A Look At The Olympus 25mm f/1.8 Standard Lens For Micro Four Thirds Cameras

[@edwardrf]

we miss you here. glad that you live on in youtube algorithm.

[@paulsebring5326]

David still influencing my purchasing decisions. Miss you.

[@glennsak]

David, your legacy lives on with this channel.

[@FrancisRouberty]

Thank you for this usefull review. This channel is the best about MFT products. Comments are often valuable.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm exceptionally lucky with the commentators on my channel - knowledgeable and reasonable. They play a big part in it.

[@ordinosaurs]

So I finally had both the P25 and O25 in my hands. And being an Olympus guy through and through, I instantly sold the P25 after over a year of using it. Not that the P25 is bad. For the price you can't really fault it, but I had some gripes with it, and finally I found a used O25 in its ballpark used price - so it was a matter of testing both, and selling the one I liked less. Off the P25 then. For starters, the P25 is certainly more evenly sharp across the frame, not by a huge margin, but the O25 has a real edge in the centre. Then the P25 is afflicted by focus shift between f/2 and f/4 or thereabout. To extract the optimal sharpness of the lens, it must be focused stopped down - then it can even compete with the legendary P20/1.7. But it's a chore in street photography where speed is of the essence. The O25 is optimal without jumping through hoops. Finally, this is very subjective, but the handling of the O25 is IMO better. The focusing ring is just a wee bit stiffer, feeling more direct, and the diameter is smaller making for a more inconspicuous looking camera. Is it worth the difference in retail price ? No, but given the choice on an equal footing, the Olympus is a slightly better choice. At least for me.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It's your choice that matters, of course. The difference in retail price isn't so great as to make the Olympus seem expensive, after all.

[@ordinosaurs]

@@DavidThorpeMFT : new there's a 45% markup on the Olympus side... I swapped because I scored mine 2nd hand at the price of the Panasonic. The difference is not significant enough to justify a premium price otherwise.

[@broskaheiko8203]

I bought it when it comes out and did a lot of my favourite pictures with it. Such a compact, lightweight lens, great performer. If the panasonic really performs as well than it is the best buy for the mft System. With this fast 25 lenses, a side by side bokeh comparison might be interesting. thx David for all your great reviews they are a pleasure to look. Its nice to see there are people like you that share the love for this "toycamerasensorsystem". btw a review of the Olympus 75 would be great!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Funny you mention the 75mm - I just mentioned that i'd like to try one in another comment. I see if I can get hold of one.

[@clintjohnson2460]

I am happy I found your channel....Its one of the most informative M4/3 sources I have found,,,,no crazy over-charged hype...just the straight scoop delivered ,,seemingly.. without any particular bias. I was also pleased to see the use of an Olympus Pen F,, I recently had a chance to use one extensively and I sort of became a bit,,,, obsessed,,, with it. Wonderful, tactile piece of gear and the images were outstanding (using the Leica 25mm 1.4 and the Leica 12-60 2.8). The only problem with your videos,,it sounds like I'm getting advice from Jason Statham,, and I'm too afraid to ever disagree with you...

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Disagree with me? No-one disagrees with me, Clint. They've seen what happens to people who did :-) Glad you found the video useful and yes, the Pen F is a very tactile and beautiful object, the sort of thing you want to leave somewhere you can see it even when you are not using it.

[@lolzifer]

I've been following your YT channel for years and I've always wondered:"How come that David has never reviewed the Oly 25mm f1.8?". Now I can check this off my list of things to do (to watch?), hooray!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Hooray indeed! ePHOTOzine and Josh Waller there have been (and are) incredibly helpful with getting me stuff I'd like to review. I buy a lot myself as well, camera bodies in particular because I need those for a long period to get to know them.

[@SoobinOh]

I have recently become obsessed with photography and videography with nothing more than an iPhone 6 (which I've learned is rather capable). Your video reviews were so compelling that in researching my first camera system purchase I decided to go with the Panasonic gx8 for that mix of video and photo capabilities. So thank you for your amazing reviews. You have inspired this budding amateur and I will watch every video as soon as it is posted!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

It makes me walk on air to read that Soobin - thanks so much!

[@fngqrie]

God bless you, Sir. I am thinking about buying 25mm f1.8 and prayed you made a video about this lens, and you do. Thank you so much!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Well, I heard you wanted a video on this lens so i went right out and made one. How's that for personal service :-)

[@fngqrie]

+David Thorpe *BIG HUGS*

[@vonSchwarzschild]

It is my favorite lense for my PEN-F

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, nice match. prefer the 17mm focal length myself but there's something for all of us in Micro Four Thirds!

