My Favourite Micro Four Thirds Lenses!

[@Frankfrynk]

I nice walkabout lens to use with the EM10 Mkii is the Olympus 12-50 f3.5 - 6.3 with electro and manual zoom as well as a macro function engaged by a button press and a programmable function button (l-fn), Covers most things I need on a daily basis.

[@MichaelGerrard]

I had the same feeling about the 9mm, I am not photographing wide much the 9mm pushes me to try that style. I am also a fan of the TT 35mm and Oly 45mm. One you should really try if you like telephoto but want small and reasonably priced, get the Lumix 35-100mm f4-5.6. That lens is just a little fatter than the Oly 45mm, about the same length closed. It is tiny, yet the picture quality is top notch.

[@chrisgrieves1468]

It's the excellent, small lenses that can be picked up inexpensively that really make MFT for me. The 45/1.8 is The King. I don't shoot tele that much but the 40-150R at a bargain second-hand price is a no-brainer in the bag and surprisingly good. I think I have to try the TT 17/1.4, more useful to me than the 35 and looks like fun. Like your content, keep it up David!

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah I think I agree that the 17mm from ttartisan would be a better all rounder for micro 4/3. I used it on apsc but there it was a little too wide for me. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@bastian.michel]

15mm 1.7 is my favorite. It has a special rendering.

[@shmuelaryehkoltov241]

My following most used MFT lenses, in no particular order: Laowa 7.5mm f2 - Great wide angle lens, which I use for my random street photography, but is mostly used for my documentary and architectural photography. Samsung/Rokinon 12mm f2 - I'm just getting started with videography and the lens is perfect for what I'm shooting, so whenever I'm out filming I bring that lens. Panasonic-Leica 15mm f1.7 - Great general lens I leave on my Oly Em5 III most of the time Olympus 12-45mm f4 Pro - Master of all trades, really. Great image quality, covers most focal lengths I need, good minimum focus distance. Olympus 45mm f1.2 Pro - my portrait lens! What a beautiful piece of art. Unfortunately it forces me to leave the much more compact 45mm f1.8 home most of the time. Panasonic 35-200mm f2.8 - Like the 12-45mm, master of all telephoto trades. Less used now because of the 45mm f1.2, but still a great general lens when I'm doing architecture or documentary and need detail shots of things a bit further away.

[@Sven-R]

The 45mm Olympus is a total gem! The PanaLeica 12-60mm is what I have on my camera most of the time. I considered the 9mm as well, but I just bought the Laowa 7.5mm auto aperture waiting to get it next week. Another just phantastic MFT lens is the Olympus 60mm Macro lens. Oh damn, is that a great thing and really affordable for what it does.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I actually have the 60mm macro and I completely agree. The only reason I didn’t mention it is because I haven’t actually used it that much since getting the 12-60. Thanks for watching and have an awesome weekend 🖖

[@luzr6613]

I was (am) sitting here, propped up in my cot, thinking 'this is horrible'. Full-on, packed with information, no mistakes or misspeaks, bordering on the lucid - who tf is this guy? Doppelganger?? Mercifully, you dropped a lens in your cup of tea and the ice broke (???). Reverted to type. I started to breathe again... 'it's ok, it's David, just breathe....' Lot's of lovely pics and that banger of a shed in the bracken. Dear God though... you're easier to take without the meds. Have a great week.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

7 times. That’s how many times it took me to get that bit right after dropping that lens. I was proper on one, things were going great and then that bit destroyed my flow😂 Take is easy out there🖖😁

[@geemail369]

​@DavidFlowerOfficial Fun over perfection - ALWAYS! We're all just human. ✌🏻😄

[@GrumpyTim]

Yet again this reminds me that I really do need a zoom for my Micro 4/3 cameras, I've just never quite made that leap and bought one. That said, where would be the fun if I didn't spend the entire day saying "I haven't got the right lens with me" or "I'll just swap lenses". Cool video David.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

