-OIS. I've tried using the E-M5ii for video but had to get a Pan G7 as b-cam to the GH4 because the Oly couldn't shoot video for long enough, nice for stills though.

[@stevenbirds2920]

Thank you for the video. Lovely to see you putting out content again. This and your recent review of the EM1 Mkiii have been excellent and and such a refreshing change to much of the usual fair. The 12-40 and 40-150 with 1.4 convertor effectively retired my original Olympus four thirds 12-60 and 50-200 lens which originally got me back into photography in 2008 or 2009. In combination they make, in my opinion, an absolutely fantastic weather sealed two lens combination, which can easily be carried around, along with an EM1 Mk 3, in a small shoulder bag. They open up most spheres of photography - Landscape, Street, Portraiture, Sport and to some degree Macro too. In the absence of a dedicated fast Portrait Lens, like the Olympus 45mm 1.2, I elected to supplement this two lens kit with the Olympus 75mm f1.8, which I consider to be an absolutely beautiful lens. I’m not sure if you have used this lens and published a video about it. If you have and I have missed it, please accept my apologies. If not, it would be very interesting to hear your thought, particularly with regards to how it renders an image, especially in black and white and in combination with the monochrome profiles available in the PenF or for the later OM Series of camera’s, via the Olympus Workspace Software. Personally, I think the images this lens can produce in the hands of a skilled professional, like yourself, are compelling and a fantastic advertisement for the system. Take care and stay safe.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for a lovely comment, Steve. The 12-40 and 40-150 f/2.8 combo, translated up to my Nikon Fs would have been like some kind of dream outfit in my press photography days, covering practically everything with two lenses. The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 always gets a good write-up but I haven't tried one. I must try to get hold of one but it's hard at the moment.

[@glennsak]

Thank you for the review. A long time coming, indeed. I used this lens for a corporate portrait session and the files were tack sharp with plenty of detail and good color rendering.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, the sort of day to day work this lens is so suited to. It just works and if someone suddenly wants 3 people in a shot together you can zoom it in from 40mm to 20 or 25 and know that it will be just as sharp and good looking as at any other setting.

[@martynphillips6646]

Excellent video, I never ever leave home without my 12 to 40, combined with my 40 to 150 F2.8 (and MC 1.4) these two lenses deliver all I ever seem to need. Total confidence wide open and yes I have always said if I buy a lens that is F2.8 I don't want to have to constantly shoot at F4 to get it sharp, a situation that still exists sadly with todays lenses from Canon and Nikon and they think that's acceptable, oh and those lenses weigh more, cost way more and are enormous at F2.8!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Martyn! Yes two lenses both of which can be used a any focal length wide open without a qualm. It's a long way removed from my film days where my Nikon 300 f/2.8 alone weighed double my entire Micro Four Thirds kit.

[@Swaggerlot]

Another 6 months or so, I trust that you are enjoying eternity David.

[@johnbrosius7632]

Hey David, I just wanted to say thank you for your content. A few years back your videos have already helped me choose a camera (GX85) and now I appreciate your input while considering a new lense. Love the voiceover and the balanced info on everything. Much appreciated. Greetings from Kiel, Germany

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Greetings from locked down London and thank you, John!

[@Mir1189]

1. Best all-rounder indeed, can do even macros. If you dont own a dedicated macro lens, you can use this one ocassionally. 2. Good for portraits, even when i carry with me Summilux 25mm at all times. 3. Its a Olympus PRO so you can use all the featuers like inbody focus stacking, and enjoy weather/frost resistance. 4. In case you have to use flash, its great to pair it with FL-600 as the flash can cover the focal range. 5.Using it for few hours on M5 MkIII and its great even without the grip, its bit heavy for OMD M10. 6. Its parfocal so it does not lose focus when zooming - great for video. The only downside is that the front trombones out. It may be a bit of problem with sand/dust which might damage it regardless its dustproof. Also one thing... I plan to do a documentation of few murals in 80Mpix Hi-Res. M5 MkIII and 12-40 PRO are the weapons of choice, while the lens should get best results at 30mm focal and F4.0 aperture. At these settings there should be almost zero distortion and best transmission.

[@fernandoruizcuadrado]

This was my first m4/3 lens, I agree. It is just a little front heavy for my EM5 mark II and 2.8 is not enough for very dark conditions. Apart of that, it is perfect

[@mfreider]

I did not know it is parfocal. I do not own this own but tempting, very tempting. Thanks for info!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's the consistent performance of this lens right across the range that makes it great. In the video the Hi Res 10,000px wide shot shows no sign of definition falling off side top side. I agree there is probably a best spot but for practical day to day purposes you can just use it how you wish and it will deliver. For your murals, it would be ideal. The tromboning appears to be impossible to eliminate on lenses of this type, presumably just not enough space on the barrel for the element movement required. Those damned laws of optics again!

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks for the review! Still good, the 12-40. Excellent lens, as sharp at 12mm as the Olympus prime and decent macro. I wouldn't call it compact, more of a sedan. There is some fringing compared to primes which is especially noticeable in high contrast scenes near the edge of the frame. Fairly sharp at most apertures but F4 and F4.5 are particularly good. Pleasing color.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, still good, as you say, certainly as good as I need.

[@keithrjoseph9528]

I own this lens and is good for around 70% of my photo needs. Apart from the excellent qualities mentioned here the awesome weather sealing makes it the perfect travel system when paired with the EM5 or e-m1. My other main lens is the 40 to 150 pro and as a pair they the perfect setup for pretty much anything

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a great pairing, as they were designed to be, Keith.

[@alan.macrae]

Thank you, David. You are guiding most of my purchasing decisions into the M43 world. Been a Nikon guy for 51 years and always will be but, enjoying my Pen-F, GX85 and growing collection of lenses immensely for my 'personal' photography.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Enjoying it is the point when you are doing stuff for personal use, I agree, Alan.

[@CharlieVN]

Glad to see a "David Thorpe" video. I got the 10-25 from your non recommendation, recommendation lol

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! That's an interesting lens, the 10-25mm. And my non recommendation recommendation is a good way to put it. It's a unique lens and if you want its attributes, there's a price to pay in bulk and money. The big thing is to have the choice. Someone who hates the thing now might find themselves buying it in a years time because they need what it offers. Tuth is, there are no bad lenses in Micro Four Thirds now. You can make a bad choice of lens but the lens itself won't be bad.