[@vonSchwarzschild]

17mm also nice, but I think it is a lot more difficult to design the scene with 17mm.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, very much personal choices for these things. From film days, I always had a 35mm lens, as did very other news man because they were so good for closeish action, riots, etc. The habit has never left me, though the riots have, luckily.

[@conradososa6238]

I still prefer the sigma primes, they are cheaper albeit a bit slower at 2.8 but for the price, I think I rather pick up the 19mm and the 30mm together. Also great videos as always, definitely the best micro four thirds content out of youtube by far.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks very much Conrado. Yes, great lenses those Sigmas and we're fortunate t have such choices.

[@keithspillett7312]

Excellent video as usual. Thanks.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks for that m Keith, much appreciated.

[@sonvfave]

it really is a balance, with cost size performance all adding into the mix. I found the pan leica 25 1.4 a bit nicer, and due to my love of manual work it sits unused and is going to my great but not enough used for sale pile... I know I can use it as a manual lens.. but its seems a bit wasted and there are again many many choices for the ones willing to use adapters.. but I digress.. enjoying your work as always David! thank you

[@vmcauley]

Keep up the good work David - the best mft channel on the net.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Wow! What can I say except thanks and I'm very glad you think so!

[@jangarcia1338]

I think i'll buy the panasonic 25mm 1.7 after watching your review (another excellent review as usual). Do you find any difference in the creaminess of the bokeh?

[@peternguyen937]

I'm wondering which prime lens would better pair with my 17/1.8 -- the 25 or 45mm/1.8? Thanks for any advice you may have. Your videos are tops. No fan-boy nonsense.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Peter. Definitely the 45mm. The 17mm is not so wide that its results look like a wide-angle shot so at a pinch it can double for the 25mm. The 45mm is just a very useful all round lens. I love it for landscape with its natural perspective and it has nicely limited depth of field for portraits. 35/90mm was a classic prime pairing for Leica users, 35/85mm for DSLR users and 17/45 does the same job for Micro Four Thirds. A combination made in heaven :-)

[@peternguyen937]

Thank you, David. It's certainly a very potent combo for very light packing -- 17mm + 45 mm.

[@i-am-mai7133]

@peternguyen Same dilemma as yours though I have the 17/2.8. Now i will add 45/1.8. I will buy this lens even thou JIP will acquire Olympus imaging division.

[@twoblink]

I think you feel that way vs the Panasonic because you reviewed it backwards. When I was looking at the 25mm way back when; it was this one or the F1.4 from Panasonic. So this was a good price comparatively. I bought mine for $200USD New.. At $399 it's way way too expensive for a normal lens. But it's a great lens. Fast focus; sharp; and good Bokeh. Versatile as I prefer the 50mm equivalent perspective to the 35mm. Love your reviews.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the review, Albert, thanks. You are right about the reviewing backwards. The Olympus 25mm was always on the expensive side but not unacceptably so. It's just that the Panasonic f/1.7 is a bit of a bargain.

[@MyRetroJourney]

I really like my Olympus 25mm, optically it's one of the best of my 11 FT/mFT lenses. Mine has very good corner performance, I can't imagine the Panasonic to be better in this regard.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I found the Panasonic a bit better across the frame at the widest apertures but as I said, nothing to influence a choice.

[@rentedtux1883]

I would rather use the OM 50mm 1.8. Obviously you have to focus...like in the old days, but the reward is greater. The newer, digital lenses, seem to lack that one thing. Uniqueness. Great video.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks! I have a great fondness for the old lenses. They aren't the best technically for digital cameras but they have, as you say, unique qualities. There's more to photography than sharpness!

[@ChristopherMichaelR]

Excellent review David!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Christopher!

[@mps8021]

All of the copies of this lens I've tested recently have been decentered along the left border even when stopped down. It appears the focus plane is tilted forward on the left side and is a manufacturing issue. It's a shame because I like everything else about this lens, but for landscape use I'll have to go with one of the Panasonic 25mm lenses.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Interesting. I have no idea how decentering happens but it seems a common complaint.

[@1fareast14]

If I used 50mm eq. more, I'd probably switch my 25mm panasonic for this. My copy shows focus shift (spherical abberation) that's noticeable from f2.5-4.5. Since that focal length gets little use (prefer 35 and 85 mm eq.) i"m all right with it. I think the Camerahoarders channel was able to replicate the issue. Also, I find the panasonic 25 to be large for what it is, and it feels like throws off the balance on my GX85. Fair trades for the price, though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I agree about the price. I didn't find any problem with focus shift, try as I might but others report it as you say so it isn't a one-off and needs to be born in mind.

