BRUTALLY Ranking Micro Four Thirds Lenses

[@MicroFourNerds]

Hit me with your hot takes! Anything I've missed?

[@r3771-n2r]

what about the Olympus 12-100 f4? 24-200 dual stabilized with really outstanding optics was the reason i went 4/3s. Get the 12-100 and the 100-400 and call it a day for out door shooting.

[@bja200]

Lumix 14-140?

[@RyanDaum]

TTArtisan 25mm, Olympus 75-300mm.

[@frankygamaliano7058]

OM 8-25/4 Pro?

[@Behnam_Moghaddam]

it's a crime that you don't own ALL MFT-Lenses in existence! Love the List❤

[@jbvertexx]

OM-5 matched with the 12-45 F4 pro is Bloomin' Brilliant for sure.

[@jamjohnson200]

Hi, love your presentation style❤ Please tell me why you haven’t listed a single Sigma MFT lens? 16mm, 30mm, 56mm, all F1.4’s ?

[@jasonwrites9186]

Great video! I actually *love* the Olympus 12-45 F4, but it depends on the body. For the smaller cameras, I prefer that over the 2.8. My F4 pretty much lives on my EM5 Mark III. :)

[@vkkim]

I went back and forth forever between the two and ended up with the same combo as you with the f4 and m5iii, to complete my trio I added a f4 40-150 and a f1.4 20mm

[@robertcarhartjr6234]

@@vkkimI have the same trio!

[@ThatJewishKid11]

yes please review the 15mm lumix leica !!! with the holidays in full swing it would be the PERFECT challenge for this lens! im looking forward to your review on this lens cause ive been eyeballing it for quiet some time now !

[@podrezd]

i have one on c cam gh6. love it handheld for closeups , it has good separation on portraits and perfect match for 12 1,4 and 25-50 1,7 , same color rendering unlike any sigma or olympus you can tell right away it`s a different glass.

[@danw4930]

I love your shoot outs! New to OM System. Bought an OM1 MK II with a 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens Oct 3, 2024. Took 3 days to decide to to pack up my two D850's and lenses and arrange some trading with B&H. Awaiting another MK II with a 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens. You might say I am impressed with the MK II and OM System in general. Now if I could come up with $7500 I would be set for the rest of my life. Kept backing into things at 40mm and had to take drastic action. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

[@thehappyskeptic]

Was waiting for your take on the Lumix 14-140. It sits on my camera at least 90% of the time, coming off only rarely to put on the 25mm 1.4 (for low light) about 8% of the remainder. My other lenses (42.5mm portrait, 15mm Leica, 12-35 2.8) barely get used, I'd probably sell them without missing anything if only I wasn't afraid I would find a use for them the day after I sold them! The 14-140 is probably the single reason I haven't completely gone over to the convenience of shooting on iPhone during travels - nothing beats the convenience and ability to zoom through almost the entire required range while travelling.

[@kwchalky02]

I agree 100% If I could only have one lens it would be the 14-140. There are lots of more expensive and "better" for certain specialist shots, but for an all round that covers 90% of my needs, that's the one I'd go for. 😊

[@philipcarter6075]

Huh! Better options than the OM 12-45 f4? What would they be, for the image quality, size, build and price? And what about the rest of the OM/Olympus f4 trilogy? The 8-25 and 40-150 are stellar.

[@James91]

Thank you so much for featuring my photos for the Nocticron 42.5mm! That was a pleasant surprise. This video is fantastic. You’re making me want to buy more lenses…😅😅😅

[@AndriiPyndyk]

E-M5 Mk II was in kit with 12-50 f/3.5-6.3 - weather sealed and macro capable lens. still using it since 2019

[@trustbattlerat8718]

Not the sharpest but a great light weight walk around lens. With the bonus of electronic zoom which can be operated automatically from your smart phone, plus the Macro / close focus function is also pretty handy.

[@andreatilli6227]

Love it for trekking

[@LeeJMac]

You didn't mention my favourite MFT lens: The OM 8-25 F4. Such a fantastically useful (and absolutely unique) range, and sharp corner to corner all the way across the zoom and aperture range. And how could you have missed the greatest super zoom ever made for any system, the OM 12-100 F4?

[@Emerald_City_]

Yeah, those two are legendary…

[@mikejankowski6321]

I too have the 8-25 and it serves me well. Would have been nice to see it in this ranking, but I suspect it would be A or S anyway. I guess she didn't have anything to go on for these two.