[@pshearduk]

A David Thorpe video is always a happy time. And reviewing my favourite lens too! Happy days. Thanks David 👍

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Paul!

[@AdityaVarma]

Keeping the outstanding review aside, what an impeccable writer are you! Sir! You are a true Inspiration!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm not sure I merit such praise, Aditya - but I like to hear it 😀

[@AdityaVarma]

@@DavidThorpeMFT hahaha🙏

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

🙂

[@anstef1485]

This is by far my favorite lens. It made me enjoy shooting again after having been using the soft 12-50 EM5 kit lens. Weather sealing, speed of operation, sharpness, a great walkabout lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm a big fan of the 12-50, especially the power zoom for video. But the 12-40 is in a different league, really. Mind you, at multiples of the price, it ought to be 🙂

[@ricardorgomez]

What a great treat on a Friday! A video from David Thorpe! I love the build quality of Olympus lenses. They are tanks. Totally professional level quality. Panasonics aren't quite as tough. But I've taken the Panasonic kit 12-60 f/3.5-5.6 though some pretty rough stuff and it has come out un-harmed. And it's a cheapie kit lens. So I don't worry about durability with Panasonic lenses. Lighter too. I guess if you wanted a constant aperture in this focal range and quality, there is nothing else out there like it. Lumix lenses are nice. Really good image rendering. But you can't compare them to the Olympus Pro line. Maybe Panasonic is doing something about it. There's talk of them coming out with some new toys....

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! There's always talk of new toys and I love it, Ricardo. I've never had any quibble with the quality or robustness of Panasonic lenses but the Olympus Pro range do feel better to me.

[@ricardorgomez]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Well, the new toys comment came from the man at Panasonic so... ;-) I was trying to figure out a way of saying it properly. I think it's more of a perception of robustness. Like you said about an Olympus fairly recently. My Pana-Leica Nocticron is and feels like a tank. Like the Olympus Pro line. The others Pana-Leicas, not so much. But like I said, my kit 12-60 f/3.5-5.6, after 4 years of lots of use and travel: not a scratch and works perfectly. I just wish, at least the Panasonic-Leicas, had more of that Nocticron feel. Be well my friend!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@ricardorgomez As I said in my review of the Nocticron, I wanted to hate it but didn't. As you say, it feels more like an Olympus Pro, I hadn't really clocked that. One of my most used lenses is the Panasonic 14-140mm. I'm not one to knock my cameras and gear around but it's had a lot of use and feels and works as well now as when it was new. That's not even an expensive top line lens. My personal experience of the plastics used in camera and lens manufacture is that they are just as strong as metal and probably withstand dings and knocks better. There's the primitive bit of me that prefers the metal, solid feel of those Olympus lenses. So I'm in total agreement with you there. You stay well too, Ricardo.

[@ricardorgomez]

@@DavidThorpeMFT I think both of us are in that group of old-school where we just feel 'metal' is better. I did some research on plastics and found: bicycle rims, frames, exotic sports cars and even bullet-proof vests are made of carbon fiber or a type of polymer. And you got to know that bicycle rims take a hell of a lot more beating than lenses ever will... I agree with camera plastics being really good. Most people wound consider the 12-60mm kit lens I got with my GX8 to be a throw-away. But it's proven to be a fantastic lens on every level. It looks and operates like new.For a kit, it's really really good. I've made some money with event photography with it... Paid for itself many times over. While I like the build of the Leica version more, I also like it's image rendering more as well. The micro contrast is fantastic. So unless I see/hear one of the elements bouncing around in the lens, I will not think plastic is a lesser material than steel for camera lenses any more!

[@malcolmlawrence3169]

Thanks David - I’ve had this lens for a number of years when I bought the original em1. When I look at a number of images I’ve taken I’m amazed how many were with this lens. It is a beautiful lens. All the best.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, when looking through Lightroom for shots taken with the 12-40, I had enough for several videos. I admit to being spoilt by having a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses, so for one to get so much use tells me its own story. Cheers, Malcolm.

[@azjoe_6310]

Coming from a Canon 17-40L and 24-105L--this lens surprised me by being much sharper than those two. I'm glad I gave M43 a chance.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I was quite taken aback by how sharp this lens was when I first got it, too.

[@artiecisneros4691]

The 12-40 came with the OM1 and they're wonderful together. 😎

[@hurshasnarayan]

Fantastic review. Listening to your review is like hearing David Attenborough documentary!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Wow, thanks Hursha!

[@michaelhawkins1173]

Thank you David everything you need to know to help make an informed decision. Oats and all.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

😆

[@antoniosaldana3048]

Thanks for the good, as always, info. I would also add the crazy weather sealing. I used mine on the EM1 mk2 UNDER the Niagara Falls withuot a glitch.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That was an act of faith, Antonio! Glad it worked out ok.

[@antoniosaldana3048]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Yep, the Gods of Olympus were on my side that day (sorry, terrible joke,but I could not help myself...)

[@onthemove301]

Excellent review, especially the video work. In common with the Lumix/Leica 10-25mm on your shelf, I sold my 12-40mm and bought the 12-100mm. Both Olympus lenses are good but I regret selling the 10-25 and the 12-40, especially the latter because it is more in keeping with the scale of M43 than the larger but more versatile 12-100mm. Now I've seen how many lenses you have retained on your shelf I may give myself permission to buy yet another. The ever present GAS......

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Tony! I have to get rid of some stuff, actually, since I need the money to fund new equipment to review. It's not easy, though, is it?

[@chesterdrawers4753]

Brilliant review! I rarely use my 60mm 2.8 Macro now unless I need the extra 20mm, since the close up image quality of the 12-40 seems 90% as good to me. I love the 12-40 so much that I bought the 12-100 F4 PRO as well (and to replace the 14-140 panasonic), funnily enough the image rendering from the 12-100 has it's own character, perhaps even sharper than the 12-40 if that was possible. A heavyish lens though and not quite as incredibly close focusing as the 12-40. Was going to sell the 12-40 and use the 12-100, 25mm prime and 8-18 lumix as my holy trinity, but but the 12-40 just looks so good on my GX9 that I can't. Thanks again for such great content👌👍

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I have, on a couple of occasions, sold a lens and then realised how much I missed it. I have learned how expensive that is and it's something that won't be happening with my 12-40mm Olympus!

