DANGER - Don’t Try This Olympus 12-100mm f4 Lens

[@FQuill-bg1ru]

You're an absolute sweetheart! Thanks for the nice video. Purchased the 12-100 a few years back - kind of just the way you warned us - my camera-tech guy handed it to me: tried it out; paid for it; and here we are! Best walk-a-about lens with OMs for all the lovely reasons you point out. Almost never leaves my bag.

[@digidraxe8052]

Thank you for the video Brian. I took the EM1 MkII and the 12-100 f4 on a hike of the West Highland Way. It was the perfect hiking combination. It covered all the focal lengths I needed for people, landscape and flora, and was clipped to my backpack strap no matter the weather. It is rugged enough to shrug of bumps and thumps and weather proof to the point that if it was pouring rain, all I did was make sure that the lens was pointing down when clipped to my strap so that to spare me having to wipe it off before taking a quick shot. Basically this lens lives on my camera,.

[@sbeckmesser]

The 12-100 has long been known as one of the greatest of MFT lenses. Two others are the Oly 12-40 f/2.8 and Oly 40-150 f/2.8.

[@larry3194]

I would add the 12-45 F4 Pro to that list. It's just as good as the 12-100 at the 12-45 focal range, but so compact.

[@truewarrior1980]

luckily have all three of them

[@larry3194]

​@@truewarrior1980Lucky lad

[@SMGJohn]

Olympus makes good lenses period, their primes are amazing.

[@allanc803]

100% agree with you regarding this lens. My kit is EM1x, EM1.3, 7-14 f2.8, 12-100 f4 and 100-400 f5-6.3 and 90 mm macro. No need for anything else. I would not like to carry that focal range around if it was 35mm format.

[@thomasstirr3018]

Hi Brian, Your warnings to your viewers are well founded! The M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS is a truly wonderful lens. My wife and I spent a couple of weeks on a photo tour of Newfoundland last year and I used the 12-100 to capture a wide range of subjects in all kinds of outdoor and indoor environments. As a travel lens the 12-100 is superb. I pair mine up with the M.Zuiko 100-400 which gives me incredible range in just two lenses. Out of the 15 days we were on the ground in Newfoundland we had 11 days when we faced rain, fog/mist and some snow. The PRO 12-100 never skipped a beat in the inclement weather. I shoot with E-M1X bodies and have been able to use the PRO 12-100 f/4 IS at quite slow shutter speeds... with up to 2 seconds being commonplace. With a bit of concentration I can get perfectly useable images on the wide end at up to 4 seconds handheld. Under test conditions my longest successful handheld exposure was 8 seconds. The f/4 aperture was a bit slow for my client work but other than that the PRO 12-100 has been a real workhorse. Tom

[@damianocalloni2491]

This is the lens that convinced me to say goodbye to my ff cameras. The first m43 i bought, togheter with panasonic dc g9. I find it's terribly useful, you can do almost everything is concerned with landscape and monuntain photography. Don't need to change lens in the middle of a snow storm for example, and you always have the rigth focal length attached to your camera, if you understand what i mean, and less the 1,5 kg on your shoulders. Then came oly 8-25, panaleica 50 200, another dc g9, 17 & 45 f/1.2...but this is another story. Completely agree with you

[@JohnOpie]

By far my most used m4/3 lens! When I first bought it (used at Map Camera in Tokyo) I almost turned around and went back because I thought something was broken: when I put it on the EM1.1 (this was 2018) and started taking pictures, I thought the camera had frozen and wasn't working. Instead, it was the dual IS at work and when I realised that it was removing all camera movement, I was flabberghasted. Where had this been all my life???? The absolute best reason for going to m4/3. Part of my travel kit (7-14, 12-100, 100-400).

[@tizio54]

Great video! It's good to be reminded again how fabulous this lens is. When I switched from Canon to Olympus in 2017, I bought the E-M1 mark ii together with the 12-100 Pro lens. This uniquely capable lens was a major deciding factor for me to switch to Olympus/MFT. I also convinced a friend to make the switch to Olympus and buy the exact same kit. It's even more perfect in combination with the tiny Panasonic 9mm F1.7 lens, for a wider view and more light gathering.

[@gregfeeler6910]

Brian, welcome to the 12-100mm f4 PRO fan club! I got a used one just under a year ago and it's always on a body in a small bag ready to go. I agree it pairs well with a fast prime - my favorite for travel is the Pana Leica 9mm f1.7. As others have said here the only "problem" with this lens is once you have it you will (almost) stop using whatever lenses you already had which cover part of it's range. The image quality is on par with any of my other OM PRO lenses as you said. However, in my opinion, it's not "large for a MFT lens" especially since I'm not aware of any f4 (or faster) fixed aperture FF lens with equal focal length, features, weather sealing, build and image quality. For me - this lens and your choice of OM-D or OM body is a whole system unto itself that continues to make you smile years after buying it.