[@Duckstalker1340]

Those 2 lenses would be the only reason I would buy into m43. Wish they release mk ii of those lens with modern lens design.

[@peterking1499]

I have both these lenses and find them superb. I rarely have any other lens in my bag. The 12-100 focuses so close too.

[@gregfeeler6910]

I have both the 8-25 f4 PRO and the 12-100 f4 PRO and they are so versatile but with super high quality images, and naturally the OMS PRO lens build quality.

[@funkymonk5145]

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 25mm F/1.8 should be on your top tier list,ive found it absolutely fantastic for street photography .

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

Absolutely agree. It’s my most used lens. I’ve also had the LUMIX 25mm option and felt like it was cheaper feeling than the Olympus one.

[@bishwatntl]

It shares a place with the Oly 45/1.8 in my bag - both are small and sharp.

[@keithholland4322]

From what I've read, it's a good lens, but I wouldn't rate it that highly because it has 2 or 3 stops of vignetting, if I remember correctly, and it isn't weather sealed.

[@Emerald_City_]

Gotcha! Solid lens…

[@andreatilli6227]

This one or Pana 40mm 1.7, which one is more versatile for you?

[@HugoVarvoglis]

The Oly 12-40 f2.8 is my favorite lens with my G9II. I bought the lumix 100-300 half price new and I'm very happy with the results and is very small and light for the reach, also I have the lumix 14-140 that I like a lot. Great video Cheers!

[@scottsherwood8555]

I love all of your descriptions of these lens. Definitely a fun way to talk and describe things. I learned a lot. A wonderfully fun and informative video. Thank you.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I have many of these lenses...entry level (14-42 EZ) to pro (f1.2 primes, 300mm f4 prime). You convinced me to get the Oly 9-18. I got it for just under $200 in mint condition from a Japanese eBay seller. It's redundant for me (I have the 8-25 f4 and 7-14 f2.8), but having a cheap wide angle is appealing. I let my daughter use it for her photography class next semester. 😊

[@JP4drumsFarrell]

Can't thank you enough for the turn on to the Olympus 9-18. Got terrific results on my Olympus EM10 MKII and breathed new life into my PL 9. Next stop Lumixville for more picture fun. Thanks!!!!!!

[@davidbeaton6506]

Thanks for the review. I do agree with others that my go to, do almost anything, lens is the 12-100 F4. In my case I couple it with the 17mm 1.2 Pro for low light.

[@doctahp123]

Wonderfully comprehensive video Emily! Agreed almost completely down the line, I would move the Olympus 75mm to S tier for me. It's speed, size, and focal length are insane for low light street and concert.

[@seth094978]

I am selling 10 of my 13 lenses, and that 75 is one of the 3 that's staying. I love it. It spends the 2nd most time on my camera after the 20mm/1.7 pancake.

[@SverigenyheternaOfficial]

My favorite lens that you didn’t mention is the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux II 25/1,4! Weighing in at just 205 grams, this is the lightest large-aperture weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds lens. The image is razor sharp already at the largest aperture and gives fantastic fine bokeh in the background thanks to its size. The build quality is fantastic. Weatherproof construction that withstands both rain and snow. Quiet and fast motor for autofocus. Use it on my Panasonic G9 for both professional film and photo and it is my favorite lens!

[@davidleomorley889]

I just purchased the Olympus 45mm F1.8 based on this video ranking.... so thanks. I bought the 9mm 1.7 a couple of weeks ago, loved your review btw, and I'm heading out for a 90 day adventure in Egypt again, starting on New Years Eve with my newly purchased Lumix G9 ii. Thanks so much for what you do here. 😍

[@bradleyeid9260]

Nice summary. I have owned 2 of the S tier lenses and 5 of the A tier. A year ago I traded my Zuiko 12-40 F2.8 for the Zuiko 12-45 F4.0. Still no regrets. Smaller size, so it travels with me more often. The 12-45 F4 and the Leica 15mm F1.7 together weigh the same as the Zuiko 12-40 F2.8 alone. My alternate urban travel kit is the Leica 15mm F1.7 and Zuiko 25mm F1.8. The later is an awesome lens too and not on your review chart.

[@leichen5830]

What about Lumix Leica50-200 f2.8-4?

[@andyjames]

@10:07 Thank you so much for featuring my shot Emily!!! 🤗

[@RevJock]

I'm only here for the 3d Pop 😊 Have to agree with what you said about the Leica 200 T2.8, absolutely love that lens on my G9ii. Great video Emily, cheers!