[@ChrisWilliams-nf8kl]

Fair comments generally, but I’d add a couple of caveats. It certainly feels solid, but I dropped mine (perhaps 2.5 feet) onto a hard surface. The mount sheered off though there wasn’t a mark on the GX8 it was attached to. I was told by Olympus it was designed to do that to ‘prevent more damage to the lens itself. The difference it the solidarity of the barrel and the incredible flimsiness of the mount makes it a likely outcome. There is another contender on this space - the PanaLeica 12-60. It’s not a constant aperture, but it’s a very sharp lens and the additional reach (in 35mm terms) of 40mm over the Olympus is extremely handy. It’s around the same length, but lighter and better balanced even on some of the chunkier bodies. Add to that the OIS works in conjunction with the IBIS on my G9 and the results you can get at incredibly slow shutter speeds are uncanny. It’s another bowl of porridge on the table and for me it’s the best smelling bowlful by a decent margin.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Horrible feeling when you drop a lens...ugh! It's so difficult to choose between lenses, all swings and balances. They only thing you can say in the end is that it is great to have the choices. Even if they are annoying!

[@ThanArlix]

Thank you so much for this review David. I am just about to sell one currently and I'd say this review may have upped the interest a little. I love this lens. I have had stunning results at f4. The zoom range makes it so versatile. It has been pretty much the only lens on my camera for the last year.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The thing is, Alastair, if I've put the value of your lens up, you really ought to send me a proportion of the selling price. You know I'm right :-) Seriously, great lens.

[@robphillips1095]

David, as always... great KZbin videos. I always appreciate hearing what you have to say. Have a great summer

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks you, rob, you have a great summer too!

[@danny_r27]

If you’re going to buy only one professional level lens for MFT, you have to seriously consider the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro. It makes the oldest MFT body’s images look like professional quality photos. I first tried it with my cheap GX85 and my word it made my cheapo camera feel like a pro body. I’m going to buy it again, I sold off my Lumix G9 MFT gear to move to Sony Full frame. But I love MFT so much that I decided to buy a cheap GX85 just to have a wonderful little MFT body for everyday use that I can fit in my pocket or glovebox of my car.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I agree with that, Danny. The one lens will probably cover 90% of pictures. I sold my 12mm Olympus prime after getting this because the zoom performed just as well.

[@joeltunnah]

I went with the Oly 12-45 f/4. Gaining one stop of light wasn’t worth the extra $200, slightly shorter range, slightly more weight, bigger size and larger filters. It’s really outstanding for “f8 and be there” photography in bad weather. f/2.8 on m4/3 has always been a neither-here-nor-there middling aperture, IMO.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I like to have the exyra stop myself but where lucky that we are both so well catered for. To have a choice is one thing, that both choices are super lenses is even better.

[@emossg]

This is pretty much the only lens I use nowdays, I still have my primes, but I am considering selling them, but haven't had the heart to do it yet.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's hard getting rid of camera gear, isn't it? I mean, you never know when you might need something........🙂

[@VariTimo]

Totally agree with you. 40mm on a MFT camera is the most pleasing focal length for portraits in my opinion. I have a 50mm as part of my Veydra Mini Prime set, for portraits but I find it squeezes the faces too much and you simply feel the distances to the subject. I think that’s the reason 75mm is the preferred portrait length on the Leica M system (I use a GH5s with a 1.89 crop). I did get to end a shot film of mine on that focal length because we were shooting that part of the film on the Panasonic/Leica 12-60mm for a more modern look.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, and as I say, I was surprised how much difference the 5mm over the Panasonic equivalent makes. 40mm is a sweet spot.

[@littleshubunkin7926]

Great review. Thanks.

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

I agree about it being the best over-all zoom. Tough, great focal range, constant f2.8, focus clutch, weather sealed, semi-macro - it's a great all rounder. Maybe it's my copy, but I do wish it were sharper (it's noticeably less sharp then even the $70 7artisans prime, or the new Oly 12-45 f4.0). Indeed, I'm not sure it's even as sharp as the Oly 40-150 kit lens, which is going new for $100. Truly sharp lenses, like the sigma series of primes, are night & day sharper. Still, it remains perhaps the only lens most people would need. Not quite worth the $850 MSRP price new, if you can pick one up used for $500 you won't regret it. Love your videos Dave; I think I've watched all of 'em 2 or 3 times.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the vids, thank you. My 12-40mm is biting sharp - it doesn't sound like yours is right.

[@evilgeniusentertainment]

"Biting sharp" sounds like SIgma prime sharp! And no, this lens ain't that sharp. I'd call it "sharp-ish," which is to say that for most uses it's totally fine in that regard. Not a deal breaker - this lens does so much right - but you might have trouble cutting between something like the Sigma 16mm f1.4 and the Oly 12-40. It's pretty obvious. YMMV....

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great to see another David Thorpe video! I’ve had this lens pretty much since it came out. Great for event photography, travel (if you value IQ over weight) and the manual clutch is excellent for video work. You’re right - I just can’t sell it! : ) BTW - fantastic colours and contrast in in the red mask portraits.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Lyndon. About the only thing you can criticise with this lens is, as you imply, its weight but even then it's only heavy by Micro Four Thirds standards. Like you, I've had this lens a long time and I cannot see any way to practically improve it. It could be made lighter by using more poly-carbonate, I suppose, but I'd still buy this version for that Olympus feel.

[@williampegram]

Great review as always. I love mine :-) Have a great summer, Mr Thorpe.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Same to you, William! And thanks.

[@harryschnitzler4885]

Thanks David for another great review. All the best from NYC

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

All the best from a sunny (yes, really) London!

[@hauke3644]

The lens with almost no compromise. Worth mentioning is the bokeh, which is better than with most zoom lenses and on par with many fixed lenses (such as the M.Zuiko 1.8/45mm).

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, I agree, Hauke.

[@petercardow2083]

Thank you David, for yet another superb review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

My pleasure, Peter!

[@QuickQuips]

Ah. My solid standby. Made my Omd em5mki tolerable and my Omd em1 mki outstanding. Though the 12-100mm f4 was not available. Paired with the 75-300mm and a 25mm it's fantastic for hikes. Of note if you use xume and filters you need to step up to avoid vignetting at 12mm. I use 72mm.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That's interesting - I actually use 72mm filters all the time, using step rings to avoid having to carry loads of different size filters with me. I hadn't realised it was actually necessary with the 12-40mm. Good info, thanks.