[@cliveturner6702]

Think I must have put the 12-100 on my OM 1 with super glue, it just never comes off 😂

[@louisswaim7024]

Your enthusiasm is perfectly understandable. I absolutely love this lens! I’ve had the 12-100 f4 for a while now, but did a good deal of research before buying it. The quality and features are phenomenal. I mostly do bird photography in the marshes and hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, using the 100-400 f5-6.3 with my E-M1 mk iii, but love to do landscape photography as well when I’m hiking about. Now I take both lenses, one on the camera, one in a little sling backpack just big enough for the longer lens. I can switch lenses on the fly while I’m standing, so I’m always ready to move between tight bird shots and wider environmental shots. I have other Olympus lenses, but these two for me are the perfect combination for the kind of photography I pursue.

[@JeffreyJohnsonC]

I bought this lens with my E-m1 mII in 2019. Does pretty much everything I need. I added the 100-400mm lens and don't really need anything else. Even low light isn't a particular problem due to just how good the IS is.

[@davidknutson8126]

To echo previous comments in agreement with you, Brian, the second lens I purchased after jumping over to Olympus. I shoot an E-1 Mark III and and E-M1X. I keep the 12-100 or the 40-150 F2.8 on the E-M1 MIII and my Panasonic 100-400 on the M1X most of the time. The 12-100 is a pretty darn good macro lens, great for portraits and family shots, and exceptional for travel. Thanks for sharing. I did by my 12-100 on the used market in like new condition and I did not see any blemishes or damage, saving around 250$.

[@RogerBenno]

The stabilisation with this lens when paired with the o-m1 is insane. I was taking shots at maximum zoom and i could make out detail 4mm across. It has to be seen to be believed. When looking through rhe viewfinder i thought the live image was a previous photo I had taken. It was that steady i thought it was a photo.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Totally agree!

[@jpsteiner2]

You'll love the 12-100mm f/4. With the synch IS with Oly / OM Systems, stabilization helps tremendously in low light, pre-dawn sunrises, sunsets, evening twilight. Great close focusing. Supports in-camera focus stacking. Like you, I tried it and was instantly hooked.

[@davidblack2632]

The 12-100/f4.0 is a great lens. My travel kit is the OM-5 with the 20/f1.4 and 12-100/f4.0. Enjoy your new lens.

[@sourcebased]

Same, regarding lenses. The 20mm is also a gem and comes into play if there is not enough light for f/4 or when I want it light and stealthy ❤ These two lenses render all my other lenses mostly redundant, it’s just too versatile and convenient 😂

[@DavidMcBeth-xv9lq]

This is my favourite lens - by a long way. That and a 17mm 1.8 Oly and I've the perfect travel kit. Maybe a NDF filter. If only Olympus teleconvertors fitted. Great video.

[@gregm6894]

For all those bellyaching about the m4/3's system getting too big -- I took a trip this week and did some wonderful travel/scenic shots, and went to a great zoo and got all kinds of excellent close up critter shots including some very good exotic birds in flight. I took my OM-1 w/battery grip and 2 batteries, my Panasonic 7-14mm f/4, my Olympus 12-100mm f/4, and my Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 -- 14-600mm equivalent focal range -- no tripod or monopod needed, even for some 3 sec. nighttime exposures. Total weight including my Lowpro 'Slingbag' camera bag -- 7 lbs.. (Try that with a FF system.) The 12-100mm f/4 Pro is an outstanding lens -- Razor sharp at all apertures and all focal lengths, and the Synch IS with the OM-1 body is ridiculously good.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

I can imagine this teamed up with the IM1 is quite stunning for stability. It was amazing with the EM1.2 so you’re getting an extra couple of stops over that

[@MichaelMann-xn2zu]

In my E-M1 Mk2 backpack, I have the 12-100mm mounted to the camera, the 8mm f1.8 Fisheye for fun, the 75mm f1.8 for special cases and sometimes, I put the 100-400mm together with the 1.4x converter in. But the 100-400 is a bit too chunky for my taste. But, I never ever felt so "completely equipped" before. The main "thing" missing is having enough time to go out and shoot. Coming back to the 12-100mm - this "beast" really is good for 90% of the fotos. It performs so well, while being extremely versatile.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Yes, I know that problem with time all too well unfortunately

[@DodgeViperGTS]

This lens is also my favorite lens. If I could only own one lens, it would be this lens. This lens is not a lens for the extreme range, but it can do everything very well, it is a real all-rounder and "always on" lens. Sure, the M.Zuiko 12-200mm has more range, but it doesn't have many other features, and in the small details when you enlarge a photo, the 12-100mm really looks much better than the 12-200mm.

[@mariusm2402]

Great lens. I have it since a while. Only downside it has to me that I hardly use my 12-40 f2.8 and 35-100 f2.8 anymore since I have this one. Perfect for hiking and family trips. The specs indeed are not relevant, however there is one little specialty. The biggest "magnification" is at the short end which means it is a quite wide angel macro lens. I think it's around 0.3 (0.6)magnification at 12mm.