[@burnki]

"It's my list, i can do what I want." 😂 I love your brutal reviews. They're so entertaining and super informative!

[@carlsmethurst8566]

Great video Emily, but you missed what is by far my most used lens - the Oly 12-100 f4 Pro. It's chunky and heavy but it's so versatile and the quality is brilliant, it stays on my OM-1 90% of the time.

[@thomasanderson5929]

It's really not that chunky or heavy, people exaggerate it's size a lot.

[@stuartgriffinburgh5297]

Thanks!

[@TheGotoGeek]

There’s one thing about the 12-45/4 that’s worth thinking about: it’s one of the few lenses in any system (that I know of) that I would describe as diffraction limited: resolution does not improve with stopping down. And it’s the perfect size for an OM-5 or similar body. Blumming Brilliant in my book.

[@BikersMirror]

Great channel - "I recently purchased a Sony a7CR with a 61-megapixel sensor. I thought this would be perfect for street photography due to its cropping capabilities. However, I quickly realized that its complex focusing options and smaller DOF often resulted in missed shots, focusing on the wrong subject at the wrong moment. Reflecting on my best photographs, I noticed a common theme: most of them were captured using simpler, third-party cameras. Disappointed with the a7CR's performance, I sold it after six months and returned to the Micro Four Thirds system with a Panasonic G9."

[@FenoTheFox]

The two lenses I use the most arent featured here! First, the Olympus M. Zuiko 12mm F/2. Definitely the one I've used the most for the sake of videos, being both decently wide and decently fast, and it had autofocus! I am definitely interested in getting the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm F/1.4 ASPH or maybe the Olympus M. Zuiko 17mm F/1.2. Not sure if I wanna lose out on those 5mm, though. Second, the Panasonic Lumix G 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6. Really great range on this one, able to go quite wide zoom in quite far. I find it looks good no matter the f-stop, and it has O.I.S. and auto focus. Super versatile lens, I love it.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Interesting! Love the OM Systems 12-100 F4.0 Pro and 40-150 F4 Pro. Very versatile and tiny for what you can do with them, IMO. Not an expert, but do enjoy them.

[@keithholland4322]

The Panasonic 100-300mm f/4.-5.6 is a solid B tier lens. It's good to have along when you're going for a hike and can't justify the size and weight of a larger super telephoto lens but want to have something in case you encounter some interesting wildlife. Or, if you're on a tight budget and can't afford an Olympus 100-400 or 40-150 with a 2x teleconverter, it's a solid choice.

[@mouzata]

The MkII Version can be surprisingly good, especially when stopped down a bit and focus is nailed.

[@keithholland4322]

@@mouzata I have the original and it's not bad. I'm sure the optical formula is the same. The MkII version is just weather sealed and has better OIS. I thought my 100-300 was a pretty good lens until I got a 2x teleconverter for my 40-150!

[@mouzata]

@@keithholland4322 It also has an improved focusing motor compared to the Mk1 version. I'm sure the Oly 40-150 + MC20 will give better results, but it's much more expensive and bulkier set up. I tried replacing it with the old Olympus 50-200 SWD + EC-14, but the improvements in IQ couldn't outweigh the increased size and weight. On top of that, the legacy lens had a slower and less reliable AF (on both E-M5 MkIII and the OM-1 Mk1)which ultimately made me not use it as much.

[@74leogambo]

I had a mark1 for 3 years, wonderful sports and nature lightweight longish zoom, the focus ring on mine was almost unusable tho. When mine stopped focusing I got the Oly 75-300ii which is very similar overall and gives equally good results

[@keithholland4322]

@@mouzata Yeah, my dad uses that lens with his E-M1 II and he finds that his images are a little bit soft at full zoom. And yes, the Four Thirds lenses are slower to focus than native MFT lenses, but until they make an MFT 300mm f/2.8, I'm sticking with my Four Thirds mount version! It still focuses quickly and accurately enough to be usable and the extra stop of light is totally worth missing a shot once in a while, if you ask me. I would miss a lot more shots if I was shooting with a 300 f/4 just because I can push the edges of darkness a little more with the f/2.8 aperture.

[@jasonmcgrody9472]

You got a follow with your love of the Panasonic 20/1.7. Old, slow autofocus, but when released at the start of m4/3 it was what the format promised - tiny lenses. Pair it with a GM5 and it's just sick. I am so happy I bought this with the GH1 I bought back in 2010 that came with the original 14-140 as its stock lens.

