Olympus 12-45mm F4.0 vs. 14-42mm Kit lens ft. Red35!

[@Red35Photography]

Wow, I just saw myself!!! Thanks Peter for featuring me! Love your new style of travel (beaming from one place to another!) Also, welcome to our London weather!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks Jimmy for being part of this video. It was so much fun to chat and film with you! Yes, the weather was not so good, especailly the wind was horrible!

[@iDATUS]

@@ForsgardPeter More meet and greets please and perhaps do some photo shoots of your different approaches to taking a shot of something and compare the results.

[@ammadoux]

Red35 Photography 🥰

[@Centauri27]

What's most surprising is actually how *good* the pancake zoom is! You have to pixel peep very closely to see the differences, and even then the quality differences are not that glaring. I have both the pancake zoom and the 12-40 f/2.8 and I have to admit, if I don't need the faster speed or wider angle, I am comfortable carrying around the little pancake zoom more often.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, the kit zoom is a very good lens. For image quality you do not need to upgrade.

[@geofff6671]

I tried two versions of the kit lens and was never happy with the image quality. It is ok I guess, but nearly every other Olympus lens is noticeably better. Like Peter, I didn’t like the power zoom either.

[@MrVara411]

Agreed! I have a used pancake zoom on its way to me to fit on my Olympus PEN E-P5... I already have owned the 12-40 ƒ/2.8 for years -- it's my workhorse on my Lumix G85 and now G9M2... so it'll be interesting to see how it compares!

[@Koji-888]

I love my pancake. Thank goodness I’m not a picky pixel peeper. So I can enjoy the reason I bought into Micro 4/3 in the first place. I’m getting old and much enjoy -> Smaller. Lighter. Cheaper. Couldn’t be happier.

[@WilliamWallaceRoss]

I just ordered the Olympus 12-45mm F4 Pro based on all the reviews I saw, as well as, this video review. Since I shoot mainly landscape and cityscape, I believe the sharpness, plus the added wide angle will do just fine for the occasional panorama's that I capture.

[@lmhjgseuk8213]

Haha, it's nice to see M43 bloggers get together. You should do more collaborations in the future. Kudos to both of you. Cheers!

[@manoloquintoempecinado7191]

The excelent pancake 12-42 mm must always be taken, by size. Whether or not you have any other lens, it always makes it easy to carry the camera in your pocket.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The size is its biggest advantage.

[@manoloquintoempecinado7191]

@@ForsgardPeter The FF will happen like 6x6, the future for the majority, is μ4/3 and its evolution.

[@HenryFalkner]

As a glorified hobbyist, with the E-M10 II and the 14-42 and the 40-150 kit lenses, the pancake lens does the job within that range of focal lengths. I can get watchable 33x23 inch prints from harbor night scenes - when the wind is low enough to give me the city light reflections.

[@nlanca1]

Thanks for that Peter (and Jimmy). I can see that for someone out and about doing landscape the 12-45 is a good choice. For myself the kit lens is fine for travelling light when I dont want to, or arent able to, have the 'holy trinity' 1.8 primes to hand.

[@ForsgardPeter]

True, you have a point.

[@timbaugh1944]

Love your videos Peter - I’ve learned so much. I tend to do more street photography and family snaps so the 12-45mm lens looks cumbersome and unwieldly to me. I have an M10 and have just got an M5 MKIII. I tend to use a 17mm f1.8 or 25mm f1.8 plus the 14-42mm kit lens. The issues you highlighted with the 14-42mm can be dealt with in post via Lightroom. If I was into landscapes, then I could see the 12-45 being a good choice.

[@nagolas8713]

At 4:08 Peter shows how to change some lens settings. I can't figure out how to access that menu nor create it with a E-M5 mark III. Do these settings only available from a E-M10 body (excluding E-M1 & E-M5) ? If so, if there any way to change these settings by software (I fail to find such option in "OM Workspace" v.2.1.1). Thank you for any advice.

[@nagolas8713]

Just in case one is looking for the answer: for E-M5 (mark I) (fw 2.3) and E-PM2 (fw 1.6) the setting does not exist - it's really a shame for E-PM2 because the 14-42EZ fits perfectly this body for E-M5 mark II (fw 4.1) the settings is under category K "Utility" of the "Custom menu" (as shown by Peter) for E-M5 mark III (fw 1.7) the settings is the last item of the category B "Button/Dial/Lever" of the "Custom menu"

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Two of my favorite olympus experts!