There’s something nice about being able to punch right in if you need to. I still have an ancient sigma 70-300 for my canon bodies but the Olympus is far better quality optically. One of the reasons I wanted it for m4/3 was so I could have a massive range covered for video in a tiny package. Thanks for watching, Tim🖖

[@KarySchump]

Always nice to see what people use on m43 for ideas, and just for fun. I have the em5, a lovely little gem I picked up used, and I have 3 "real" lenses and then the 3 lenses that lomography made for m43 that I got on sale super cheap. The lomography lenses are fun, cheap, silliness that I use when I want to play. Otherwise, I have the Oly 12-50mm that gives me a little all-weather kit, an Oly 40-150mm for reach, and a Sigma (I forget which version) 30mm for an everyday prime. I love having a tiny kit and "system" for a pretty small money outlay, all 3 lenses I got used, with patience and waiting. Anyway, I love this system, and even if mine isn't the latest and greatest, I think any camera and lens in this system is just lovely! Thanks for your videos!

[@clampchowder9569]

Woah, really impressed with the wide angle one, some great compositions with that.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

That 9mm is an absolute beauty 🖖😁

[@russellgoodwin1652]

Because, fun! 👍I held out for the Lumix 42.5 f1.7 ~ had to wait a long time to find one at a price that wasn't much more than the Zuiko 45. I wanted the added versatility of the closer focussing, preferred the look of it, and it has OIS synch with Panasonic bodies. Recently picked up a Lumix 35-100 f4/5.6 and beguiled by its tiny size and weight, yet no compromise with sharpness, just the restricted aperture. Loving being able to pack a decent telephoto into the merest hint of space in a svelte sling bag, or any bag. The Lumix 12-32 f3.5 tops off my EDC kit when I'm heading out but not specifically for photography. I'll throw in a fast prime or two if I think I might need to, like the Zuiko 17 f1.8 as space allows. A fast Laowa 7.5 f2 AE for interiors/architecture, still very small and light despite metal build. Finally, just for the giggle, the 7Artisans 18 f6.3 UFO body-cap lens. This is just my ultra-compact grab and go kit. Other lenses comprise my 'serious' kit, but only when called for. What's nice about m4/3 is that a wide variety of lenses are available tailored to different needs, and they are not so prohibitively expensive that you are restricted to just one of each focal length. I couldn't imagine having an ultra compact as well as a fast aperture kit if I were shooting full-frame, or even APS-C. Biding your time and buying second hand allows you to fine tune your kit to suit a variety of occasions. M4/3 really is the sweet-spot as you say, in IQ, affordability and portability. Thanks for another enjoyable video, although it's made me realise just how many lenses I actually have 🙄😅 Happy shooting!

[@jonbarnard7186]

I think lens selection is the best thing about m. four-thirds. There are so many of them. I've owned a few of the lenses you mentioned, and I still use the 9mm. I never owned the panasonic 12-60, but I did use the Olympus 12-60, another great travel lens. That 40-150 Olympus is a real sleeper, great for travel and good image quality. I also owned the Olympus 2.8 Pro version, but it's huge in comparison to this one. As for those sweet 1.8 primes from Olympus, I figure OMD is not going to make them, so they are already collector's items.

[@MrVara411]

100% agree with the Oly 40-150! Holy cow what a great lens for so little money! Even though I eventually got the PRO version I much prefer the non-pro version for travel and it never disappoints. Also got the Leica 9mm F1.7 and that one is an absolute banger. I'll never sell it! Great list.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah I’m really happy with that 9mm. I’m gonna go ahead and say the camera gods guided me on that one😁 Thanks for watching 🖖

[@MrVara411]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial Careful, those camera gods can be quite persistent and convincing! I like to joke I have a lens for just about every excuse! LOL

[@danMdan]

Mine include - a 15mm and 25mm Leica Summilux, an f/0.95 17mm Zhongyi, and a few early four-thirds lenses used with a 4/3 to micro4/3 adapter, including an 11-22mm zoom.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Sounds like a solid set up. I’ve heard some really good things about the 4/3 glass. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@danMdan]

@@DavidFlowerOfficialthese early lenses were used in the 4/3 mount Leica Digilux 3, especially the Leica D Vario-Elmarit f/2.8-3.5 14-50mm, still expensive today.