[@keithholland4322]

I would put the Olympus 12-100mm f/4 Pro in S tier and the Pana/Leica 12-60 in A tier because of the extra zoom range and sharpness.

[@raizt1596]

The 12-60mm is smaller and faster if I remember correctly. I think that was her reasoning, which I agree with.

[@keithholland4322]

@@raizt1596 Yes, it's a compromise, but not a good one in my opinion. I'd rather have a 12-40 f/2.8 or a 12-100 f/4 than a 12-60 f/4. Sure, it's f/2.8 on the wide end, but you lose that aperture quickly as you zoom in and that's a pretty dim aperture for a wide angle MFT lens. It's like an f/5.6-f/8 lens on a full frame camera. And if you're using flash or working in manual mode for whatever reason, you're just going to leave it stopped down to f/4 anyway so that your exposure doesn't change when you zoom. I just don't see any advantage to losing half your zoom range as well as some image quality in order to have a slightly smaller package, so in my opinion, it's just a massively overpriced kit lens that's effectively dimmer than any full frame kit lens, yet far more expensive.

[@mike_k.]

@@raizt1596 I have no experience with this lens especially its sharpness but I can say that having the 12-35 2.8 (A) + 35-100 2.8 (S) is S tier combo. You learn real quick to work around the 35 and when its better to use longer and when wider of those two but overall this combo is fast, stabilized, sharp and versatile. Im in automotive and I won't change this combo until I move to FF system. Which I will hopefully soon because I can take nice photos in low light but its real pain for video.

[@osirismarbles5177]

​@@keithholland4322 Flash use nowadays includes TTL functionality so exposure won't change when zooming and changing aperture. The flash will compensate. Exposure also won't change w/o flash in any auto mode (which even pros shoot in) or in manual mode w/ auto ISO (which pros also shoot in). as an event photographer, I can easily see how the 12-60 is useful when I'm indoors shooting w/ flash in TTL. I've actually been considering it over my 12-35 2.8. The longer reach just allows for quicker access for other shots while still being wide enough (and small enough) to get close.

[@Winnie-tkw]

@@raizt1596 I have both and Olympus is better, if you shoot them side by side, like I have done. I even sent back to Panasonic because it seem decentred, and came back same. I haven't sold the Leica 12-60, but I hardly use it. Being 'fast' isn't always good if the corners are mushy. In fact 'cheaper' Panasonic 14-140, mark 2, was even better at every focal length than Leica 12-60mm.

[@datapro007]

Lumix 20mm f1.7 - my favorite walking around lens. I agree with your assessment of the Olympus 45mm f1.8 - a true gem of a lens for little money.

[@keithholland4322]

The 45 is a good lens if you can deal with all the purple fringing in high contrast areas, but the Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7 runs circles around it. No purple fringing that I've noticed yet and it focuses really close too. It's stabilized and I think it's a little sharper, although you probably won't notice that difference.

[@datapro007]

@keithholland4322 I'm using a Panasonic GX85 with IBS, so I don't care about the lens stabilization. I don't see any purple fringing, which I assume is being corrected in the camera firmware. What camera body are you using?

[@keithholland4322]

@@datapro007 I used it with several different bodies including the Panasonic G7, Olympus PEN E-PL7, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, and E-M1 Mark II. Just about anywhere there was a lot of contrast, I would get purple fringing which was extremely annoying to get rid of in post. Out of focus leafless tree branches in the background were the worst! Most lenses struggle with that, but there was a huge difference between the Olympus and Panasonic equivalent lenses in that respect. I don't care about OIS either since all of my current cameras have IBIS, but for some users, that might make a difference. For me, the main differences are chromatic aberration and minimum focus distance.

[@0601989m]

Compared to the DJI 15mm 1.7 I got off aliexpress (99% the same as the Leica branded version) I find the 20mm´s images far more appealing. Whether it´s FOV, sharpness, contrast, rendering, 3d pop, vintage-look or some other magic. The 20mm is the winner for me, and will be glued to my GX9

[@seth094978]

The 20/1.7 is my most used lens. I never liked the 45 and found it to be pretty over rated. It seems to have lots of chromatic aberrations.