[@RikkyTang]

I bought this lens quite a few years back for my Lumix GX7 when I knew very little about photography, even a fixed F2.8 didn't mean much to me at the time. I thought it would make a great telephoto lens but as soon as I bought it I realised that 40mm (80mm eqv.) wasn't long enough for me... I ended up selling it at a loss (of course) and buying a panny 14-140. It was only later I realised what I'd let slip through my fingers!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

We've all been there, Rikky!

[@1fareast14]

2:29 the goldilocks bit threw me for a second :D

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

🙂

[@pgy8863]

Let me join this hug-fest! I bought into the M43 system for this lens - image quality, consistency, build quality, size and... proper weatherproofing. It's ridiculously cheap for what it is. Now this lens has developed a family of siblings (some from another mother - Panasonic) but none are as valuable to me as this one. If I had an issue (like an alien swooped down from the heavens and grabbed my camera bag for example), I'd order me another in 24 hours. I can't say that about any other piece of camera gear I have.

[@asteriskesque]

"Just right! ...albeit, inedible." An excellent review, as always. I own the 12-40 Pro and an EM1. It's a perfect combo, but I'm tempted to get a 12-45 Pro for my Pen F. The 12-40 feels a bit heavy and unbalanced on a Pen F. But on a heavier body like an EM1, it's perfect.

[@mfreider]

12-45/4 - you will not be disappointed. Ultra sharp wide open, excellent micro contrast. Impressive in all ways.

[@jean-sebastiendh1454]

Yeah probably choose 12 45 for my pen f. I dont know. I like to take som portrait.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Interesting. I'd have though the 12-40 would be just right on the Pen F but that's just my opinion - Mike, below has experience. I so hope to get hold of a 12-45 at some point when this lockdown is over.

[@mfreider]

Jean-Sébastien De Haes If you are looking to use a12-45/4 for some sort of portraits, I would be careful. This lens shines as travel, go around, hiking companion but it’s bokeh may be not up to your taste. First it is f/4 and second, pure structure of bokeh is not like you will see on 45/1.8 or 45/1.2 stopped down to f/4. It is more “technical” than artistic. But it is may be my taste spoiled by amazing 45/1.2 PRO ;)

[@Leptospirosi]

And it seems the GX9 in the end replace the GX85 despite what you told in the review video. 😉

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm a puppet to some extent because I buy the stuff I review rather than borrow it from Olympus or Panasonic (who don't reply to my emails anyway) so I have to finance the GX9 partly by selling the GX85. As I say in the GX9 piece, I would not otherwise have 'upgraded'. In general, I reckon an upgrade is worthwhile every second iteration of a camera.

I am very happy with my second hand 12-40, the only thing I don't love is that my zoom ring is a bit stiff but that might just be mine

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The zoom ring on mine is quite stiff but not to a point where it is obstructive. It's handy in that it doesn't get easily moved accidentally.

[@shashiDodderi]

When I moved from Canon, I wanted one lens to replace multiple prime lenses. I bought 12-40, till date more than 90 % shots are from this lens. Perfect focal length, at 40 mm great for portrait, good for macro- add a Raynox R250- it will be perfect macro!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It covers the most useful and most used range with, it seems to me, prime quality. Excpetional lens.

[@RB-pp5tv]

This lens is stuck to one of my 2 Olympus cameras. It is the BEST all-purpose lens and easily replaces 4 or 5 primes, and all you need for normal travel, family or casual shooting, unless you have some special needs. Very highly recommended. . I would like to point out 3 negatives or annoyances. The hood gets detached so easily, even it is rubbed against your body or your camera bag. The lid is even worse; it often distintegrates when dropped on the ground. The worst however is the loose manual focus ring. It can easily be pushed accidentally into Manual Focus mode, when you take the camera/lens out of the bag or when it gets rubbed against your body. That can be disastrous when it's time to shoot something at a critical time, or when something appeared suddenly, and you rely on AF for capturing that moment. You end up losing the shot when you are delayed because you have to set it back to AF, or more likely, you get a blurred out-of-focus photos. All these can be avoid with some tighter tolerance in manufacturing or more careful design. Very simple mechanical design issues. . Still, I think every keen Olympus user should get it, especially since the 12mm f/2 , 17mm f/1.8 and 25mm f/1.8 are nothing special. In fact, this zoom is optically equal or when it comes to sharpness better than any of those primes. It also focuses very fast and reliably, as compared to some of the older Olympus lenses.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'be encountered the exploding lens cap - you canj see where I've glued it back together in the video. Also, you can disable the focus clutch on most Olympus bodies.

[@JefeBoss]

I've had it since I got the GX8, and it will stay when I change (soon-ish) to the G9. I still like my Oly 7-14 f2.8 more, for some reason, but that is far from a standard lens to carry around (although I tend to take the 7-14 as my only lens when doing certain activites, just to test myself and come up with creative angles and vantage points). I'm toying with the idea of completing my system with the PL 50-200, but that is still too expensive, and the G9 is priority now that it has firmware 2.0 (or is it 2.1 already?). Thanks for the vid! Oh yes, and this 12-40 is great to use on my GX8 as a webcam (with a capture card), since the manual focus clutch is really handy in those scenarios, you don't want AF hunting around.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you liked the vid! I find the manual focus clutch very handy. Sometimes you really do want focus to stay where you put it.

[@badgerag]

Love the analogy. As always great review. Thanks for sharing.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Very welcome - thanks!

[@bonynge5]

Another enjoyable relaxed review.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Michael!

[@MrBurnlan]

Hey, that's my workhorse lense ! I fucking love it !

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, a real backbone lens for a system/

[@kophotograph1803]

Can't decide between the 12-40 Oly and the 12-35 Pana for my gx80 🙈

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a hard decision. The Olympus is bigger and in many ways better especially with the bit extra range. On the other hand the Panasonic is smaller and gives you dual stabilization. I'd probably go for the Panasonic lens, mainly on the basis that the GX80 is nicely compact and the smaller Panasonic is more in keeping with its size. The one certain thing, Oliver, is that you can't make a bad choice from two such effective lenses.