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

In camera photo stacking is also available with a Pro Lens. It is great for Makro, but also is used in landscape. With post processing software it can be done with a non pro lens, but it is an extra step.

[@judith4294]

nice... this differences between quality in m10 mark iv are similar?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Quality difference is the same.

[@alanworland9478]

Just bought the 14-42 and have been pleasantly surprised at how good it is!

[@ForsgardPeter]

I agree. It is a lot better than we think it is. I also like the small size.

[@alanworland9478]

I am using it with the Pen F making it highly pocketable! - your best camera is the one you have with you!

[@davidponce1901]

Thanks for the video, nice seeing you both. After watching this video I am pondering how the new lens compares to the old 12-50 kit lens?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I do not have the 12-50mm lens right now. The production of thta lens has been discontinued. It can be found used though, but have not find it yet.

[@AnandaSim]

Ever since I came back to photography from the film days after a few years when film got less popular and digital became better priced and with enough performance, I have had the opinion that 12mm (24 equiv) is significantly wider than 14mm (28 equiv). That was even before Olympus DSLR. For my style of photography , I want sweeping lead in in an urban scene where there are converging lines, converging curves, 12mm is much more preferable than 14mm. For family and friends shots, 12mm will always allow me to squeeze in one or two more people in a group shot or stand nearer (without the unpleasant fattening of those at the edges if you go wider) than 14mm. For kit lenses, there is of course a relative softening off centre, unless you stop down one or two stops. But what makes them less enjoyabe for me is at f/4 or f/5.6 when the fall off of focus in the look is not as exciting as f2.8 - I gotta try out the new 12-45 f/4 to see whether I still feel like that

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bringbackhumanity781]

You'll have to zoom in and peep closely to see the difference in image quality between the two lenses really. I'd say if you already have the kit lens (typically comes with the Olympus camera when you bought it) then it's probably not worth upgrading to the 12-45 f4 lens. I'd also say it's probably a good idea to stick with the kit lens for some time to really get used to it and then upgrade to the 12-40 f2.8 pro lens which would be a more decent upgrade if low-light shooting is an issue.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I totally agree.

[@driftx2]

I started with a 12-40 f2.8 pro but now I'm thinking about just getting primes for the faster apertures and a kit lens for my landscape work since it'd be stopped down anyway.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Having a prime lens is a good idea. What focal length you are planning to get?

[@driftx2]

@@ForsgardPeter I already have the 45mm 1.8 which I love and im thinking of getting a 17mm 1.8 to do environmental portraits and general walkaround. I may sell the 12-40 pro if I can live with just primes.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The 17mm f1.8 is a very good choice for environmental portraits. Angle of view is perfect for that and the f1.8 is fast enough for fats shutter speeds and shallow dof.

[@miguelmayer3473]

Hello Peter, have you or maybe Matti yet compared the 12-45 to the Lumix 12-60? Can't find a comparison.

[@ForsgardPeter]

No we have not. That is a good idea.

[@IhorFiglus]

I have the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO and recently picked up the 12-45mm. I have no argument that the 12-45 is a quality lens, but it's not that much smaller than the 12-40 which is a full stop faster. I think having the faster lens is more beneficial than the slight difference in size (PLUS the 12-40mm has the manual focus clutch!) so I'm selling the 12-45.

[@ForsgardPeter]

12-40mm F2.8 has many advantages over 12-45mm F4. Especially the MF Clutch.

[@stevekellett6934]

The 14-42mm pancake is the best kit lens I have ever used particularly on the M10 m2 & E5 m3.

[@IshmaelHo]

omg. I need to go to London and Finland just to meet u guys. Peter, would you ever have the time of day for your viewers visiting Finland. haha

[@ForsgardPeter]

I depends when. It is possible.