[@sonvfave]

some how this lens did not make the cut and was returned, perhaps I had a bad copy... I do like it with faster lens stepping down to f2 crazy good... nice shot of the wet leaf..

[@Xtr4s4]

This year I've managed to buy both Olympus 75mm and Olympus 25mm used. Never regretted a second. So was curious what your thoughts on this was. It's spot on in my opinion. :)

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks. I really must try to get hold of a 75mm some time, everyone seems to love it.

[@JeevesTCW]

Looking for a 2nd hand Oly 25mm f1.8 David. I once had the Pana 1.7 version you refer to but for me it is too big for a m43 50mm equiv prime esp with a hood and I just never enjoyed using it & some would suggest the pana handles flare badly. So for me the olympus is worth the little extra Im likely to pay 2nd hand being nothing like the new price premium. The Oly 25mm is also much better at continuos focusing with video on the Oly bodies & I have the E-M5ii. Hope you are well btw Rich.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'm ok , thanks Richard. Prices for the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 seem to be around £160 which is pretty good for such a lens and comparable to the Panasonic f/1.7 new.

[@kent2000100]

I enjoy your videos immensely!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Good to hear that, Kent, thank you!

[@GoGoRamon]

Thank you for your videos. I got into photography last year, I wanted to shoot in manual while traveling Europe. I purchased the Olympus OMD-EM10 ii and paired it with this lens. I love the 25mm f/1.8 as it's compact and made a great walking travel camera. I've been saving up to upgrade and really try to take the next step. I've been looking at the Olympus M.ZUIKO 12-40mm F2.8 PRO. Am I being too ambitious? Any other lens suggestions? Should I be looking for a longer focal length?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad you like the videos, Ramon. No, I don't think you are being too ambitious, the 12-40mm is a real high performer. I doubt you'll see any drop in IQ compared to the 25mm. For travel, the 12-32mm and 35-100 Panasonic mini zooms make little compromise in IQ but are amazingly small. Those and the 25mm you have would make a very comprehensive outfit. So, yes, I do think you'd find a longer focal length worth having. Plus,your Olympus is very compact and the two lenses I mention match it for size. Avoid the 14-42mm Olympus pancake, by the way.

[@darrendavenport3334]

Ramon Montez good work ramon .... im proud of you like my own son.....

[@Leptospirosi]

There is something you did not took in account when you set this side by side with Panasonic 25mm 1.7: this may cost more, but the Panasonic lens is infamous for it's focus shifting problems between F2.8 ad F4, an issue the Olympus lens (or the older 20mm 1.7) are not affected by. The Panasonic 25mm also has terrible chromatic aberrations when not corrected in camera, so stay away from it if you have an Olympus body. Finally, the Panasonic 25mm suffers heavily from focus breathing, which is almost absent in the 25mm form Olympus. A fast check about "focus shifting" will rapidly point you to Panasonic 25 f1.7 as one of the most pre-eminent examples. Panasonic may have a cheaper lens which can take good images, but Olympus definitely has a better lens when it comes to design, with almost no issues across the whole range of uses you can put it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I can't seem to get the focus shifting effect at all - maybe just a lucky lens example.

[@drillthrallable]

...didn't know about those price differences. Thanks, David. On another note, what do your old work-mates think about your move to the lighter in weight micro 4/3 format? Any humorous or other observations would be fun to hear.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

They're such a practical bunch - if the pictures are OK, they aren't very interested in the cameras. I showed my GH4 with the Noctricron f/1.2 on it and they were very impressed with focus speed and compactness. They wouldn't use one for the simple reason that they couldn't be sure of its reliability, plus if on a job they wanted to borrow a lens from another photographer, who would have a Micro Four Thirds lens? No-one, whereas a Canon or Nikon would always be available. Plus, the big two have fast turnaround professional facilities, servicing, lens loan and repair facilities at major sports events. All very dull and practical, really!

[@drillthrallable]

Interesting. They would no doubt appreciate lighter gear for the long hours they put in, but I suppose reliable phase-detect is really needed in the political, entertainment, nature and sports worlds they work in.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes and there's also an inherent conservatism in that the gear you use may not be the very best for a given job but you know it and you know it works and there's a heavy financial investment in the system and accessories. And when buying departments purchase, they will always go for the industry standard.