[@keithspillett5298]

I'd love one of these, but what I DO actually have is the Olympus 14-150 f/4-5.6. That's also a fabulous lens despite being a fraction of the price of this one, and I'm absolutely delighted with it with it for all the same reasons you love the 12-100. All I have in my bag currently, is the 14-150 and a Lumix 7-14

[@clintjohnson2460]

You are absolutely correct about how dangerous this lens is... Not only to your wallet.. but also to the other lenses in your collection. My brother-in-law who has all the cool stuff bought one and I tried it out thinking it was just another super zoom.. but it's not. It has all that top-end quality like we expect from the Olympus Pro zooms.. but it's real magic is how well it integrates and accentuates your camera. The stabilization boost is visible versus regular lenses and the 3D-like pop from that top of the line Olympus glass is spectacular. I can tell you I'm giving a lot of my other lenses the side-eye .. we may have to have a lineup and see which ones can be passed along to help me pay for the 12-100 that I just bought.

[@awksedgreep]

So many bad experiences with superzooms on both APSC and FF. It’s a difficult task to make this work well and stabilization is a big part of that. Frankly, I’m not surprised Olympus executed this well. I’m thankful.

[@clausmannsperger4432]

I sold it two years ago and…. bought it again! The Lens is magic !!

[@jonbarnard7186]

This lens may be the biggest reason I still shoot m. four-thirds. As for that stabilization switch, I would sooner it wasn't there. It's too easy to switch it off by mistake when you take it out of your bag.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Exactly, just why I had the initial issues. Or if we have to have a switch make it menu driven perhaps.

[@malcolmwright6948]

Hi Brian This is my go-to lens for indoor (no flash) photographing flower shows, I use it with my EM1 MK2. It's razor sharp and combined with Micro Four Thirds depth of field advantage (compared to Full Frame) is perfect for portraying the flowers I photograph (Auricula and Primulas). You will not regret your purchase. The sync IS is incredible for capturing the interiors of Greek Authordox churches.

[@Paulmurray987]

Glad you liked the lens, have fun when you get yours, great vid.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Thanks, will do! Enjoy your time away

[@jumbi555]

Great job as usual sir! Coincidentally, I was just looking at this for my G9ii. Saving my pennies, 'cause I am getting one!!!

[@naturephotographychallenge]

I have it on my G9 and it's amazing!! I was videoing wildlife on the weekend and the stabilisation is brilliant!! You definitely won't regret getting this lens!!

[@kimginnerup5819]

12-100 F4 pro is my everyday goto lens. When I pack my bag, this lens is on a body. Combined with 100-400 on the other body. I have a system going from 12-400. I have a fast prime and either 7-14 or 8mm fisheye. With me just in case. But they rarely do any shots. This my outdoor pack. Indoor is another story.

[@alaskalonghunters2990]

Love my 12-100. Accidentally left it home once and called my housitter and had it FedEx in. So glad I did! Thanks for this clip. Mark

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

I can well believe that

[@johnbradshaw5900]

Great review! This is my everyday standard lens, it's one of the things that persuaded me to switch from the Fuji X system to MFT. I honestly consider it to be one of the best lenses in the world, not because it is best at anything but because it does almost everything most photographers will ever need or want to do and does it very well. Any zoom is a compromise and for ultimate optical quality prime lenses are still best. However this performs so well I really don't feel I am missing anything by using it for most things. Add outstanding build quality and handling which makes most other lenses feel very ordinary and it's a staggeringly complete package. It's not cheap but compared to Canon L, Nikon S and Sony G/GM it is excellent value for money. The real barometer for any recommendation is whether you'd buy it again if it was lost, broken or stolen and I can say yes, I wouldn't think twice.

[@RobertSagan-p9f]

Heed Bryan’s warning, because that is exactly what happened to me. I have many wonderful pieces of glass and yet once I attach it to my camera at the Camera Shop … well…it’s been a fun couple of years and going strong. I’ll Nick just a couple details with Brian, in good nature… things it does do at the highest level, as good as any lens, IQ, ruggedness, and joy of use. (I know, not much of a video critique,eh? 😊. Well, that’s because he’s right ) I do often carry a small fixed lens …either the Oly 17mm f1.8 or Pan/Lecia 25mm f1.4. Both are small, light and great IQ. Dang, there I go agreeing with Brian again. So much for my career as a critic! Thanks for another good video. Cheers!

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

See, they all agree in the end lol

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I have two..... I have an E-M1x. Not a small camera, I saw one in a cabinet near a Canon 1Dx III. The Olympus is smaller, but not a lot. This lens is one of its kit lenses. I bought the E-M1x for its GPS and live ND, as an upgrade from my E-M1 II.

[@geoffclinton8575]

I bought my OM1 mk 2 (now using OM 1) with this lens and a Panasonic 100-400 mm, so covered everything from 12-400 mm or in FF 24-800 mm. Both are great lenses (had the 100-400 professional aligned), IQ from the 12-100 mm is really good and as you say image stabilization is fantastic. The only improvement would be to have made it compatible with an extender.