[@petegleeson1]

Another helpful review David Thank you. I bought this for my EM5 so I could have a weather sealed option and I love the lens, so much so that after buying the 17mm f1.8, the zoom has ended up back on the camera even when I am shooting mainly at 17mm! Some other reviews refer to the lens as an uninspiring workhorse, I suppose it depends what else you have in your bag and how much you are hoping the lens will bring the magic?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I haven't done a direct comparison but I'd have though that optically at 17mm is was at least as good as the 17mm. My favourite lenses would all qualify as looked at as workhorses, I think. For inspiration I enjoy something extreme like a 400mm or a fisheye which force a certain type of picture on you and make you think. But not all the time. 99% of the time I want something that takes the picture I want with good quality and doesn't get in my way.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Great review, David! I'm not quite sure why I'm now hungry for porridge now that the video is over. 🤔

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Well, if you do have porridge, I hope it is just right !

[@ceriharris6283]

Great video as always. Iv'e decided to upgrade to this lens and the G9 from the GX9 and the 12 to 60 kit lens. I really like the GX9 but the lack of a decent grip was starting to annoy.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Enjoying using a camera is a big factor for me - the G9 is lovely to use.

[@pathorne8018]

Between the optics, focus clutch, build quality, and focal range, this lens will likely always see the lion's share of time on whatever body I use. It's just that good; even amongst the plethora of excellent lenses available for the system. That said, no porridge shall ever be "just right" ... Man, I hate that stuff =p

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm with you all the way up to the porridge, Pat. There I leave you. I love it so much I eat nothing else and I even sleep in a large vat of it 😀

[@seangsithorng]

Your video is a piece of art.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What can I say? Thanks you, Sithorng!

[@seangsithorng]

@@DavidThorpeMFT I've always been a fan of yours.

[@rossthefiddler5890]

I love my 12-40 lens too, but I won't give away my 12-50 lens though (that came with the E-M5) as it is fine as a back up on the E-M1 while my 12-40 & other Pro zooms (& TC's) I use on the E-M1 II.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Such a handy little lens, the 12-50. And very cheap now, too.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Really a fantastic lens, although I opted for Lumix 12-35 f2.8 because of OIS, since I work mostly with video and at the time of purchase I used a GH4 (without IBIS). As for Oly 12-50, I just love it, because the positive aspects of it are for me more important than the negative ones. I wonder if the new Olympus 12-45 f4 is a kind of new version of the old 12-50. Because it has a good Macro (or semi-macro / closeUp) capacity, it has a similar size, it is also weather-sealed and has a similar focal length. It doesn’t have the fn button nor the electric zoom (which I love for personal use), but according to the reviews I saw, it does have excellent optical quality and constant aperture. But again, I will continue with the pair 12-35 and 12-50, which I have used for years. As always a great review! Danke!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! Wind me up and I'll find a good reason for any leans you can name! They do all have their USPs and we're lucky to have such a choice. For me, I find the power zoom of the 12-50 very handy for video.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

David Thorpe I'm already looking forward and waiting for your review of oly 12-45 f4 :)

[@brianb6603]

Excellent as usual!!!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Brian!

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

You can buy it in Germany currently for around 530€. For that it is a must have.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That is cheap!

[@robertcudlipp3426]

I find this lens to be an excellent combo for my Pen F. Not too heavy & a great solution for those times when, for whatever reason, you simply don't wish to change lens.

[@jean-sebastiendh1454]

Not too heavy for pen f ? Don't know wich too choose with 12-45.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, it would be a great fit for the Pen F and the combo feels a million dollars, I bet.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I haven't tried the 12-45 but the f/2.8 aperture of the 12-40 is a big reason I bought it. It's good for use on my GX9, so on a Pen F should be even better. Optically, the 12-40 couldn't be bettered so it's really a matter of choosing on size v speed. My personal choice would be for the f/2.8, it seems almost a basic bread and butter lens with the aperture making it so much more versatile. Difficult choice, Jean-Sébastien but neither choice will be wrong.

[@jean-sebastiendh1454]

@@DavidThorpeMFT thanks 👍

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Bear in mind the extra speed of the 12-40 2.8, I believe this does make a difference.

[@RealMrGreenTeaLatte]

You finally sold your 12-35! I have been wondering which you’d keep for 5 years!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The 12-35 is a lovely lens but the extra 5mm of the Olympus seems to extend its use far more than it ought to. I suppose of you translate the difference to 24-70 as opposed to 24-80, it seems more apparent. 70mm is definitely too short for headshots. 80mm just about cuts it - I used to use an 85mm prime in my Nikon days for head shots. The Panasonic is lighter and smaller and will appeal on those grounds to others. I wouldn't quarrel with that judgement.

[@LexTNeville]

@@DavidThorpeMFT well aye, but there's more incentive to carry the 35-100 then, so there's some added weight. Though the 35-100 is one of the best things about the 12-35.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

As always Dave great run down of what appears to be a superb addition to the Olympus fleet . Just a thought 💭 will you be be testing the new Olympus 100-400mm telezoom please ? A comparison would be appreciated with my Panasonic 100mm- 300mm , it’s a Stop slower but is it a step up ? Look forward to your thoughts .

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes I am planning to get hold of one. It looks to be interesting but has competition with the Panasonic 100-400 mainly. The 100-300 is in a different class, in a way, being so much smaller and lighter and a lens you can take everywhere. I always found it sharp enough , I must say.

[@WMedl]

Yes, a very good lense, but during the day and without special goals the 12-100 f/4 is my favorite lens on my E-M-1! 12-60 f/2.8 wohld be a dream..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I think I'd prefer the the 12-100 Olympus. The 12-60 in only f/2,8 for a very short part of its range and the extra 40mm of the Olympus makes the lens very comprehensive.

[@marioarias9942]

The Olympus 12-40 2.8 is my most used lens when I travel overseas where size and weight are at a premium, now I have the pl 15mm F/1.7 . I'll never sell these lenses along with my 40-150 2.8. Now that the Olympus brand has been I'm still keeping my gear .

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm hoping Olympus will continue one way or another. Whatever, even if they go, their products still work!

[@Sebaring]

I have one as well, over all happy with it. However i do get some quite intrusive red fringing on extreme contrasts, often in heavily backlit scenes. And the lens hood did not like our swedish winter temperatures. The glue that keeps the metal ring to the plastic snapped and the ring fell off. I could re-attach it, but yeah... a bit anoying.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That's quite funny, Sebaring. If you look at the bit of the video where I mention the lens hood, you'll see the lens cap looks messy. It fell apart and I glued it back together with Araldite. I haven't noticed the fringing you mention but it may just be that I haven't shot anything extreme enough to show it up. You get those biting cold but bright blue sky days in Sweden - we rarely get cold in winter in the southern UK now and blue skies aren't so commmon..