[@Leptospirosi]

Just one question about this 25mm: several reviews seems to agree the Olympus 25mm is actually slightly shorter in focal lenght in respect to the Panaleica 25 f1.4 allowing for a slightly wider view angle. what about the Panasonic 25mm f1.7? About the 17mm I recently bought one and even if not as sharp as the 15mm panaleica I have to admit it's very good. My take is that quality control of these "low price" lenses is somehow erratic and some of gge reviewers must have got a bad sample. Darren Miles seems to agree with you about the 17mm being very good in his review. The only thing I don't like is cromatic aberration which I find annoying to fix in postprocessing. It is also the reason because I prefer the Oly 25mm to the 25mm 1.4 and arguably the 1.7 form Panasonic.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The true actual focal length of any lens changes a bit at different focusing distances so a 25mm lens will only be that when focused at infinity. With all my lenses of similar focal length, none are consistent, some wider, some a bit longer but I have no way of knowing which is accurate. And it doesn't matter, luckily, since the differences are small. Unfortunately, Olympus bodies don't compensate for Panasonic lens CA - Olympus lenses generally have much less of it anyway. I find the CA pretty easy to correct in LightRoom but I'd prefer it not to be there, of course. The 17mm, most people who use it find it good. Maybe bad examples are out there, as you say.

[@stephenmason5682]

The olympus 25mm f1.8 black is currently on sale at Wex for £380.!!

[@rymdskrotet]

A really good overview of this lens. I've had this lens for a couple of years now, and it's my "every-day" lens. I have been thinking of getting the 17mm f1.8, but from what Ive heard, its not that sharp, really. From what Ive heard, the 12-40 PRO is even sharper. Whats the truth about the "17" ? Should I look at Panasonic instead if I want to get somehing wider than 25mm? =)

[@ChillaxANDTravel]

rymdskrotet the 17 is not geat optically but I think it is David's favourite lens. The PL 15mm is widely accepted as being far better optically.

[@martinwermuth5012]

Oh nice! You are near Gruissan? My parents bought a house nearby, in Armissan, almost 40 years ago and we have been coming down there several times every year ever since. I am going to start cycling down there next week from Germany (if and when my GX8 arrived). I should be down there in about 4 weeks time. I kind gather you prefer the Panasonic 25 over this one because of price alone. I kind of agree. Do you have a preference between the Panasonic 25 and the 20 f/1.7 II?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I spend about four months a year in a village near Bram, the other side of Carcassonne so it's just over an hour's trip down the autoroute to Gruissan. Lovely part of the world and great cycling on and off road too. The 25mm and 20mm, I prefer the focal length of the 20mm but the more modern focusing performance of the 25mm would sway me. Put it on a GX8 and it just seems to focus instantly in the dimmest light. I really enjoy that responsiveness.

[@martinwermuth5012]

David Thorpe Yes, I guess if I were to use it for street photography in a low light setting, responsiveness would matter quite a bit. Sold

[@danneukirch4486]

the 20 1.7 is a fair bit smaller and in my mind a nicer construction. It's also very sharp (not sure how the 25 compares). I agree with the slower autofocus being a downer though.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The 20 and 25mm would be, in practical use, very similar in performance, that is, both very sharp. If I preferred the 20mm focal length, which I do, I wouldn't let the focusing performance put me off. It's not as if it is bad, as such, just less good than the more recent designs. As it happens, I prefer 17mm to either of them so I'm catered for nicely by the Olympus 17mm f/1.8.

[@martinwermuth5012]

Thanks for the heads up. I kind of ignored that lens because on the chip.de site (kind of my go-to site) the picture quality does not score too highly. I do want the wide angle low light capabilities, however. So I am now spending time reading up on that lens. It is not the cheapest, unfortunately.

[@dhedc]

Great video. Thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, David!

[@292864575]

It is a very concise review comparing the 2 lenses which I really needed. I am currently using an olympus EPL9 and using 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens and looking to expand the lenses collection. I am going to Iceland and likely take a lot of scenic photos, especially Northern lights, fingers crossed. I am debating whether to get the Panasonic or Olympus 25mm F1.7/1.8 (for better aperture for the northern lights/?weather proof) or another longer focal length lenses (for variety/purpose) as I have read a post that say my original lens may be sufficient for the Northern lights? Would you be able to give me some advice, please? Thank you for your help.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The northern lights really require some foreground in the shot to give a sense of scale so a 25mm probably wouldn't be particularly useful. Your 14-42mm should do the job, most likely at 14mm. The main reason for faster lenses would be to keep the ISO down and if the if the lights are moving quickly but I wouldn't think that would be too crucial. So much depends on the strength of the lights. I don't think weather proofing would be necessary since if it is raining you won't see the lights anyway and dust is unlikely to be in the air. A 12mm f/1.4 or even f/2 would be useful but these are rather expensive to buy for one purpose. Probably an ideal lens would be the Laowa 7.5mm f/2. There's some good advice from an expert here - rez-photography.com/best-camera-settings-for-northern-lights-photography/

[@292864575]

@@DavidThorpeMFT Thank you for your reply. I had a read of the website you gave. It appears that his photos are taken in 14mm f1.8/f2.8 and I am currently having a look at your recommendations as well, they are definitely a priceier option. I now understand my kit will possibly be sufficient for a short trip with changing the shutter speed and ISO to compensate the low aperture. As I am going to whale watching as well, thats why I was think about a longer focal length, may change my mind and get a completely different lens. Much appreciated with your reply!