[@edwarddebruyn8717]

When I purchased the OM1 for macro it was the first lens I bought to bring with me when I want to travel light....and yes a very nice and good lens. Also one of the few with IS which helps a lot for handheld high definition shots.

[@tedphillips2951]

I have this lens & camera combination & love it. As you said this & a fast prime & you are set to travel light & with great results. The problem with Olympus is their cameras are so good that I never felt the need to up grade after the EM i II. I would love an upgrade to there rangefinder style camera with weather sealing to the camera & weather sealing to their small primes. It would be a winner IMO.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

I’ve just been asked a question regarding upgrading the em1.3 to the OM1, I am really in an impossible place to answer it because I’m still using a EM1.2 and I still absolutely love it. To be honest I don’t push mine anywhere near its limits so what would I really gain from the newer one? So you really may be right to stay where you are.

[@robertvanempel5810]

I long considered this lens and the 40-150/f4 for travel, even though i have the 12-40 and 40-150/f2.8. I chose the 40-150/f4 as i prefer the longer reach. It is also a light and super lens.

[@alexlindstrom9971]

This is a great lens and I've taken thousands of photos with it, but keep in mind that all copies aren't as sharp wide open as some reviews claim. I noticed a simply huge improvement at f5.6. DxO's profile for the lens is also excellent and can help bring further sharpness to images, sometimes even too much.

[@thomasanderson5929]

Actually, it's a jack of all trades but also a master of image stabilization; this lens paired with Olympus IBIS for Sync-IS is by far, the very best money can buy.

[@trevorfillingham7317]

I picked one up cheap on eBay 6 months ago as it had a small scratch on the zoom ring. It's on my OM1 for about 90% of my shots now. Very pleased with it.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

How cheap am I supposed to tell Julie it was? Lol

[@trevorfillingham7317]

@@ThatMicro43Guy She never noticed I had a different lens anyway😂. It was £586.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

LOL! Nice price

[@xmeda]

I have this lens for my EM5III. Quite a good one. The only sad part is, that camera or Lightroom automatically corrects this lens output. Because if I open RAW in Darktable or other SW, I can see that there is a lot of autocrop probably due to vignetting. So it behaves not like 24mm but more like 27mm equivallent lens. When I shoot from the same spot with my Pentax K3 using 18-135 lens, they have both same field of view, just different aspect ratio. But 12-100/4 should be wider and it is, but only in uncorrected RAW. But the build quality of this lens is exceptional. IS works well. AF is fast enough and quiet. Weather sealed.. nice.

[@keithrjoseph9528]

It's an excellent travel lens but I ended up selling mines and returned to the 12-40 f2.8 and 40-150 f2.8 for travel. The 12-40 is good enough for general landscapes and street with the 40-150 for everything else.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Contemplating the OM-1 II + this lens. Thanks for enticing me. 🎉

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@Afriqueleblanq that should be an awesome combination especially the amount of IS possible.

[@gmnty13]

I got one in a em1.3 kit. Initially concerned at the size and weight. Took it out. It’s rarely off my camera. 90% of my shots are with this lens. It is superb.

[@RobShootPhotos]

I know what you are saying. Ever since I touched it and tested it six years ago, that lens is always in the back of mind to want to buy it. I've resisted from buying it but it's difficult when I am looking at the next lens to buy. I feel like I still need to get the 8-25mm and 100-400mm but once I buy the 100-400mm, my excuse will be 12-100 and 100-400 is a perfect combo.

[@benjaminstewart7062]

is it worth putting it on a LUMIX G9? Will the ibis in the G9 be enough to stabilize it? I tried the 12-40mm recently and while optically excellent I just didn’t grab me. I guess I need to get my hands on one to see what happens.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

It will work extremely well however the IS won’t be as good as you won’t have the Dual IS. If you were not moved by the 12-40 then this may not be for you either. However, I still think it’s awesome.

[@mkk3a]

It sounds so good. I'm thinking about switching to micro 4/3 from DSLR: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and 2 lenses: Zuiko 7-14 f/2.8 and 12-100 f/4. What do you think?

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@mkk3a not knowing what you currently have to shoot with, what subjects you shoot or why you are considering the move then it’s impossible for me to say. They are both excellent lenses but I fear you may become disappointed with the features of that little em10 and so I’d recommend more to look at the EM5/3 or the OM5. That’s a superb setup but again based on a lack of facts.

[@Larry_Griffiths]

My big problem with the 12-100 is that it is just so good that I often forget to bring other lenses along with me. And then I find myself faced with the possibility of some beautiful bird or wildlife shots! So these days I put the 12-100 on my camera with, just in case, the 7-14mm and 100-400mm lenses in my back pack, where they usually stay.