[@Sebaring]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Hah so i'm not the only one, i guess i should mention that i've had a similar problem on my 40-150 as well. Can't really remember exactly how it looked but the back of the hood came of. Fixed that one as well, but it's not all that confidence inspiring. Loved the optical performance though, great lens. Not much a fan of the performance with the tele converter though. Got a X shaped sort of pattern in the out of focus areas. Thanks for your reply by the way 🙂👍

[@ryankwan1934]

Great lens. Oddly enough, it barely sees any use for me now that I have the PL 8-18. My walk about is usually the 8-18 f/2.8-4 with the PL 50-200 f/2.8-4 or 35-100 f/2.8 II.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I use the 8-18 much more because that wide end is so useful, pictorially as much as simply getting more in. I do the same as you out and about but I put a Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 in my bag as well just to cover eventualities. Amazing lens coverage for trivial bulk and weight especially with the 35-100 f/2.8.

[@ryankwan1934]

@@DavidThorpeMFT I'm using something along the size of a 5 L Peak Design sling due to a focus on hiking during COVID-19. Once the pandemic dies down, I'll switch to a larger bag and slot in the PL 25 f/1.4 or PL 15 f/1.7 (or both!).

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@ryankwan1934 I prefer the 25mm because it doesn't duplicate the focal lengths but you might find the 15mm more useful. Neither are exactly big, so even hiking, they shouldn't be too much of a burden. Hail the good ole' Micro Four Thirds!

[@MarioMatosYT]

Your analogy just broke me :-)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Short and to the point, my analogies, always.....:-)

[@Filmmaker809]

Hi David, love your work as always. If I have a Panasonic GH5 with a 12-35mm f/2.8 lens, would say the Olympus 12-40mm is a better lens for shooting video?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! No, not really. You have the extra 5mm but that's the only difference. You lose the dual stabilization with the Olympus lens, too.

[@Filmmaker809]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanx David. I appreciate your answer and honest feedback.

[@hankroest6836]

True and well put as always. But now the 12-45mm f4 PRO is smaller, lighter, cheaper and sharper. And, as Nigel Tufnel would say if he were here or you would say he'd say if he weren't or I would say just cuz it needs saying, this one goes to 45.

[@pwx8460]

The 12-45 is not sharper at f2.8, and I doubt so at f4. 😃

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm hoping to get hold of a 12-45 when this lockdown is over, it'll be interetsing to compare. I can't see how any lens could be sharpeer than the 12-40, though or how I'd use it if it was.

[@hankroest6836]

@@DavidThorpeMFT The lenstip.com web site seems to suggest better sharpness performance by the new lens BUT the two lenses were tested using different sensors. An interesting characteristic of both these zooms (and the 12-100/4) is that their maximum sharpness occurs at maximum aperture. This fact should be considered if you watch Robin Wong's sharpness comparison video because he shoots both only at f4 - and finds them pretty much equal, so...

[@mfreider]

P WX you would be surprised but 12-45/4 at f/4 as sharp as 17/1.2 PRO and 45/1.2 PRO stopped down to f/4. I know it is hard to believe but it is what I see on my images. This is why I want to see David’s take on 12-45/4 at some point.

[@catrionathomson8981]

Thanks for the review David. However I shall stick with the wondrous 12-50mm!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's a super little lens and capable of much more than its price would lead you to expect. Probably the closest thing to an all in one lens there is without getting bigger and unwieldy. Even then. there's nothing a s versatile,

[@kentmemories]

I have 1235/2.8 for years, but don't like the SOOC color that much.. Then I bought 1260/2.8-4.0. I like it's color and range, but I wish it has a bit more background blur at normal range and a bit sharper (I am a prime shooter). Can Oly 1240/2.8 replace my two lense? Thanks David.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's the nearest thing and apart from the missing 20mm at the long end would replace both. I'd say, yes - it's what I would do. I have had both the lenses you mention but plumped for the Olympus, which I've had for a long time now.

[@stefhendrik6977]

Do you mention anywhere how this combines with a panasonic's ibis? Does it deliver double stabilization as a Panasonic lens would? I may have missed this bit as you do go quite fast at times - you had a train to catch or something ;-) Especially the bit it where you mention all the other competing lenses and throw about all those focal length numbers. It would have helped if the lenses were pictured when you talk about them, each in turn. Instead you have a tendency to have video show/ mention different things, which does throw the viewer / listener off. That and the speed. Just saying ...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hi Stef - others have complained that I go too slowly, so it's difficult for me to judge. It's easier when I do written material because I can write slowly for those who don't read very fast. The lens isn't stabilised and wouldn't deliver dual stabilisation on a Panasonic body just as Panasonics don't with Olympus. Body stabilisation is so good now that it hardly matters and I personally use each makers lens on whatever body is to hand and convenient for what I am doing. A video like this one takes many, many hours of work. I shoot all the video, take all the stills, do all the editing and script writing. To get all the words and visuals to match up would take the time required over the edge. It sounds like my stuff isn't for you - try Ken Rockwell or Robin Wong. They prefer to chat to camera rather than shoot video and stills, which is an approach you may prefer and much less time consuming to do .

[@JeffCM1]

Using this lens, I tend to keep it on all the time. I don't even use my beautiful 17mm f1.8. Only problem is the weight

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

For most photographers, the majority of pix they take, family, landscape, what have you are in the range 12-40mm. It does seem to make the 17mm redundant. but the extra speed is handy sometimes, especially indoors. Yes, it is a bit heavy, though only comparatively so. Mind you, try the equivalent for FF 😞

[@crisrocchi2722]

Sorry David, can I ask you if it works autofocus continuous (afc) on Panasonic cameras with this lens? Thank you

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, it works perfectly. The Depth from Defocus technology doesn't operate but I don't find it makes much difference. I use my 12-40 on Panasonic or Olympus as it comes.

[@kentmemories]

I have 1235/2.8 but am not so much satisfied with the color. I also have 1260/2.8-4.0, I like the color but not so much satisfied with the sharpness, especially at longer reach. Should I replace BOTH zooms with this Oly 1240/2.8 lens? For both photo and video

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I think it might depend on what make camera body you have. Straight out of the box, Olympus do have beautiful colours while Panasonic are rather colder. It's a personal preference in the end, of course. If you don't use the 60mm end of the Panasonic lens very much, I'd say the Olympus 12-40 would be a good buy for you. There's nothing to dislike really, one of the best lenses in Micro Four Thirds.