[@kamranhkhan]

Good review

[@siroz1]

I truly appreciate and enjoy your reviews. I just recently am getting into m43 lens. I purchased the JVC GY-LS300 and it's a m43 mount. It came with the rokinon 35mm m43 lens which I love and it great for video. but the lens is big. I'd like to get a smaller lens and I am tore between Olympus 17mm and panasonic 20mm. Basically any of the Olympus and panasonic lens. Do you find one better then the other for video. Thank you in advance.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I wouldn't recommend the 20mm for video simply because of its less than stellar focusing performance. It's OK but in low light not so good and a bit slow at all times. The Olympus 17mm works well in every respect provided you can live with the slightly wider angle would be a better buy while still being nicely compact. You have the very useful pull back collar for instant manual focus, too.

[@siroz1]

Mr.Thorpe thank you so much for responding back. I appreciate that very much. I was thinking 17 since the it's a 2 crop factor correct which would bring it to about 34. so close to 35 mm and I was also gonna look at a 25mm lens which would give 50mm in essence?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, same AOV as a 50mm on FF sensor. All of the 25mm lenses for Micro Four Thirds are good. I'd see no particular reason to pay more than Panasonic ask for their 25mm f/1.7 myself. The difference between the 17 and 25mm choices are purely down to your preferred focal length, they are all top performers.

[@siroz1]

Again thank you very much for your time with this matter. keep making awesome reviews. Best reviews on KZbin.

[@siroz1]

Best reviews on KZbin.

[@Itgeneticscouk]

Would be interested to see your view on this vs the new 25mm 1.2PRO and whether it is worth the differential

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, i'd like to see one. The already available 25mms are as sharp as is necessary so any improvement is likely to be academic. The f/1.2 will cut the depth of field but there's a point when pursuing depth of field effects on a smaller sensor is self-defeating both in size and price.

[@Itgeneticscouk]

I'm inclined to agree. It certainly looks a lot larger - as does the price tag! Whilst I'm sure that the bokeh will be even better - is it >£500 better.... I wonder.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

In the end that's a decision for each photographer but a very large and expensive standard lens doesn't appeal to me. Many will disagree, though and I'm glad of that. Lens choice is the joy of Micro Four Thirds and a I don't doubt that a 25mm f/1.2 will be exactly what some photographers have been waiting for.

[@TheArjunsud]

Hello David, as a beginner with Olympus EP3 and the 14-42mm kits lens, I can only afford one prime lens, and seems the real choice is between 17mm,25mm, 45mm in the f1.8. Thinking of the 25mm since its gives me decent portrait capability, and with panorama through software, I can also get most of the 17mm benefits. So is the 25 mm a good beginner choice, or is it a neither here nor there kinda lens? Separately, why are the comparable DSLR lenses so much cheaper? I always assumed the micro 43 were more value than DSLR, but seems I am wrong :(

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

If you want to do portraits _and_ landscapes, I guess a 25mm would be the best compromise. Actually, I use my 45mm for landscapes a lot since I like the natural perspective it gives but I think i'm unusual in that. The 17mm is the best all round general purpose lens in my opinion but not the best for portraits. I'd probably go for the 25mm in that case. Don't forget to take a look at the Panasonic 25mm f/17. It's a lot cheaper in most countries and just as good optically. In general, Micro Four Thirds lenses are similar in price to their larger counterparts. A Nikon 35mm f/1.8 is about £400 in the UK, the Olympus 17mm is around the same or a bit less. DSLR lenses sell in bigger numbers than Micro Four Thirds ones is probably the reason but designing and building a Micro Four Thirds lens doesn't cost any less than an FF one, unfortunately.

[@raygeary1698]

Nice. Concise. Review. Dave Thx

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thank you, Ray.

[@elvampirochino]

David, great review as always. I am really conflicted between this lens and the 17mm 1.8. May I ask for thoughts between the two? Thanks and greetings from the Pacific Northwest!.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What a beautiful region you live in! I've been to Seattle and to the east of Washington state. I have a gripe about America - there's too much of it and I could never see it all :-( The 25mm and 17mm, my feeling is that the 17mm is that bit more versatile. It's wide enough to use in a city scape and its long enough, just about, for a portrait, so long as you don't frame too tight. The 25mm is a bit better for portraits but is very restrictive otherwise. I think my past shows up here, in that every press photographer I knew used a 35mm as their standard lens, as I did. A bit wide, a bit long. You never knew what you might come across and a 35mm (on 35mm film) was the nearest thing to a do it all lens. That was before great quality zooms, of course. It was also, back then, as wide as you could go and still get a fast aperture. Ultimately, you can usually get nearer a subject but it is often impossible to get further away!