[@MrEdxwx]

ah i see a samsung camera in the back , you get a big like!

[@alangamble3236]

Hi David, bang for buck the TTartisan lenses are very good. The lens I suggest that you ‘overlooked’ is the Lumix 20mm f1.7 pancake. If it ever came to a time when I was forced to reduce my collection of MFT gear, this would be the lens that i would keep. The results I get from this relatively low priced lens are excellent. The camera body I would keep is my old OMD EM1 mk1, It’s not the most up to date that I have in my collection but there is something about it that I love.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah the 20mm is on the list. I just picked up a gx80 as an everyday carry camera and I think it would pair nicely with the 20mm. Have a good one🖖

[@alangamble3236]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial that’s a great camera , I had one a couple of years back but because of poor eyesight in right eye the viewfinder was difficult to use. I kept my EM10 mkii at that time

[@normstangl3499]

The original EM1 visit is a sweet spot for M43. I sold it to get my EM1.3. I regret that move and will look forward to getting another for a second camera. It just feels right in the hand.

[@МаксимПетров-з3у]

Привет! Я заметил, что чаще всего снимаю на Sigma 19/2,8. Обожаю его! Лёгкий, быстрый, отличные фото даже в относительной темноте.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

@@МаксимПетров-з3уI’ve only ever used the sigma art 30mm f2.8 for Sony, but I really liked that one. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@CC-wr7zo]

Olympus 75 1.8 is a bokeh master, Pana 20 1.7 pancake, 7Artisan 7.5 2.8 for panoramas, Olympus 75-300 for long distance (eq 600mm). For travel with only one lens : Olympus 12-200 (weather sealed).

[@sbcwinn]

How about the Olympus 12-50mm kit lens? It has a great zoom range. Great at the wide end and it has enough reach at the telephoto end. Best of all, its even weather sealed! The lens is very sharp and mine has been indestructable! BTW - Great video. Thanks forr making it.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

That’s a lens I considered, but ultimately decided on the 12-60 for the slightly faster aperture, little extra reach and since it was going to be the lens I use most, I didn’t mind paying the extra for that build quality. Thanks for watching🖖😁

[@darrenkynoch6255]

Excellent video as always my friend. Absolutely love the way you edit your work. Is it a special profile you use 👌

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Thanks very much. A lot of my editing starts with my free Clearly Autumn preset dialled back to about 50% and then targeted edits to finish off. I have another preset pack I haven’t released yet and use a few from that too. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@hanktaylor16]

Thank you for showing your favorites only one problem , you are hard to understand, it would have been nice if you listed these lens so I could tell which lens you were talking about.🤕

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Sorry to hear that. I haven’t had anyone else saying they had the same issue but I think I’ll start putting on screen text for things going forward on gear related videos. Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching 🖖

[@Bigfarmer8]

I am so happy I do not have to mention my favourite lenses! Because, I can't. I have a lot of lenses and some I use much more than others but I love them all. The one lens I couldn't do without though is the 14-42mm EZ kitlens. Paired with the OM-5 it is small enough to fit in a pouch on my hip everyday wherever I go. Giving me chances to photograph things I would otherwise miss.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah a kit lens is perfect for everyday carry. Before getting the Leica 12-60, I was using an incredibly plasticky Panasonic 14-42 and it performs great. The talking head bits of this video were shot using that lens since I was talking about and showing the lenses I’d normally use for video. I think kit lenses are overlooked a lot of the time as they’re perceived as beginner or low quality lenses, but in the right hands they definitely get the job done. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@davt3899]

Great video, thanks. Quick question , is there a point on having both the 45 f 1.8 and the 12-60? The zoom is not fast enouh?