[@rickbear7249]

Sorry to see your damaged camera, Peter. Thankfully, it's just the cover door. Hopefully, a cheap and easy replacement. Regarding the consequential loss of weather sealing. This is why I always carry a roll of Duct Tape. That stuff will stick to anything, and it's 100% waterproof. I've even repaired holes in sea-going boats with it. As my main speciality, as a professional, is extreme photography, there's lots of tips I could offer, but carrying a roll of Duct Tape and a (cut down) roll of heavy-duty Cling Film are your two most useful items you can add to your travel kit. Carry a small roll of Duct Tape (about 2ft of tape) wrapped around a tube, at all times. Rick Bear

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

Thank you. You've reminded me I was going to do this too but I forgot what tape it was. I read somewhere a while back about using duct tape or gaffer tape and the differences. ( I thought they were the same thing but apparently they're not) One leaves a sticky residue when you take it off and one doesn't. Could you tell me does duct tape leave a sticky residue or not? Wish I could remember where I read it. Thanks :)

[@rickbear7249]

@@CarolyneMacMillan The names "Duct" and "Gaffer" Tape are used synonymously. Whether either will leave a sticky residue depends on the manufacturer and whether it's old or new stock, and how long you leave it on the object. Technically, Duct tape is permanent, while Gaffer tapes are for temporary fixes. With both, the glue adheres more strongly the longer it's on the object. You remove the glue with cigarette lighter fluid (a pure form of petroleum spirit). 3M or Gorilla makes are good. Rick

[@ForsgardPeter]

I usually have it in my bag, but not on this trip...

[@rickbear7249]

@@ForsgardPeter Isn't that always the way, Peter? You carry emergency kit for years, and the one day you've not got it is the day it's needed 🙀. Don't forget to post news of the damage and what Olympus says about repair. We'd all be interested in how easily such repairs are accomplished. I have read several reports on this camera's access door being weak/poorly designed. Maybe, Peter, you could produce a whole video on how the camera came to be damaged, detailing how well or badly the camera withstood the fall (metal vs. plastic body), the process for requesting the repair, how long it takes and what it costs, as well as your overall experience and thoughts on how well Olympus supports you? It'd be really interesting for all Olympus camera owners. Good-luck, Rick

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

@@rickbear7249 Thank you :)

[@leonfourie5717]

Nice suprice when Jimmy Chang also came in the video with his perspective on the lens.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, it was so nice to meet him.

[@LordMaxJa]

Peter when did you film this? I was there for 3 days at Excel London from 12th till 14th Feb. Took some shots of the exact place with my E-M10 Mk. II. :)

[@ForsgardPeter]

This was filmed on the 20th of February. The surroundings are lovely.

[@LordMaxJa]

@@ForsgardPeter a few days too late! Still, thanks for the info, guides, and all the work you do for us Olympus shooters! Always looking forward to Fridays to watch both of your weakly videos :)

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, it would have been great to see you!

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

Peter, I heard you saying that you don't like the motor zoom on this lens too much. So I wonder what to think about the M.Zuiko Digital 14‑42mm F3.5‑5.6 II R with the zoom by hand? I like the pancake size, but when it is "on", the size seems to be quite the same as the II R's. Is the overall quality the same? Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

[@ForsgardPeter]

It uses motor also when zooming by hand so it is not much easier to be precise.

[@michaelh.gerloff3659]

Peter Forsgård Oh, I did not know that there is also a motor working. Thank you, Peter!

[@jerry2357]

12 mm is significantly wider than 14 mm. For walking around taking photos, I have often used the 14-150 mm lens for its broad zoom range and versatility, but I always carry a wider lens (normally the 12 mm f/2) because 14 mm is sometimes not wide enough. (Try taking a good photo of Trier cathedral without having a lens at least as wide as 24 mm full frame equivalent.) I like the 12-45 because it feels a lot nicer to use, and in most cases it is wide enough in a city environment.

[@GoA7250]

9:10 Gold.

[@robbrown4281]

I own both these lenses and I enjoy the slightly wider field of view over the kit lens. However in all honesty when it comes to image quality I can’t see any notable improvement and am left feeling slightly disappointed by the PRO lens :-(

[@dayeah765caoni3]

instead you should feel lucky that the kit lens from oly is soooooo goooood’

[@yananbyanan]

A valuable set of comparisons!

[@pacostiro]

Hi Peter! I'd suggest to upload the analyzed photos somewhere and put here the links. It's impossible for the viewers to see what you describe, but it would be interesting. Thanks!