[@minorrhoads5318]

Hi David , so looks like you did not keep that Panna Leica 12/60 2.8 to 4 which came at a reasonable price if bought with the gh5 back in the day , well i stuck with that and , yes i did always fancy that tough looking 12/40 , but as you say life's full of compromises in some areas , in the end its a speed of use thing , as 12/60 2.8/4 is fine in day light for that quality all rounder , but if i was only in low light then i would swap for the 12/40 , , so if i am stuck in low light i stick the little 25mm 1.4 , or the 42.5 1.7 , having that 12/40 on that gx9 in your thumbnail pic , perfect indoors with that built in bounce flash , as always i really enjoyed your review of the 12/40mm, and i do believe its a tad sharper than the 12/60 Leica but the Panny has a tad nicer toneh !! but as you say there is a light room , but i don't have that lol. chowsa for nowsa .

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

There's always such a balance to be struck in lens design so you can have one things but only to the detriment of another. Where we are lucky with the Micro Four Thirds system is in having so much choice.

[@minorrhoads5318]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Very true , mind boggling choices , and taking a fz1000 out is like having a day off from all the lens changing , cheers David .

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@minorrhoads5318 I suppose a 14-140 Panasonic is the nearest to that. Or maybe the 12-200 Olympus, though that seems a step too far to me.

[@minorrhoads5318]

@@DavidThorpeMFT I AGREE . SPECIALLY NOW THE 14/140 MK2 IS WATER RESISTANT TOO , BUT I WOULD MISS THE ELECTRIC ZOOM IN THE FZ FOR SOME THINGS, IT WORKS WELL ESPECIALLY IF YOU AD A TOUCH OF EXTRA ELECTRIC STABILISATION IN POST , CHEERS DAVID

[@rudolfabelin383]

You mention distortion and purple fringing is eliminated in software in the camera. If I put this lens on my Lumix GH5, will this still apply?

[@castielvargastv7931]

I dont know but with my gh5 and this lense i dont see any problems. Picture quality is fantastic

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, it will Rudolf.Actually, Olympus lenses generally have less purple fringing than Panasonic at source but what there is is compensated for in camera. It used to be the other way about, that Panasonic lenses were not corrected for fringing on Olympus bodies but that was cleared up around 5 or so years ago. You can use them interchangeably without a thought now. I find thatv with autofocus performance overall, too. See Castiel Vargas's answer below, too.

[@rudolfabelin383]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thanks a lot David. I have a 45mm f1,8 on the way in.

[@cmartin_ok]

Pancake lenses, now porridge lenses. Whatever next?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

😂 I hadn't though of that! I can't think of any more, either.

[@WhiskyRidge]

My Swiss-Army lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

🙂

[@clintjohnson5914]

Somehow,,, you always seem to come up reviews for gear or lenses that have wormed themselves onto my radar... One of these popped up on a "for sale" board locally,,,unfortunately attached to a an original OM-D EM1 and a 40-150 f4...neither of which I want/need. When I first fell under the Micro 4/3 spell, the Pana-Leica 12-60 2.8-4 was the aspirational lens...but my hesitation to go all in and sell old gear for new has left me limited to the Olympus 12-50 (which by the way I am very pleased with for $115 US) ,,,,now it seems I should give this lens a closer look. The constant aperture does have a lot of appeal. I did have a chance to use the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 for a video project ,,and it didn't bowl me over past the additional low light capabilities. It seemed to me to have problems with flair and color consistency. Perhaps it's time to be done with all the navel gazing and finally clear the shelves of some APSC and Full-Frame gear (which I haven't touched since last Fall) to open up $$ and space for some next level Micro 4/3 hardware...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'd be the last to advocate giving up FF or APS-C stuff but if you don't use it, it's just losing value all the time and might as well go. Why is it so easy for me to say that to you, Clint, and so difficult for me to take my own advice :-)

[@saltygoat]

I am taking product photos for a web site with a Canon m100. would I get any better results with an Olympus or a Panasonic G9 or any M4third camera? Anyone?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I don't think so, Barry. Provided you have the right lenses, like a proper macro for small items, there would be little difference to be seen between FF, APS-C or Micro Four Thirds results on a web page. The main thing is good quality lenses and good lighting. Even the AF doesn't matter for products since MF is easy on still subjects.

[@saltygoat]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you so much. I love your reviews.

[@GPadugan]

The only true competitor to this lens is the lumix 12-35 F2.8 and that lens, on a lumix body, would be superior because of the dual IS. I can't see how an extra 5mm of this lens on a lumix body is better than the benefit of dual IS by using the lumix lens?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

They are different things so its's a matter of what is important to the individual. Stabilisation on my camera bodies is good enough that adding the lens to it doesn't matter to me. To you it does. To me, the extra 5mm is important. I'm not saying it is in any absolute sense important, just that it is to me. My videos can only be an expression of my personal take on things.

[@GPadugan]

@@DavidThorpeMFT I agree, didn't mean it in a negative sense. just that Image stabilization in a lens adds to the price and weight. So if it isn't being utilized seems like a bit of a waste.

[@romainprovost7164]

Non compatible avec le MC-14 ? Je préfère du coup le 40-150mm F/2.8 pour un usage polyvalent.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Non compatible, oui mais ils sont très différentes

[@PabloMatsumoto]

Please make a video with your opinion on Olympus sell and the future of MFT which seems at risk

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I just don't have any more information than anyone else, unfortunately, Pablo.

[@garryneil753]

Any comments on Olympus selling imaging?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Nothing with any factual backing other than what Googling comes up with. I have no trade contacts or anything but I'm not even sure that Olympus would know yet.

[@garryneil753]

David Thorpe Thanks. That’s an interesting comment. From what one can discern in public documents Olympus has had real leadership and strategy challenges. Their executive management team was fired in disgrace for financial fraud. They were subsequently convicted and ordered to may half a billion dollars in restitution. The new management team are under pressure from American activist shareholders to divest unprofitable businesses with imaging topping the list. Share prices are up nicely since the announcement and also on news of good growth prospects in microscopes and endoscopes, their main business. What’s being said about the future of the imaging business is very confusing. One doesn’t know what to believe, again showing a lack of leadership competence. They had a muddled strategy before and it was a clear money loser. Will JIP restructure the business just to make a quick return, or would they bring in a better and committed leadership team, retain the engineering, focus on a segment they can lead keep going? Of course the deal hasn’t even priced let alone closed. A lot can happen. Meanwhile I will keep taking pictures, watching your videos and buying your books.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@garryneil753 Thanks, Gary. It would be a real tragedy if Olympus went down. What a shame - like VW - that such respected companies get infiltrated by short termist criminal types. At the moment, with this epidemic, everything seems up in the air. How you'd make long term business decisions or commencements in this atmosphere I don't know.