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah at 45mm on the zoom it’s a full 2 stops darker than the prime and of course this means the prime also offers greater subject separation so that’s basically it. Another bonus is that the prime is tiny 🖖😁

[@marksmodellingmadness]

My current fave for the m4.3 is the Olympus 17mm F1.8. If it could focus closer it would be even better :)

[@martingreenberg870]

Like the focal length. It is rather long and expensive. Maybe even heavy. I went with the PL15. Both are winners. Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)

[@cityproofdad]

i thought 45mm have the standard 37mm thread ?? btw very classy watch on ur wrist fits the theme😅😅😅😅😅

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Cuckoo? What am I missing?😂

[@cityproofdad]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial ⏰️ clock

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Ah the watch. It’s a vintage style Casio that my wife bought me for Christmas and being a nerd I absolutely love it 😁

[@wckoek]

Have you look at the Chinese lens offering like 7artisans or Meike? I am considering their Cinema lens, I know the TTartisan 17mm ones aren't as good.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

As I mentioned I’ve used a lot of the TTartisan lenses and find them great aswell as the SLRmagic lens I mentioned. I also have a couple of lenses from Brightin Star which aren’t as good as the TTartisan in my opinion but are very affordable. I think that many of these modern manual primes from Chinese companies perform really well given the price.

[@wckoek]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial for photo lens I am willing to splurge a bit more for proper Olympus/Panasonic/Leica since there is nothing to lose when it comes to resale value and they are really better. For Cinema lens there aren't much alternative than their offerings hence I am asking. Samyang/Rokinon cine as I tried on Canon system isn't that good so I wondered the Chinese ones on this respect.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Yeah I’ve not used either 7artisans or meike lenses that much. If video is my focus, I enjoy using vintage lenses for the look and I read that the 7artisans lenses have more of that as opposed to ttartisan lenses that tend to be more “digital” in their look. I use mist filters on everything though so I don’t mind it😂

[@wckoek]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial I'll order one 7artisan to try. Thanks

[@godzuks]

If you want to have a go at wide angle, try the 9mm F8 body cap lens, cheap and i find can produce very good images/video 😎

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I have the 9mm f1.7 because I wanted to use it for night shooting. I don’t often shoot wide though so I don’t need a second one. Thanks for watching🖖

[@LeBironzilla]

You know, you shoold look at the 75MM 1,8 om system....... That lens is Magic . Voiltanger are really great too

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I’ve had a lot of people mention the 75mm but I rarely do portrait work anymore so I’d probably never use it. I have looked at some of the voightlander stuff though🖖

[@LeBironzilla]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial Yes, portrait, but it still a small téléphoto, and in low light it do really nice stuff . I thought Ice Skating picture outside in the dark. I have could not have done it with a 2.8 lens that for sure Laowa do a lot of lense that is the same equivalent than the Voigthlander however so we need to consider it. The reason I have both of them (25 mm F0,95) Is a got them for stupidly cheap(175$ for the Voil and 250 , new i a box for the 75mm).

[@Nantawat_Kittiwarakul]

For those who just entered m 4/3 world with very limited budget but still can't decide... The definite answer is Olympus 12-50 f3.5 - 6.3 lens: the best all-rounder budget lens EVER. Olympus had literally put in TOO MANY THINGS for this little budget glass - great everyday coverage range, power & manual zoom, macro mode, weather seal, one Fn button, all packed in a "lower tier" lens. Are you serious??? Better yet the secondhand price is pathetically CHEAP - got mine in like new shape for just $100. The only complaint I can think of is its small max. aperture. Since I rarely take photos in low light situation so that's not much an issue for me anyway.

[@phill8712]

Long live m4/3

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Hear hear! 🖖😁

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Shame you couldn’t find that Panasonic Lieca 8-18, one of my favourite lenses, just love the results with it. I also really love my Oly 12-100 f4 pro, it’s replaced my 12-40 f2.8 for my general use, travel lens, that extra reach is great.