[@trishf29]

Everyone I know who has this lens, loves it! And it’s the one that missing from my collection!!!! Used ones are snapped up. Love the clutch on these Pro lenses. Thanks to Paul for lending you this great lens, Brian! Thanks for making my mouth water. Am checking my bank balance🙁

[@Fotograf110]

Very useful review with a catchy title! Thanks for going through the practical aspects of using the lens. What is your opinion about using this lens with OMD E5 mark iii? Would it feel front heavy and imbalanced?

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

No, it should be well balanced with the EM-5 . They have just nailed it on all fronts

[@rodgerwearne9931]

Hi Brian, I'm surprised that you have taken sooo long to get around to this lens... Mine practically lives on my EM-1 MK2. and only comes off to put on the older 4/3rds 50-200 swd or macros etc.. Don't think I've ever had a sharper lens. . I have a Sony A7r iv and I have to spend a tonne more money to get a GM series lens to get the sharpness.. And probably 2 lenses to cover the same zoom range... So I don't think it will be leaving my camera soon... Just a shame that there isnt a reasonably priced STABILISED F/4 or better 100-400 from olympus

[@colinmacdonald6721]

I got this lens with the OM 1 mid 2022, it makes a phenomenal travel combination and has given me great results

[@squirrelbudo]

My favorite of the Olympus lenses. Have had it for five years--superb combination of quality and versatility! Thanks, Brian.

[@tank422376]

This lens made me choose M43, one more thing to mention, the out of focus is super smooth despite not having a very shallow depth of field. The out of focus is very pleasing to look at.

[@johnpouw3352]

Hands down the best telephoto (pretty much superzoom) lens I have experienced across any system, be it Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji. Simply a staggeringly good lens. I have had 2 of these paired with E-M1 IIs and was never ever disappointed in image quality, stabilisation or handling.

[@jonathanscherer8567]

The only lenses that I have that are sharper are the 12-40 f/2.8 pro ii and the 40-150mm f/2.8 pro. For a 12-100mm zoom with a constant aperture, it does pretty well. I've used it on a G9 ii as well, and the images come out just as sharp, even just using the lens' stabilization.

[@JasonFollett]

It's very difficult to not use this lens once you start. Most of us come to this lens after an expensive journey of buying and trying other lenses. The zoom range, the stability, the decent aperture and the image quality are hard to give up. Why would you need to change lenses - wider than 12mm, bigger aperture (bokeh, low light), longer than 100mm? Some techniques get around these issues - panorama stitching for wide shots, zoom for bokeh, longer exposures or bump the ISO for low light, hi-res shot and 2x digital teleconverter (on the lens fn button) for more reach. So hard not to just use the 12-100 f4 - I have to force myself to use other lenses and feel restricted when I do. But I like the 45mm 1.2 PRO for the aperture (but no lazy zoom) and the 75-300mm for the reach and surprising image quality (but only long, never wide). I will add that the 100-400 with the MC20 teleconverter is fun but sooooo big and heavy (backpack required).

[@DragonLord878]

Got this lens as part of an OM-D E-M1 Mark III kit more than four years ago when I switched from Pentax to Micro Four Thirds. Yes, it's a bit big and heavy, which is why I also have a 12-45mm f/4 PRO, but I can't disagree with Brian James here: this is an optical masterpiece. Rarely does an 8x superzoom lens perform this consistently well, corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range. There is nothing quite like it. After all, LensTip give it an Editor's Choice award, and they don't do that lightly. The M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 PRO is worth every penny.

[@HansDeseure]

I would love to read an in depth interview with the design team that came up with the 12-45 and the 12-100 f4. The first one doesn't get much love online, but it's uncanny how it is the perfect little brother - you get an almost exact trade-off in reach, weight and price, but otherwise their performance feels perfectly on par to me (no clutch or lens IS on the 45, but who cares). Must have made for some fantastic developer dilemma's... . I started buying the 12-45 in 2021 as the 12-100 just looked too heavy to me, and added the 12-200 later. But as everyone - just like you - kept going on about how much better the 12-100 is, I couldn't resist a 2nd hand find. That only resulted in more difficult decisions when stepping out : what lens to select ? In hindsight, going directly for the 12-100 would have been cheaper. But it's heavier !!! I conclude that I'm happy to have made the choice for m43 - I know of no other systems where I can play with such fantastic gear at affordable prices. Keep up your great and funny video's, Brian !

[@paristo]

To me the 12-45mm f/4 doesn't make really sense, as the 12-40mm f/2.8 is a unicorn. It is the lens that you take as a zoom when you know you will go to shades or you go at evening or night somewhere and you need a zoom. The 12-40mm f/2.8 gives a very nice background blurring possibilities for portraits and group shots. And that is why that 12-100mm f/4 is so attractive as you replace the 12-40 + 40-150 mm combo with it for so many things. Think what kind a beast Olympus would have built with 12-100 mm f/4 if they would have made it support the 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters? It would have become as a: 17-140 mm f/5.6 24-200 mm f/8 Now think about that for a moment... For many things the f/8 in the 24-200 mm focal length range would have been very acceptable compromise. The 12-100 mm f/4 is excellent lens to be combined with the 100-400mm f/5-6.3. You are done for anything in the trip with that pair. That is what makes me sad, that 100-400mm f/5-6.3 wasn't made a Pro all the way. - Sync-IS - Fn button - Clutch focus ring And as bonus, copy the 40-150mm Pro lens hood mechanism, but with a proper plastic glue so they don't shatter to pieces. Yes, the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 is a Sigma designed objective, but it was at least at the time that Olympus remade the rear lenses smaller for better AF and new coatings etc with TC compatibility. The 12-100 mm is such a objective that it is really difficult to justify it when you have everything around it, but when you use it, it makes a perfect match with everything.