[@cheralynn4417]

Great video. I love the way you rated these. However, almost no one mentions the Oly 40-150/f4 pro lens and that's the one I'm thinking of buying so I really wanted to hear your take on it. Maybe you can review it separately or do a follow-up video?

[@FierceSleepingDog]

It's a great travel zoom. I have it's f2.8 big brother, but sometimes the smaller f4 is the way to go if you need to travel light.

[@peternumber19]

For years I only used the Oly 14-150. Light and versatile does most. The 12-100 f4 could be next but I chose a Pana 12-60 f2.8 due to price.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

BOOM! The first three S-tier lenses are the first three I bought and still own! The Olympus 12-40 is my absolute favourite lens in the world! The 9mm got sunk in a river recently, I baked it in the oven at 45c for 2 days and it dried out and looks great, but I don't quite trust it anymore, though!

[@osjerick]

Great info! I was hoping you’d share your thoughts on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS, though-I noticed it wasn’t mentioned.

[@godsinbox]

she sorta did, saying (rightly) that it was better than the panasonic versions.

[@osjerick]

@@godsinbox Oh, I missed it. Thanks!

[@Gynra]

Excellent video, however I must disagree about the Lumix-Leica 42.5mm f1.2 Nocticron. As a portrait lens it is scalpel sharp, totally usable fully open and renders wonderfully. When I was using micro four-thirds, this was my favourite lens by a fair way. It should be in an S+ category for portraiture.

[@everyhandletaken]

Agree! Love portraits with this lens

[@seth094978]

Do you have any experience with the Olympus 45mm f/1.2 to compare it with? I'm in the market for a good short tele.

[@Gynra]

@ No, sadly. I was using a Lumix G9 at the time, so I went for the Panasonic Leica Nocticron. Reviews suggest that the Olympus 45 mm is very sharp, but I cannot vouch for its rendering for portrait work. That said, I'm sure it's an excellent short telephoto.

[@Brightsparks1960]

Great fun video for us Micro Four Nerds. So many great lenses in the MFT system. A couple of other mentions I would give to the OM 20mmm f1.4Pro (A Tier) and the 12-100 f4 Pro (S Tier).

[@bastian.michel]

Many of the lens ratings were spot on, and I felt the same about most of them. However, I have a few exceptions: the 75mm f/1.8 should be in S-tier, as well as the 10-25mm f/1.7. Love the video. ❤️

[@Democratiser]

I agree re 75mm.

[@Koji-888]

75mm. Used it a few weeks. Admired its sharpness and bokeh.

[@seth094978]

Yeah I call the 75mm "The Professionalinator" because it somehow makes everything look special and professional. Just point it randomly and you get interesting images.

[@keithholland4322]

I would put the Sigma 60mm f/2.8 in A tier because it's not only a very sharp portrait lens that's on par with the Olympus 60mm macro in most respects, but also because the close focus distance is such that you can use it as a macro lens if you put some extension tubes on it, making it a very affordable alternative to the Olympus 60mm for those that can't justify the price of the Olympus.

[@JensMHA]

Good one as always, a bit miffed on the placement of the 12-45 Oly. I have run that and its 40-150 f:4 pro twin as primaries for the last 1,5 years and the 12-45 for two years and after a bit of trial shooting in April, ran them for a job in October, replacing the Lumix f:2.8s. Combined with the ISO handling of the OM-1 its a winner in my book! and the IQ is way above the Lumix 12-60, which on the two examples I have handled found to be rather sub-par. 🙂

[@vkkim]

I use those two all the time! was also mildly irritated haha

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

I've done actual MTF testing on my 12-45 and 12-40 pro lenses. Guess what, the 12-45 was slightly better everywhere. 12mm, 25mm, 40mm, f/4, f/5.6, f/8. f/11...12 tests in total and one winner in all 12. I call it my little gem.

[@valentinfx]

The Leica 15mm has been my favorite the second I got it. S tier is well deserved and I’d love to see your review of it

[@Nick_G7IZR]

Did I miss the 14-140 in the zoom category?

[@peterh7458]

you're not the only one.

[@robintan502]

There is the Lumix-Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 , and then there is also the highly portable Lumix 42.5mm f/1.7. Holiday street portraits, esp during daylight, but not too shabby in low light. I have this on my "side arm" GM5

[@1ppl.1plntpls66]

Yes, please review 15mm f1.7 LUMIX Leica and please find a way to get the DJI version which some say it has differences but maybe no or insignificant for the $ difference.

[@sosomelodies659]

I love this list. It' helps me map out what lens to consider next. Thanx!