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have done it sometimes. My point is that the differences are very small and in most cases like posting to social media the difference does not really matter. Some other things matters a lot more.

[@bkaustav]

@Peter Iteresting and nicely put. You guys are rocking. A request... Is it possible for you to test Panasonic 10-25 f1.7 on Olympus EM1 bodies? Can Matti help you with the pany lens???

[@ForsgardPeter]

I could and I have talked about it with Matti. Have not gotten around to do it yet.

[@godofhope]

I had all of the 3 m 14-42 kit lenses. The first had very slow autofocus but was optically the best. Than the degradation goes on and on. The pancake is the worst of all of them. On top the usability is the worst as well. I have no experience with the Panasonic kit lenses but they seem to be much better. The plastic mount of the R II had contact issues with the mount on my E-M10 Mark II.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sorry to here that you have had problems with your lens. Is everything ok now?

[@jamarort]

Thanks for the video! I bet many people were waiting for a comparison between the 14-42 kit lens and the new 12-45 pro lens. Honestly, I was expecting a bigger difference between the image quality with both lenses. You need to pixel peep to appreciate the differences. I think that unless you have a weather sealed camera body, it might not be worth to get the new 12-45 lens if you already have the 14-42.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It depends if you need a bit better lens. 14-42mm EZ is also a Electronic Zoom lens which I personally do not like very much.

[@bestpix100]

Jimmy rocks... love his videos too. Thanks for the comparison... still think the 12-45 is irrelevant either a prime or the 12-40

[@sl-rt5kv]

Personally, I wouldn't describe the 12-45 as "irrelevant". Clearly, it is relevant to someone who values the significantly lighter weight of the 12-45, its slightly longer reach, and its lower cost, more than the one additional stop afforded by the 12-40. Furthermore, you could buy a new 12-45 and a new prime lens for not much more than the cost of a new 12-40. That would give you a package that weighs roughly the same as a 12-40 and is arguably at least as versatile. My sense is that choices like these are not matters of "relevance". They have more to do with "preference".

[@bestpix100]

@@sl-rt5kv your comment might.make sense if the 12-45 was actually cheaper than the 12-40... which it isn't

[@sl-rt5kv]

@@bestpix100 A brand new 12-40 f2.8 is as cheap as a brand new 12-45 f4? I didn't know that. I stand corrected.

[@ForsgardPeter]

In most parts of the world the 12-45mm f4 is cheaper than 12-40mm f2.8. I know that in Australia it is not, or at least was not at the time of the launch.

[@bestpix100]

@@ForsgardPeter that's really interesting, it is at least $100 more here than the 12-40... how strange

[@KRBY555]

I have the 12-40 pro, 45mm 1.8 and the 25mm Leica 1.2. Love the 25mm, but find the pro a bit big. if I keep the pro I can sell the 45mm. But if I sell the 45mm and swap the pro for a the 4.0 or the EZ kit, I worry they quality downgrade is too much. Hard choice!

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is a hard choice.

[@KRBY555]

@@ForsgardPeter help me Peter, you're my only hope

[@alexbl6057]

Maybe its a good lens, but i cant understand why it has no ios. I think it could be the kit lens for em10 and em5. For 400€ when you buy it as a kit. But in my opinion it has no wow factor why i should buy them. Except this year came an New 2.8 with ios which is so expensive when you can say 4.0 is ok. And its no hate comment, i like your videos.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I can see your point. The 12-45mm f4 is lens made because Olympus wanted to make a smaller pro lens. I would not be surprised if more f4 pro lenses will come in the future.

[@alexbl6057]

@@ForsgardPeter whats your choice, an New 12-45 f4 or a second hand 2.8 with 12 month shop warrenty in a as good as New condition?

[@bamsemh1]

Will you ever come to bornholm? 😊

[@ForsgardPeter]

Never been there, but it looks like an interesting place! never realised it is so close to Sweden.

[@bamsemh1]

@@ForsgardPeter in good weather and with a long zoom, you can actually see Sweden from here 😊 the only "Rocky" island in Denmark. Hammershus castle ruins are very popular here 😊

[@trulsdirio]

The difference on the wide end is pretty big, actually.