[@garryneil753]

I think you can look beyond the virus and turmoil ( it’s all real but it’s also amplified by our (US) election and will settle down once we have that behind us in November). The new normal will be interesting (more masks, sanitizers and Zoom than before) but people are people and we will live our lives and their will be effective treatment if not a vaccine). The bigger question for the imaging business is what/who is the market. I reckon that the real core camera market is around $20 BN globally and pretty steady. The number of so called professional photographers is dropping, but advanced amateurs (your audience I dare say) is steady/growing, especially the high end. Olympus has a 3% market share, higher in Japan. They never segmented that market appropriately and tried to spread their offerings too broadly in my opinion. If I were JIP I would dump all the low end stuff (I know Japanese girls still buy them as a fashion accessory but not for long) and focus on the true professionals, serious amateurs and VLOGGERS. The M10, and even the M5 don’t make a lot of sense. Make a true vloggers camera out of one of them. Beef up the video on the M1 and M1X. Turn the M5 mkiii into a PenF 2 (and dump all the pseudo pens)

[@bamsemh1]

Too much Panasonic talk here. We get it, you love pana.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I use both marques and don't differentiate between them. One of the reason you don't see the E-M1 Mark III that I use all the time is that....I'm using it to photograph the Panasonics. But....isn't the lens I'm reviewing an Olympus[ or am I missing something?

[@cataclysmic911]

David, enjoy your videos very much. However, off topic: Thoughts about Olympus selling off its camera division and what it may mean to photography and more specifically Micro 4/3 format? I recon that’s 50% of the 4/3 market perhaps going away completely. After using this format and considering size, weight, and cost, I’ll never go back to full frame. Thank you.

[@RimantasLiubertas]

David's opinion will change absolutely nothing about the deal, so there is no point for him to speculate. Actually, anyone speculating about it just wastes his time, and anybody watching/listening to these speculations waste their own time. Go take pictures instead. We don't even know what the deal is. Not even Olympus and JIP know what the final deal is. However, no matter what your cameras and lenses will not stop working, because of it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Whatever happens the Micro Four Thirds stuff I have will last for a long time so I don't have any worries on that score. The whole camera market appears to be suffering right now and the epidemic only tosses the balls higher in the air. We'll have to wait and see what happens but I can't see Olympus cameras and lenses ceasing to be. I have no solid information at all though and since neither Panasonic or Olympus have ever replied to my emails., I'm not likely to have 😐

[@davidward4329]

It is a perfect len but it has not a sweet spot . Just taking perfect photos, auto so good these days , were is the effort you put in. Sold it to get manaul. Retro classic Korean glass . It has more character . And a much more interesting time working . Auto focus , perfect lens. Send me to sleep . Thanks for Great video

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Refreshing to hear such an Interesting and different point of view, David. One of the most useful things about the Micro Four Thirds system with its short lens flange to sensor distance is that most non-native lenses can be adapted to it. If part of the object of photography is to simply enjoy it - as I hope it is - those cheapo/retro/old FF/ specialised lenses are a gold mine. Great comment, thank you.

[@davidward4329]

David Thorpe . P.s had been using the Olympus 12 to 40 for the last 5 years and it needed a service

[@AndrewSowerby]

"just right, albeit inedible" Well, you can't have everything, Dave.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

S'true! :-)

[@itsjusttimk]

I normally love your work man but this video really missed the mark by not comparing it to the olympus 12-100

[@pwx8460]

He was comparing f2.8 or faster optics. I'm confident the 12-100 is excellent, but the f2.8 opens up a lot of options. Oh and at a physically smaller size than the 12-100 and yet faster.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I have to buy the lenses I review, TimK and I am not a rich man. Neither Olympus or Panasonic answer my emails to there's nothing I can do. Personally, I'd compare the Olympus 12-100 with the Panasonic 14-140 rather than this one.

[@itsjusttimk]

@@DavidThorpeMFT most people I think would decide between the 12-40 and 12-100 as they come with stabilization, splash proof, sharpness. While yes the Pan 14-140 ii is nice it doesn't come close to the edge to edge sharpness that comes with oly "pro" lenses. I think a lot of people are thinking of it as possibly carry one zoom 12-100 and a 17mm or 25mm prime and 45mm prime for the low light stuff. Maybe try talking to camera shops to borrow lenses? I know a lot of guys do that for reviews

[@stehlealexander]

What about 12-45mm.. 😉

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Rather expensive and I can't afford one at the moment. I'll try to borrow one from my friends at ePHOTOzine- www.ephotozine.com/ when lockdown is over.

[@stehlealexander]

David Thorpe sorry, i thought OLYMPUS Or a Photo Store Would give you One to try

[@epv221]

Everything old is new again.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Do you mean me? 😂

[@epv221]

David Thorpe I think of you as mature - like a fine wine.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@epv221 Flattery will get you everywhere, Martha !

[@MrSilvestre587]

Leica Q is the best camera in my opinion, not point and shoot cameras despite good glasses and high - tech bodies.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

If you feel an Olympus E-M1 Mark III and this lens is a point and shoot then you don't know much about photography. Does another camera have to be bad so that yours can be good? That's terribly childish, you know.

[@MrSilvestre587]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Olympus is an amazing brand, don't get me wrong. The only thing I miss is the diafragm ring and the numbers in the lenses (or in-body depth of field info) as it is seen in Fuji or Leica M lenses.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

@@MrSilvestre587 Quite a few Panasonic lenses have an aperture ring. I don't personally use it because I find a front or rear body dial more intuitive. The depth of field indication, you need only press the preview button to see your DoF on screen. Acceptable hyperfocal distances are not well catered for by indicators on the lens because they will vary with individual requirement. For me, with a 54° AoV lens, a setting of 2m at f/8 gives me acceptable sharpness from 1.5m to infinity viewed on my 27" monitor. You may have higher requirements, so 2m and f/11 would be better. Or 2.5m and f/8.