[@gregfeeler6910]

First - another wonderful review, and I agree for the most part with all of your choices. However, I will say many good things about the OM System 12-45mm f4 PRO. I bought one to use with my small bodies like my PEN E-P7 and PEN-F because it is small enough to fit inside either the OM System 12-40 f2.8 PRO or the PanaLeica 12-60 f2.8-4 (I own both) so makes for a super small system and yet it gives equal image quality. Also, you might take a look at the Brightin Star 36mm f0.95 if you get a chance. I find my actually very decently sharp and not hard to focus, with very reassuring full metal build. Thanks!

[@seanmurphy1752]

You should get a full review of the Panasonic Leica 15mm, using it on something like the GM5 is amazing. I took that combo to Yellowstone and took some amazing shots. That lens has been all over the world with me and will be going to Japan with me later this year.

[@matthiasschluter3060]

I have a super sharp olympus 12-45 f4 on my gx9, a super combination. For super results ! I love mft. And when I want the maximum.... I take my nikon z8 ! Mft & nikon z8....perfect.

[@cheshirecustomcamper9797]

I've got the 15mm with aperture ring , bought on a whim in Chester, love it.

[@yellowzen1]

My favourite subject is my 8 month old granddaughter. What lens would be great for indoor shots of her with the EM5 Mark II? Thank you

[@mikeg2916]

I love my Olympus 8-25mm F4 lens. It rarely comes off my om d em 1.

[@WhiteWulfe]

I would absolutely LOVE to see you do a full on review of the Leica-Lumix 15mm f1.7! it's such an awesome lens, I love that lil guy!

[@rafaellorenzodeleon]

Great list! Of all the lenses I have tried and used the PL15 1.7 has been glued on to my camera body. Also thanks for the image feature!

[@simonvelar]

The 4mm lens is also sold under the brand Laowa - and I've made a few of my best shots ever with it - but fr9m my perspective it's better suited for video than photo - for both I recommend using a straight mini tripod, you start recording and use the legs of the tripod to control the movement of the camera, oh and yeah manually change the focal length of the IS

[@simpedros4766]

Did i miss the mention of the om 90mm macro? Not just the best m43 full stop but best macro lens on any system

[@g0fvt]

Felt a little like a game of battleships, only a few of mine coincide with yours. My favourite "holiday lense" for sheer versatility is the 14-140mm MK2.

[@74leogambo]

Great video, lots of popular lenses missing tho, Lumix 100-300 1&2, Olympus 75-300 1&2, Olympus 30mm and 90mm macro, Panasonic 25mm 1.7, I did enjoy seeing images captured with each lens featured

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I love the 30mm macro. It's always on my E-P5 for daily walks. That lens punches well above its weight. Small, inexpensive, excellent results.

[@rovervitesse1985]

The regular 14-42 olympus kit lens that came with the EP1 isn’t mentioned, as is the lumix 50-200 and 45-175 and 14-42 X. A So olympus had a basic 40-150

[@JuanManuelTastzian]

Loved this one, Em! Quick question: on the Olympus 17mm you say that you wish you took better care of it. Other than the drop that doesn't let you put filters on it (or like, dropping in general), is there something you would have liked to do? And tangential question: the drop does also not let you put a lens cap on it or that's good?

[@JimmyPifPaf]

For me. The best overall zoom for bodies like OM5, EM5 is 12-45. For daily trips/hikes and the most impertant thing to me - balance. In terms of image quality I really don't see better option. And that's just me. I also like 20mm 1.4...

[@pgy8863]

Wow, that kit the Oly EM-5iii with the Oly 12-45mm f4 and the Oly 20mm e1.4 is my go to lightweight travel kit. It's pretty much perfect. Tiny. Weatherproof. Excellent all around.

[@daniel4210]

This is a very impressive list! If you have the chance, check out the olympus 45mm pro 1.2, it's a solid portrait prime (but it's pretty big). Also the olympus 75mm you mentionned in your video is part of om-system black friday sale and is currently half price (which makes it only a but more expensive that what it goes for on average on the used market).

[@FierceSleepingDog]

❤ the f1.2s

[@sebastianheuwagen9317]

im using the 12mm 1.4. i like the usage for landscape video and also closeup portrait shots.

[@derekmidgley]

Ages ago I had the Panasonic 100-400mm. It felt and looked beautiful. But its beauty was only skin deep. Beneath an almost perfect exterior lurked some of the most disappointing tech (glass and all the other bits that frequently missed focus bringing tears) I've ever suffered with. Glad you liked yours.