[@LadyBovine]

Yeah, If you zoom into the sides/corners, it's pretty significant, and he said that in the video too. I think the point is people don't tend to zoom into the edges of their photos very often, so unless you're making high resolution museum prints it might not be worth the significant extra weight and size and price.

[@JiiV3e]

I have a good idea, throw both of the zooms away and get a second prime lens. There is only two zoom lenses I like to use: 70-200 f2.8 lense for full frame and Olympus 7-14 mmf2.8

[@ForsgardPeter]

A prime is always a good option.

[@seyedmahdiamiri4924]

Hi Peter. I wanted to consult with you about purchasing another lens. I have the following equipment: Body: EM10-Mark 2 Lenses: 1.Kit 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 2.45mm f1.8 3.75mm f1.8 4.40-150mm f4-5.6 What do you want to recommend as my next lenses? Saturn in Germany has a good deal on 12-45mm F4.0 PRO only for 300 Euro. Does that make sense to buy these lenses?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Do you need a new lens. You have a pretty good set of lenses. The 12-45mm f4 could replace your kit lens. The price of 300€ for that lens is a good deal. You get some benefits with the 12-45mm f4 lens. Pro quality lens. Faster aperture at the long end, but loose a bit at the wide end. Image quality is a bit better, but it is also bigger lens. Not an easy call, but if you have the money 300€ for the 12-45mm f4 then get it. It is a great deal.

[@seyedmahdiamiri4924]

@@ForsgardPeter First, thank you for your feedback Peter, I always learn from your great Vidoes. Secondly, I like to do street photography and portraits but I lack the equipment for landscape, architecture and macro photography. I thought maybe this 12-40 F4 Pro will help me in these areas, but I'm not sure

[@Berzeruku]

nice episode :)

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@peternumber19]

The image quality of the pancake is fine for me but the electronic zoom is like using a camera in slow motion. Why can't you switch it off? For that reason it rots in my drawer when it's such a nice lens to carry.

[@charleyb4424]

I'd like to see a video comparing Olympus 12-45 F4 vs Panasonic 12-35 F3.5-5.6 on an Olympus camera (ideally M10ii, M10iii, and/or M5iii). Most of my ougdoor photos are made using Pan 12-32 on EM10ii with excellent pro quality results for photos that are from 1280 to 3000 pixels wide. Most of my work is published online at 1280x1024. I'd like to know if I could get noticeably better photos using the much larger, heavier, and more expensive Oly 12-45. The Pan 12-32 on EM10ii is working really well for me. So it's tough competition, IMO.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I would say that you wont see much of a difference in IQ. The main thing is that Olympus 12-45 f4 has a constant aperture. Not sure if the Panasonic lens is weather proof?

[@mickeli7155]

The only real "problem" i see with "kitzoom" be that mft or APS-C. is that appature i almost non needed. Not a real problem, more of a rather non artistic and boring feature, so to speak. They can be good and practical but somewhat boring in use.

[@photohounds]

No idea about they made this lens, instead of making a 12-40 f/2'8 Mark 2 lens.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is all about the size.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

A lot of commentators, well not as many as with FF camera systems, seem hung up on the weight of the fabulous and fast, 12-40 2.8 Pro. Compared to approximately equivalent lens on FF systems, it is a bargain. Also, it is not at all heavy. This new lens appears to be a glorified kit lens ( and I am not criticising the standard kit lens, good images if it comes bundled with a new body purchase). To an extent, the issue of choice between the new lens and the 12-40 2.8 is irrelevant to me, as I have one and have been so impressed that I have just purchased a 2nd 12-40 2.8, basically new in box as the vendor needed funds in a hurry. In fact, although to be honest, it was this lens that attracted me to the Olympus MFT system. Given the relatively modest cost of the 12-40, I think many OMD and, say Pen F, owners would be well served to pay more, but soooh much less than Canon, Nikon and Sony FF digital or mirrorless equivalents.

[@joeltunnah]

Robert Cudlipp, this video demonstrated clearly why the 12-45 f4 is *not* a “glorified kit lens”.

[@homesickphotographycomau4107]

peter you killed your camera

[@ForsgardPeter]

No, it is alive!

[@VevoSux]

1st hahahha

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes!

[@manoloquintoempecinado7191]

Being first is overrated. The meritorious thing is to be the last.