[@enricke7907]

I'm really confused on what to choose between Oly 25mm f1.8 and 45mm f1.8.. I already have the 14-42mm kit and 40-150mm zoom lens. I'm new to photography and I'm not much into street photography.. I like shooting landscapes, seascapes and a bit of portraits. Can someone suggest what should I choose between those two? Thanks!

[@peternguyen937]

The 25 will suit the landscapes better with its wider angle. Better still is the 17/1.8 if you don't want a zoom (which you already have two of). For me, the "dark horse" is the Oly 12-50 with all of its options, including Macro.

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Nice little review, seasoned with good ol' British sense for stinginess.

[@davidthorpe7732]

:-)

[@duecky]

Would you choose the 25mm over the 17mm if you could only pick one of these lenses?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

No, I'd go for the 17mm. It's an angle of view that I have always used, a little wide but not wide enough for perspective exaggeration to be a problem. A 25mm standard I find a little restrictive. It's a personal choice, though and plenty of photographers would opt for the 25mm without a second thought.

[@sionhannuna5418]

Great review as always David. I have this lens. I don't love it despite it being critically sharp, fast focusing, well built and compact. It is very "neutral" and lacks charm. Also, 50mm (35mm equivalent) is no mans land for me. Not really flattering for portraits, too tight for indoor environmental portraiture and flattens landscape images without having reach. I'd sell it but have one wonderful picture of my youngest son I took with it.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Thanks, Sion. Sentimental value then ;-) I took one of my favourite ever pictures of my son on a 50mm Nikon lens. Like you, it's not my favourite focal length but I always associated the lens with that picture.

[@Tzadeck]

50mm is a hard focal length to use... but the longer I take pictures the more I like it. I swore by a 35mm being the best walk around lens for years, but I've come to accept that with a 35mm you get more great shots but less excellent ones. 50mm is harder to use, but when you nail a shot it really have a lovely artistic feel.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

What you illustrate very well is that taking photographs is a very personal thing. In the end, the best is the one that works for _you_.

[@МихаилВасильев-ш8о]

Very sharp lens, but it's not a 'cheap lens'. Well, at least it has a blend from a box. On my tests it was sharper, than panaleica 25/1.4 from f/4. But if you still didn't have this lens and have extra money, then probably you should wait photokina 2016, where, according to rumors, Olympus will introduce 25 f/1.2 pro series lens.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, the reason for the Panaleica is the f/1.4 aperture. If you don't use that aperture as a matter of course, the other two 25mm do just as well. Be interesting to see the f/1.2s. Actually, new Micro Four Thirds stuff is always interesting.

[@Leptospirosi]

IMO, you can check side by side three samples from any brand and you will probably see a noticeable difference telling one form another: there are over and underperforming lenses, unless you are paying that huge plus for Quality control, the kind you find form Leica and Zeiss.

[@ДимкаШудренко]

Hello, could you manually change diaphragm on this lens?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

No, a few Panasonic lenses have a manual aperture ring but no Olympus. Panasonic 25mms don't have the manual ring either, by the way.

[@ДимкаШудренко]

@@DavidThorpeMFT okay, thank so much

[@dice3809]

I have a oly 17mm f1.8 now. I was looking for pana 25mm f1.7. but the 17mm was at a half price brand new. So grabbed it not regretting it. However I have a dilemma now. I can get a pana 25mm f1.7 next month, or wait a little longer and snatch oly 25mm f1.8 or pana 25mm f1.4. Which one would not be a disappointment compared to my 17mm f1.8?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You fell on your feet with the 17mm - one of my all time favourite lenses. The Panasonic and Olympus 25mm are similar in performance, both excellent. The Summilux f/1.4 has the extra speed but real world performance is not much better than its cheaper competition. It is also bigger. If money was _no object at all_, I'd buy the f/1.4, provided I was convinced I would keep it a long time and that I really wanted the extra speed. For myself, I'd prefer to buy the Olympus 45mm F/1.8 instead of any 25mm since 17 and 45 make such a nice prime set. What I'd ideally do is buy the Panasonic 25mm and put the money saved towards buying a 45mm.