[@HansDeseure]

@@paristo Interesting - for my ageing frame the 12-45 was ideal with the m5iii as lightweight, weather proof setup for backpacking. Nice to have the choice. When weight isn't such a factor, there are plenty options.

[@paristo]

@@HansDeseure If not owning the 12-40mm f/2.8 and not requiring that f/2.8 (f/4 is more than enough for >50% of the people) then there is nothing that f/2.8 offers for its size and weight addition over f/4 version. It is great that the f/4 version was made, like the 40-150 mm f/4 Pro as well. I do wish that 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro would have been as well internal zooming, meaning it would be long like 12-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, but it would made it easy to use on dusty environments where I don't go with any extending lens. And that would have been great separation for 12-40 and 12-45 to really benefit f/4 version.

[@markbielick2313]

Interesting. I have owned this lens for 4 years, and it was my #1 lens on my OM-1. Now, it is used on my G9-II. What is interesting is the stabilization on the G9-II is actually better than the dual IS on my OM-1. I can get 90% good images on my OM-1 at 100mm using a 1/2 sec. exposure. I get 90% good images at 1 full second on the G9-II. The stabilization on the G9-II is amazing. I was initially worried about losing the dual IS, but it turns out, the lens works flawlessly on the G9-II.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

That’s interesting as there have been a few comments re using it on the lumix

[@jeffreybeigie5244]

I considered getting this lens, but settled on the 12-200 lens instead. It was cheaper, had longer reach, and had IQ that was good enough for most of my uses.

[@boboneill1828]

If you have problems saying full frame you could always call it two thirds, reflecting its 2X3 aspect ratio :)

[@1957PLATO]

Great review. I am tempted

[@urswuergler3969]

Having bought Pany bodies and quite a bit of Olympus glas in the past 10+ years I always thought that I was missing out on stabilization. However, having reviewed many shots during the X-Mas break I must say that these lenses have absolutely delivered. I am considering getting an Oly body to advance my game a bit. I won't give up Pany for sure but I do want to seize the opportunity of using m43 even more convincingly.

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

Hi, Brian I like the style you conduct your videos. I understand the appeal of this lens due to its versatility. But related to sharpness it stands a bit far from 2.8 zooms, and even to other F4 pro zooms. For me to travelling in light weight the best choice is 12-45 f4 ( that is sharper) and you can add the really inexpensive 40-150 F4-5.6 R lens. This tele zoom performs very similar in sharpness between 40-100 mm to 12-100 (100 to 150 is a bit softer) according to mtf curves Yes, it means to carry two lenses but much smaller and lighter. Not so versatile, but cheaper and nothing to worry about performance. Thats my combo for travelling or perhaps the great 75mm f1.8 instead the telezoom

[@TomacWolter]

I'm genuinely surprised reading this. Do you mean subject isolation/bokeh or sharpness? All I know is that my 12-100mm is so sharp I have to dial down my normal sharpening settings in my raw converter when I use this lens, compared to my many other lenses (I mainly use Olympus/Pana-Leica prime lenses). Compared to my 75 1.8 it's every bit as sharp where it is in focus, and that lens is stellar (and obviously exceeds the 12-100mm in both subject isolation and bokeh rendering). Btw the 12-100mm pro lens is sharpest at 5.6-6.3, and not at f/4. Sharpness should never ever be a concern with this lens, not at wide angle nor at 100mm.

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

@@TomacWolter Hi, I'm talking about MTF curves so It is sharpeness. The cheap and underestimated 40-150 R, between 40 and 100mm focal lengnts performs very similar to 12-200 f4. Nothing to say about bokeh etc. But It performs much better than expected for its price. Regarding 75mm 1 8 It stands far in terms of resolución. Just check Optical limits' review. Much more LPH than 12-100 and a great bokeh. But they are not comparable lens

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

@@TomacWolter Hi thomas. I'am talking bout MTF curves so it refers to sharpess purely. The cheap 40-150R lens performs very close to 12-100 in terms of sharpeness between 4'0-100mm focal lens, much better than expected taking into account price point. Related to 75mm I disagree. Acording to Optical Limitt's test 75 is much sharper than 12.-100mm even at f5,6 that is not the best f stop por 75mm. But they are not actually comparable lenses.