[@gmaas1418]

Hi Emily , have a look at the Brightin Star 35 f0.95! Won't break the bank and build & performance ... impressive! If you like sharp lenses, check out the Sigma f1.4 series. (18-30-56). Ps I undstand it's your list and you can do what you want... I'd suggest the 40-150 f2.8 Pro just gets its own category to wave to all the others. Just a suggestion.

[@markattardo]

Cool hearing your thoughts! I'm curious if your choices would change based on the system you are shooting with...Oly body, Pana lanes and the other way round.

[@vernkowa8288]

The IQ and versatility of the M.Zuiko 12-100 IS PRO has been very much underrated. This lens is hard to beat.

[@harriettubmanappreciater9091]

I currently shoot with a gx85 and some primes. I intended for mft to be just a starting point but the more i use it the more i think its a good system to invest in for video & street Photography, even if lumix has been disappointing lately with support.

[@PieterdeRooijHolland]

Great review, thanks. I think I'd put the Lumix-Leica 42.5mm f1.2 Nocticron in the S-category, as it's a superb performer in every way. And I wonder where you would put the lumix 14-140 zoom lens. It didn't turn up in your review. I think the 14-140 is a 'good value for the money'-lens.

[@aryansanders8567]

Brutal!! So many lenses in a single video, how do you do that?? My respects and as usual great review my fav but just because I have it and use it with pleasure is the LUMIX 12-35/2.8 a really pro lens in a small package and second the leicasonic 25/1.4 as is small and excellent in all respects but what I love above all but that is just me is manual lenses, the combo Topcor 58/1.4 + .72 Metabones blows me away for portrait work it makes a perfect 85 equivalent

[@Seimstudios]

Good overview. Picked up an Em5 II and a G9 and watched a ton of your videos in deciding girl. I have the Leica 12-60 and the Leica 15mm for street and it's stunning. I also just ordered an old original Olympus 80's 55 f1.2 that I plan to use solo and with a speed booster for dreamy portraits.

[@WojtekApostol]

And there is Panasonic 30/2.8 macro, probably 60mm is more classic for macro, however this one has also image stabilization and is sharp, nice option for product photography when you need to take many shots handheld for speed

[@pasmac625]

I enjoyed watching it and learnt a lot. Thanks for this video

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

The Panasonic 42.5 prime focuses a lot closer than the Olympus 45 prime. Have the Oly, great lens, very occasionally wish i could focus closer (can we have it all please!)

[@briannadev9022]

Awesome video Emily! You’re doing really well, congrats!

[@mcactus6210]

What do you think about the zuiko 8-25mm f4 pro lens? I believe that it could be more versatile than the 7-14mm, but I do not know what to choose.

[@mikejankowski6321]

If you anticipate using filters, it's a no-brainer. I chose the 8-25 despite the slower aperture and what I consider a longer than necessary zoom ratio to the high end. I'm not dissatisfied, the slight shortfall at the wide end hasn't been an impediment, and yes the greater zoom range does translate into more versatility.

[@pgy8863]

You'll have to test it. It's pretty amazing!

[@bewing77]

I did miss two of my favorite wider primes; The Olympus 17mm f/1.2 and the Sigma 16mm f/1.4, with the latter coming out on top for it’s ridiculous sharpness for it’s width.

[@hughweller-lewis8312]

I was surprised not to see you mention the Brightin Star 35mm f0.95, which I could have sworn you'd reviewed positively. Searching now it seems not! Bought it a while ago on the strength of reviews, but thanks to health issues, not had a chance to use it. Also, what about the Olympus 12mm f2.0? Have you had a chance to use one? Love your insights. Always learn something new.

[@mightygodking]

Comment re stabilization: Olympus often doesn't stabilize lenses because their primary stabilization route is via the body where a lot of the lower-end Panny models aren't stabilized nearly as much, so often the "more stabilized" lens isn't necessarily better - especially considering that the stabilization on a Panny lens can actually end up detracting from the body stabilization on some of the earlier OM models. It all comes down to camera + lens combo.

[@mike_k.]

One that I really miss in the list is a prime lens - SIGMA 30mm f/1,4 DC DN. Its so good in low light situations, sharp and with auto focus and pretty cheap (around 200usd used and 370usd brand new). I was shooting for example car exhaust flames at night with barely any light in background or siluete photo of a guy in an underpass with only one cheap aliexpress light tube behind him and those pics came out insanely good.