[@dice3809]

Indeed the 17mm was a godsend, I love it. I also have first version of the 14mm pana and i like too though its not as sharp at times. So 2 out of 3 street photography lens are in my bag. I am still hellbent on 25mm because when i got more serious with photography i bought film camera first with 50mm so I really miss that focal length. But you are right, maybe i should skip 25mm and go for 45mm ( i saw it used in good condition for like 230 $ and little more brand new). However I have my om50mm f1.8 already with an adapter. Of course its little soft and you need to nail the focus but I was thinking about pana 42.5mm f1.7 for a slightly different perspective from the 50mm and it would like 15mm difference not 10mm. I have a cmount 35mm f1.6 and it works nice for portraits and it can be suprisingly sharp. So maybe in order to quench my hunger for 25mm i will buy a cmout 25mm f1.4 for like 40$ and see which focal length suits me better. Btw, when is that g85 review coming out? I know you got a faulty model but But can't wait for your review. Ive had a preview of this camera in the shop and it was quite nice though little too big, kills the philosophy of mft...but the features! Just what I was looking for travel photo gear though i doubt itwill be good for street.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

There's a case for buying every lens there is. The Panasonic 42.5 f/1.7 is a good lens but dearer than the Olympus. It's a better all round lens, being a later design though in terms of sharpness, not too different from the Olympus. I'm putting together the G85 review right now so a few days. It put me right back because most reviewers borrow their cameras but I like to use them and get to know them and that takes more than a week or two. Worth it in the end, though.

[@dice3809]

Ineed, there is a case for every lens. However, I am chosing my lens carefuly in order not to think much about new lens after I got my dream set (pana 14mm f2.5-owned, oly17mm f1.8-owned, chinese c-mount 35mm f1.6-owned, pana 42.5mm f1.7, sigma 60mm f2.8, pana 25mm f1.4 and maybe the only zoom worth getting- oly pro 7-14mm f2.8 as the last, but that one after a body upgrade). I am looking forward to your review of g85, as your reviews of mft gear are always plesant to watch, listen to or even rewatch. Though after a lot of reading and looking at the camera, testing it out in the shop I can say that g85 probably won't be for me mainly due to size, eventhough ergonomics and tilting screen are a dream. And unfortunetly, they gonna peddle it in my region with just with kit zoom, won't even sell body only. I really like panasonic's offerings, especially my previous dream camera gx7 (oh, that wonderful tilting evf) but for my tastes (travel, portraits and street) oly em5 mkII would be best choice considering thigs I want: IBIS,fuly articulated screen, small and slim, weather sealing, 1/16000 shutter speed and focus bracketing. Would be nice if it had 4k photo, removed AA filter and post focus too but I can live without these features.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

There's always something missing from every camera. It'd be awful if a perfect camera came along, though! It does sound like the E-M5 Mkll has your name on it. Lovely camera.

[@bozo859]

So David, have you given up on hammering Olympus for charging separately for the lens hood? Just kidding - first class review as always!

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Haha! Actually, they do supply one with this, just didn't send it to me. I could pride myself that I shamed them into it but I doubt it :-)

[@zjeu]

I have the Panasonic Leica 25mm F1.4 and I’m not really used to it... I see a lot of purple colors especially on the edges of white items.. Does it happen on this 25mm? P/S I only take pictures using auto on my camera 🤨 so I don’t know much about the technical things..

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Auto or any other exposure mode won't really help with the purple fringing, unfortunately. On the other hand, the f/1.4 Panasonic is not very prone to it, being corrected anyway on Panasonic bodies. It may be that you have an Olympus body which will not correct for the fringing. You'll find that every image processing program has an easy to use routine to correct this problem. The problem occurs only where there are very high contrast areas at the frame edges, where a very dark object is directly against a very bright background. It occurs to some extent on all lenses in all systems.

[@zjeu]

I see.. I’m using an Olympus em10 mk 2, have been using my 45mm and it was great but the view was a little cramp

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, that'll be the problem then, Olympus body and Panasonic lens. You'll only see it occasionally, of course. If you are seeing it at 100% on your monitor, the answer is to not look at it at 100% :-) I'm surprised you are seeing the purple colours so much, though. As I say, almost any software will have a correction for it built in.I use Lightroom and Photoshop which are probably a bit more than you need at present. Does anyone have knowledge of software that zjeu could use? Does Olympus Viewer 3 do it?

[@zjeu]

The lens is actually not very sharp on my em10 too, which I’m quite surprised, hmm.. might get rid of it and get the Olympus hahah, prefer the size too

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Lens sharpness on your E-M10 will be the same as on any Micro Four Thirds camera. The Panasonic actually performs a bit better than the Olympus, though there's nothing in it in real word photography.