[@TomacWolter]

@@atoradultpianobeginner6219 So I take it you never tried the 12-100mm yourself? I know about MTF curves and how to read them, but I always test my lenses myself beyond that as well.

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

@@TomacWolter yes. I try lenses by myself in adition to verify if curves are right berore I choose one or another. And un this case I tested 12-100 against 12-40, 12-45, 40-150 f4-5.6, 40-150f 2.8 and, 45 f1.8 and 75 f1.8

[@wiseoldfool]

Yeah, nah! I'll never need anything between 45 and 100. 12-45 and 100-400 have got me covered. I'm glad I didn't look at it. I would never use it. It would just sit next to my OM-1 film camera and lenses gathering dust. Apart from that, I haven't even used the OM-5 and the 12-45 M4 Pro and 100-400 Pro that I've had for absolutely hours! (But I have been going through all the menus, watching videos and READING THE MANUAL, would you believe?) It's rainy and windy at the end of winter here in Western Australia, ideal weather for studying. The weekend is looking promising, and we are going away in the caravan. I will definitely not be thinking about the gap between 45 and 100. MIND THE GAP! I've ordered an adapter to use my vintage OM lenses with the OM-5, should be here in a couple of weeks, along with the external charger and 2 spare batteries. I definitely don't need the 12-100. Mind you, it looks quite nice. According to you, that is. I wouldn't know, I didn't look at it.

[@benauer3431]

This is just such a great lens. The 12-100mm plus the Lumix 20 mm f1.7 pancake lens is my go to travel set up for pretty much every trip.

[@Sparkie1961]

picked up a used one from LCE Guildford today, straight to riverside nature reserve, not much in the way of wildlife but am very impressed with the pictures so far. Lumix G9 Mk2 and 3 panny leica lenses

[@azriramli6939]

i initially wanted to ask your opinion regarding whether the 12-200mm is not too far off in quality from this lens, but seeing your glowing review, i can see that 12-100mm f4 takes the cake. Sigh, off to saving more money for this lens then.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

I liked the 12-200 but as a general lens only, the sort of thing to take on holiday in order to carry one lens only. But the difference in quality between that and the 12-100 is instantly noticeable with the 12-100 being streets ahead not only in image quality but in handling too with the dual IS.

[@azriramli6939]

@@ThatMicro43Guy oh wow thank you so much for your response, now I definitely know what i need. Thank you.

[@naturephotographychallenge]

It's my FAVOURITE lens!! I have it on my Lumix G9 and the stabilisation is AMAZING!. I LOVE the focus clutch and the smooth zoom is a dream! I wish all zoom lenses were like this one!

[@williamsiviter8760]

Hi Brian. I have this on my OM1 generally for the reasons you gave. Great lens and great video. Keep up the waffling.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Thank you, I shall lol

[@bkaustav]

Nice. This lens is almost glued to my EM1 mk 3. This and Singma 30mm f1.4 are the 2 most used lenses on my OMD nowadays.... I don't recommend this on PEN cameras though

[@rickwirch1165]

This is a fantastic lens. I have owned it for several years now. It is great to take on vacation. I usually take a fast prime and it and that is it. I hardly use the fast prime. I used to take an 8mm, but I don't any longer because the images are SOOO sharp from this one that I dislike using the 8mm now. Crap, I wish there was a way for me to attach a photo. The stills at the end of this look terrible, but I think it is what youtube did to the image.

[@bolleolympus]

I bought this lens and leica 8-18 as Wroitniak revived them years ago. And I got the same conclucion as he, the 8-18 isa bit better. I use them both and are satisfied!

[@TXLorenzo]

The pro 2.8 7-14, 12-40 and the 40-150 is all you need this side of extreme wildlife photogrphy

[@alanneilson6811]

It has been my travel zoom for nearly two years with my ME1 mk3 yes the lens it is a bit heavy but I tend to take that and 1 or maybe 2 primes full Tavel kit love it.

[@Martin-nu6ym]

My favorite way to use that lens is at 100 f4 at the MFD. The 12-100 is a great lens.

[@DavidCrooksPhotos]

Just wish I could use a teleconverter on it.

[@samson40a]

I have this lens and like the range. I want something similar for my Fuji.

[@sophietucker1255]

I have the 12-100 f4 and it is indeed a nice lens but the 12-40 f2.8 Pro is my favorite. 12-40 on my Pen F is for me the perfect walk around lens/camera combination.

[@migueljohnson432]

Dear Brian, many thanks for sharing. Tomorrow heading to a fair, will see if I can test it ;-)

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

I think you will be impressed

[@migueljohnson432]

@@ThatMicro43Guy I will let you know. I think the concept is good, if you just want to carry one lens ;-)

[@migueljohnson432]

@@ThatMicro43Guy Oh dear, unfortunately no one had one to show and test :-( a pity. Will let you know when I get my hands on one. Have a great Sunday.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@migueljohnson432 and you too

[@MsMr-w4w]

暪不住了f宙你用過之後便知此鏡是瘋狂的廠家才能做得山空前絕後的劃時代神器在未來的時光很難找到接近對手是鏡頭黑程碑！

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

I would like to make an aditional question. I guess IS Sync stabilizer makes it even better. For Panasonic shooters, how about Dual IS? Is it as good as this. Lumix has tons of stabilzed lenses. Are them so efective? Thanks in advance

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

No, the syncIS lenses and the Dual Is don’t operate on the other brands cameras. You still have the camera full IBIS capabilities but they don’t work in unison with the other brands lens IS. Yes the dual IS on the Panasonic is very effective but this just seemed to be noticeably good on the em1.2 for some reason.