[@simonlee7121]

The only gripe I have for the 60mm macro is the 2.8 aperture. It needs sooo much light, something not easy with indoor macro. But otherwise it’s so brilliant. I take it on hikes and it’s good for bird watching, macro, portraits, some landscape. Basically one lens to do it all and it’s light too as a 120mm equivalent.

[@K7.2023]

hey! my favourite one is the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 always sharp and awesome! ❤

[@toxophillus72]

I've carried out sharpness testing with my,12-60 2.8-f4 and my 14-140 mk2 and there's nothing in it, possibly the 12-60 has a slight advantage at the extreme edges but if I had to get rid of one of them it would be the PL 12-60.

[@jumpmansz]

Let’s see a review for the panny leica 15mm 1.7. I already own and love it and would love to hear more good things about it 😊

[@wewillwannes]

Glad to see my rhino in the video 😍 I really love the Lumix 35-100mm as it perfectly does what I bought it for. I pair it with my Lumix 20mm and I'm basically set for whatever I have to photograph.

[@Penjerrix]

I have the 15mm and 25mm Leica which are my favorite lenses. Also the 45mm f2.8 macro Leica which I use for portraits: sharp and not too much contrast. I have used the 7-14mm Panasonic extensively for real estate pictures. Quite compact and light. DxO PureRaw4 improves the qualities of this lens. My less favorite is the 14-140mm mk1 but I took great pictures with it.

[@azjoe_6310]

I am happy that my first two M43 lenses made the top of the list: 12-40 2.8 and 35-100 2.8. I am so happy with both of these lenses.

[@Lightnin100]

I picked up the 9-18mm second hand for $200 AUD. I've had so much fun shooting with this lens, especially in the city and it is tiny and lightweight.

[@davey3765]

Thank you for all your work I shoot full frame but the significant other wanted to get into photography and they don't want to carry a lot so I went M43 and I feel almost lost but your videos have been a big help. My biggest gripe is that you need to apply the crop factor in all lens purchases. Shooting FF I wouldn't consider a 12mm lens but to M43 its 24. Why didn't they ever make native 1:1 lenses??? I'm so thrown off with this system. FF is so much easier.

[@evanmcknight2566]

Thanks for the review. A very comprehensive list. I own quite a number of these lenses and very much agree with your assessment of the lenses I actually own.

[@Nick-4K]

Lumix 10 - 25 is my jam. I haven't switched my lens in years. Take care of it, it will take care of you. Haha but I agree, it is a little pricy.

[@MicroFourNerds]

It is so impressive. I love love loved it for weddings!

[@neddanison9202]

Yes! I was looking for a comment about the Pana-Leica 10-25 and 25-50 f1.7 pair. Pretty much all I use!

[@pauljefferies6585]

Great video thanks! Have you ever owned any of the Voigtlander 0.95 lenses, I’d love to hear your thoughts on them

[@neildonaldson2454]

Great review! I own the the 150mm-600mm OM Systems zoom lens. Yes its a little heavy but the range is amazing! And much more affordable than the Big White. Image quality is excellent and has dual IS. Shame to see that land in the "There are better options" - should be in the Blummin Brilliant IMOP 😉. Would have been good to see your thoughts on the Leica 12mm f1.4 (Superb lens) and the Olympus 20mm F1.7 pro (very sharp and IP53 rated)

[@thiemogeb]

You once recommended the Olympus 12-50 F3.5-6.3 for landscape photography. Where would you rank this lense?

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

I have it. It's decent, but not as good as the pro lenses...12-40mm or 12-45mm.

[@BalajiDutt]

Any chance of a write up with the list of lenses and their tier rating Emily?

[@MicroFourNerds]

Definitely! It's on my to do list to get these more recent videos written on my blog ASAP ☺️

[@ukwildlife]

Largely agree with the lens I've used on that List! I was a bit underwhelmed with the pana 100-400mm TBH and would put it lower, but it is a lot cheaper than the alternatives TBF, but he Image stabiliser correcting AFTER I press record when doing video was very annoying! But the Oly 300mm, 150-400 and 12-40 f2.8 (and the 90mm macro) are the best M43rds lenses, for my wildlife photography anyway :)

[@fajaragusSaputra]

Robin Wong was talking about Olympus 12-100 f4 last night 😅