[@martingreenberg870]

I recently took a video class. The teacher let me use her PL8-18. I just received it last week. A very nice lens for video. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@psysword]

The best of the best is Leica 42.5 1.2 and then Olympus 25mm and 75mm. For video I love the panny 9 mm and 8-18 Leica. But I shoot with two gh7 cameras Soo need lots of lenses in a day in movie making. I only trust Leica and Oly pros at 1.2. Zoom lenses can never be in a professional cinema set as too many focal length accidents waiting to happen. But I make an exception for the 8-18 as a B cam lens.

[@chucknorris66611]

I buy an Olympus 9mm f8 fisheye, not sharp, manual focus but is very cheap (50€ used) and stupidly tiny. Not good, but I like 😂

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I have a 7.5mm fisheye and don’t really like it. The 9mm f1.7 is just fantastic though. Thanks for watching 🖖

[@uToobviewer2]

Wait until you get the 20mm f1.7

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

It’s next on the list🖖😁

[@uToobviewer2]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial it makes the 25mm from Panasonic look soft.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

@uToobviewer2 yeah I’ve been looking at some comparisons and it certainly looks like the best out of that and the lumix and Oly 25’s

[@normstangl3499]

I love the M. Zuiko 12-40 f2.8, it's as sharp as a prime and a great all-rounder. It's exceptionally versatile and fast enough in most situations. The 60mm macro f2.8 is a surprisingly versatile lens as well. It's incredibly sharp and it can be used from its macro range out to its medium telephoto range. I'm surprised at how often I rely on its range of focus capability. It tends to be sharp edge to edge, it's lightweight, weather sealed and the focus limiter switch minimizes focus hunting when using it as a medium tele lens. Lastly, the 75 mm M. Zuiko f1.8 is the king of medium telephoto lenses. It's incredibly sharp. It has all metal construction and although slightly heavy, I reach for it a lot. The close focus range is just under 1 metre, which I wish had a closer range, but all is forgiven when see the images.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I actually have the 60mm macro, but I don’t use it for much other than macro since getting the 12-60. It is a fantastic lens though and I’ve enjoyed the images every time I’ve used it for street photography and such. I considered the 75mm but I don’t do much in the way of portrait work anymore and if I need it I can use the 135mm f2.8 on the full frame and get a similar look. Have a great weekend 🖖

[@normstangl3499]

@@DavidFlowerOfficial like the 60mm I've used the 75 for some street. I like the compression of the tele. It's also great in some larger venue event situations.

[@alexSpunkt.]

You almost make me switch to micro 4/3 🖖🏻😂

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

It’s a perfect accompaniment to a good compact🖖😁

[@martingreenberg870]

What would it take for you to jump ship? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@ChrisBaitsonPhoto]

6mm 👻

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Shhhh😂

[@jay-by1se]

So I have m4/3 I do love it except for low light.. But in the end it cost X2 more than full frame. I found apsc is 1/4th the price and full frame about half.. When you need good lenses everything m4/3 is 2k. On full frame they are 1k. On apsc they are around $500. All for the same quality lens.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

Not sure where you’re shopping but I’ve never paid even close to 2k for any of my lenses.

[@purpleneons]

If by "quality" you mean the depth of field, then, yeah, I guess things like Olympus' f/1.2 Pro primes aren't the best value for money (still nowhere near 2k though, huh??). You can easily find lenses like the fast AF, almost razor sharp Olympus 45mm f/1.8, used, for like $120 though. DoF isn't everything.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@purpleneons I can’t remember the last time I purchased a new M43 lens. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@purpleneons]

@@martingreenberg870 The only one I bought new was so cheap it was pointless to look for a used one (€60, Meike 25mm 1.8). Surprisingly serviceable, too.

[@JackdCoward]

So I will use errmmm all of them please hahaha.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

They’re usually in the bag mate so feel free 😂