[@atoradultpianobeginner6219]

@@ThatMicro43Guy Hi, Brian thank you. I mean if Dual IS in Lumix bodies whith Panasonic lenses is as efective as Zuiko/Olympus Sync seems to be. But what you say is very interesting to me because I own an EM1-II. Is dual IS with Pana lens available for that body? In case yes, great great news

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

@@atoradultpianobeginner6219 no, sorry, just the in body will work with an Olympus lens attached. Having said that the IBIS on its own is fantastic

[@Lizerator]

Bought this lens when it first came out. Expensive! Sharp, quick manual focus, unbelievable iss.

[@apislapis]

Thanks for the GAS warning Brian. Always enjoy a good waffle from the MFT guy. It's just a shame that as arthritis spreads like wildfire around my body, that I'm no longer weather-sealed but I'm waffling too. It's a small lens for what it is, a 24-200mm FF equivalent superzoon and with a fixed aperture that surely would be good for video too? I'd be inclined to take just that lens if I were on my travels as you want to travel light. Okay it's not cheap at £1200 but if you look on this lens as a quality long term investment it is very affordable. I'm going to have to watch another YT video and forget I saw this for reasons explained eloquently in your vid. Thanks Brian...I think lol.

[@fredflinstone3173]

This and a good prime for low light is all you need. It’s easily my favorite lens. IQ is amazing throughout the range.

[@sweden_ove2074]

❤ That was my first MFT lens ❤ It's my favourite lens place two or one hehe. I have loved 😍 it so much until I fell in love again with the 8-25 f/4. That combo is a gem.

[@letni9506]

I've resisted this lens for a long time. I use the Panasonic 14-140 and it only comes off for wildlife photography I know I will like this too much, spend too much and have to carry around a heavier camera because it will probably be too good to use my lightweight 14-140 again.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Unfortunately it’s far better than my pana 14-140.

[@letni9506]

@@ThatMicro43Guy I thought mine was pretty good. But I know the 12-100 is probably a different level. It's just so easy to carry though with a GX 9. The used prices have come down though on Mpb so I'm very tempted.

[@sweden_ove2074]

❤❤ By the way. I love, absolutely LOVE how you madecthis video. Such a charm, such a inspiration.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Thank you, very humbling

[@johnchastain4351]

Love the review! Funny.

[@vermis8344]

You have no idea how seriously I'm taking your warning. I feel an attack of GAS coming on.

[@thedarkslide]

The 12-100 has replaced my FT Olympus 12-60mm once I could afford it. It’s on my E-M1III 95% of the time.

[@robphillips1095]

I agree, the 12-100F4 is a spectacular lens and the near perfect travel lens.

[@AprilClayton]

Having one lens that can do a wide range is excellent for travel. I hate changing lenses at the beach.

[@pjay3028]

Thanks a lot..... just ordered one! I didn't even look at one, never mind touch one.

[@pjay3028]

Update, it arrived today. I've never owned a pro lens before so I'm only comparing it to the kit lenses I've got, but, wow. The pictures with this lens are on a different level of clarity and sharpness to anything I've ever achieved before. I can immediately see, just on the camera screen, how much sharper and brighter they are. Incredible.

[@ThatMicro43Guy]

Excellent. I'm really pleased you like it.

[@pjay3028]

@@ThatMicro43Guy I'm so glad I watched your video! For anyone reading the comments, the pictures are genuinely sharper with this lens because I have taken back to back images with my kit lens and then zoomed into them on the back of the camera. Once I hit 7x zoom on the kit lens images they start to look mushy, which I had always assumed was just due to the small screen quality. But I can zoom right in to 14x on the 12-100 images and they're still sharp and clear. Presumably the excellent image stabilisation of the 12-100 is really helping me out? Amazing.

[@ivan7453]

To be honest, I own both 12-100mm F4 and 12-40mm F2.8 lenses. I have no argument with the 12-100mm but the 12-40mm makes a far better tourist lens. Sadly, my 12-100mm has spent a lot of its' life sitting on a shelf due to it not competing as well as my 12-40.

[@davejsullivan]

I’d love that lens. Until then I like my 14-150 kit lens. Like all Olympus lenses, it tends to punch above its weight.

[@waynecox5138]

I’ve been Jonesing for this lens for a long time. Actually all of the F4 pro lenses.

[@brianwhiteside]

works great on my new lumix g9ii