[@leacol36]

Wow did Olympus up the price? I got mine for £187 around a year ago new on ebay they now running £250

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I generally go by Amazon prices as a guide. I hadn't realized the Olympus had gone up so much. Their other lenses seem to be about the same as a year ago.

[@leacol36]

In my experience Olympus 25 is better than the Pan 25 ,,,, 42.5 Pan is better than the Olympus 45

[@FCPWHAT]

Thank you.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Glad it was helpful, FC!

[@alexmilesg3]

Paid $200 for a used one, and must say it is a great lens. With closer focus distance, just as sharp, smaller, and not much slower, it is a no brainer. And my Panasonic Leica f/1.4 is gone.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

That's interesting. So you prefer the Olympus?

[@alexmilesg3]

+David Thorpe personally, I do. I always got the impression the Panasonic was not a true f/1.4 lens. Must say though that the manual focus operation of the Panasonic is much superior. It's much smoother than the Olympus, where the stepper motors don't seem to do a good job for fine manual adjustments

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The smoother focusing of the Panasonic might be due to Leica's influence. It's an expensive lens and they could afford to get details like that right. I've often noticed that if you take two nominally same aperture lenses, they'll give different exposure, up to half a stop sometimes. Must be due to different coating and construction, i suppose. I believe that cine lenses use T stops rather than F stops and that these are a true measure of the light passing through the lens so that all cine lenses match one another at a given aperture.

[@alexmilesg3]

+David Thorpe I bet you are right about both the focusing and the light transmission

[@ArminBravoII]

Is this lens able to be interchangeable with Panasonic Lumix micro 4/3 cameras?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Yes, Micro Four Thirds is a standard so anything labelled m4/3 will work with anything else so labelled. I have both makes of camera body and lens and swap the lenses around at will..

[@ArminBravoII]

Which one would you recommend. You having more experience with them. As for me? After so many reviews I can't make up my mind with lens is a better.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

Personally, I'd save money and buy the Panasonic. But many people would prefer a lens that matched the styling of their camera. Performance wise they are much of a muchness, differences in sharpness being academic, really. Review can just make you more confused, can't they? The more of them you see, the more the confusion. I can say honestly that there aren't any bad lenses in Micro Four Thirds, though.

[@ArminBravoII]

Thank you so much for your speedy responses. I went with the Panasonic 25mm f/1.7 because of your advice

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

You're welcome Armin. Enjoy using the lens!

[@Leptospirosi]

I really can't stand the horrendous focus shifting between 2.8 and 5.6 on the Panasonic lens, something absent in the Olympus 25mm. There is also a very noticeable focus breathing and heavy chromatic aberration with the Panny, so I'll stick with the Olympus which doesn't suffers form any of these problem, What really upsets me is that the very old 20mm pancake is perfectly fine and all these problems are just in the newer 25mm. I'm more then willing to sacrifice a negligible quantity of sharpness for a better correct image straight form the camera saving me time in post process.

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I've just done manual focus tests on this lens and find no focus shift whatsoever. It certainly has more purple fringing than the Olympus - the focus breathing, I'm inclined to say so what? The Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 has it in spades but I find no harm in it - don't even notice it, actually. Price wise, the difference between this and the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 is £138 - about half. That makes the Panasonic a bargain in my book.

[@Yoko.Kurama]

What do you mean by focus shifting? Is that only a autofocus problem?

[@JacoBee93]

Sooo, this or Panasonic Lumix DG 25mm f/1,7 ? THANKS

[@martinwermuth5012]

He kind of answered this already in the video, no? He prefers the Panasonic

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

I'd buy the Panasonic because of the price difference but if I had all Olympus cameras I might get this to keep it all in house, as it were.

[@carls.2649]

Thanks for saving me some cash! I'll go with the Panasonic!

[@Louis_B]

What's the camera strap you use?

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

The fittings are from Peak Design. You can either use their own straps or or your own. I have a nice leather strap that came with an Olympus camera bundle and I use the clips with that and a couple of theirs.

[@Louis_B]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@Jerome...]

I prefer to pay 50$ for the Olympus because it's quite smaller, and it's silver.

[@davidthorpe7732]

Good reasons and illustrates why it's good to have so much choice.

[@ArminBravoII]

Is this lens able to be interchangeable with Panasonic Lumix micro 4/3 cameras?

[@mmarioivann]

all 4/3 are interchangeable as you probably know by now, just keep in mind panis work better with Image Stabilizer lens

[@DavidThorpeMFT]

As said below, all Micro Four Thirds lenses work on all Micro Four Thirds cameras . It's a standard. If you buy an unstabilized lens, it's probably better on Olympus or a stabilized Panasonic body. Most are now. Having said that, stabilization is not crucial on a short focus fast lens like this Olympus.