Olympus 12-45mm F4 PRO Review - Smallest Olympus PRO Lens

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Olympus added a new 12-45mm F4 PRO to their M.Zuiko PRO line up, this is the smallest and lightest PRO lens up to date. The lens has a versatile coverage from wide 12mm to 45mm at tele end with constant F4 aperture throughout the zoom range. Being a PRO grade lens, the 12-45mm is weather-sealed is is well constructed using metal body. The optical quality is superb, the 12-45mm produces incredibly sharp images wide open, from corner to corner with excellent amount of contrast. The technical lens flaws are also well controlled. The 12-45mm lens is made to match the smaller Olympus camera bodies, such as the PEN and OM-D E-M10 series.
For those of you who prefer to read instead of watching a video, here is my blog article review, with link to full resolution sample images shot with the new M.Zuiko 12-45mm F4 PRO lens: robinwong.blog...
Disclaimer: I am an Olympus Visionary, an ambassador to the Olympus brand. I do not own this lens, the 12-45mm PRO was a loaner from Olympus Malaysia and will be returned to them after review purposes. My review is subjective and there will be no technical tests, data or charts/graphs shown in this article. Instead this is a user experience based review, I am sharing my thoughts and opinion based on my shooting experience using the 12-45mm PRO lens.
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[@jauyn86]

bought the 12-45 after watching your video over and over again. no regrets. no problem in lowlight as well. best purchase made.

[@Obushak]

Hi Robin, I would also like to see your comparison of 12-45 with 12-40.

[@jimcharme2772]

Hi Robin -- thank you for his and your Olympus videos, in general. I ordered this 12-45mm f/4 Pro lens because of its small size and light weight. I have the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro and 12-100mm f/4 Pro which I find I do not use all that much -- I prefer lighter weight gear, particularly for travel. Keep up the good work! Olympus is fortunate to have you (so are we).

[@guntherdrobisch4735]

The EM 5 III and the 12-45 F4 is the perfect combination for me, because for a long distance cyclist who has to save weight. For lowlight conditions I also have the 17mm 1:1.8 with me. I could recomment thiese two lenses if you are light weight on the road.

[@deiviuds]

love the video! and also I would love to see the comparison with the 12-40 2.8!

[@robinwong]

Thanks, making it real soon

[@deiviuds]

@@robinwong/videos also, I know you are an Olympus shooter, but is it possible to make a comparison between the new e-m1 with the features of the G9? and which is the most versatile. Because olympus has the best lenses in terms of features in the m43 system, but the G9 until now had the best overall package, and with the miniaturization of the E-M1X, does the integration of lens and body wins over the features of the G9?

[@allencrider]

I would like to see you compare those with with the 14-42 kit lens too, if you still have one.

[@photonray]

Hi Robin, please do a comparison between the 12-40 pro and the 12-45 pro. Thanks.

[@AlexanderA80]

F/4 is not "pro" :)

[@photonray]

@@AlexanderA80 So, for example, the Canon 70-200 F4 isn't Pro too?

[@mrsusan893]

@@AlexanderA80 lenses aren't pro, the idiot behind the camera is

[@c.augustin]

@@AlexanderA80 The designation "Pro" has nothing to do with focal length range or aperture, but with image quality and physical properties. You can get a 25mm F0.95 from Voigtländer, but it is not "Pro" in any regard (even though made out of metal, it is manual focus, not weather sealed, and while the optical quality is okay, it is far worse than the 25mm F1.2 Pro from Olympus, even when stopped down). If you don't like 4.0, you can buy the 2.8 - there's a choice now!

[@Smoothblue90]

@@AlexanderA80 Olympus calls this lens the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4 PRO

[@RTFM70]

Thanks for your feedback on the new lens Robin. I’m sure it will be popular, especially with M5 and M10 owners.

[@ab5comau]

Thanks for your review of this lens. I have one that was bundled with an OM-5. I really like this combination, especially for travelling where size and weight are very important for me. Cheers John

[@elaurigadelarte]

Yes please, I am also interested in the comparison between the 12-40mm PRO and this new 12-45mm PRO. I have the first one and I like it, but I find it a little bit too heavy for my brand new and very light OM-D E-M5 Mark III!

[@edwin_ac]

Thanks for the review. Yes, pls have a video comparison between the 12-40mm f2.8 and this lens

[@kimc5750]

Thank you Robin, excellent review as always! I agree the manual focus clutch is a sad omission. I can not justify purchase as I have the 12-40. Waiting for the 100-400.

[@andreasrochow5170]

Your notes on familiar lenses and predecessors are very helpful, thank you. These comparisons are of great importance. And you are right: weight and size do matter!

[@johnferry5668]

Great explanation again Robin, the lens looks fantastic and a good addition to the high quality range of Olympus lenses. The comparison to my 12-40mm Pro, 12-100mm Pro, 25mm & 45mm Prime lenses won't be rushing me to purchase the 12-45mm F4 Pro unfortunately but a nice lens all the same. Keep up the great reviews you do Robin, you have a gripping way of delivering your videos and have a truly unbiased opinion on Olympus gear.

[@mfreider]

Robin, thanks a lot for video. All basic questions are well addressed. I suspected earlier and after your video absolutely agree with you, Olympus should release this lens together with EM5mkIII and bundle it as kit with it. Now, I think we shouldn't consider it as competitor to 12-40/2.8, judging by price point, size and f/4, looks like it is offered as step up from basic zoom lenses. Which would make total sense, if someone is looking to upgrade 14-42/3.5-5.6 this little gem will be incredible.

[@sl0ur]

Yes a comparison would be great!

[@fleetingdays]

We went with the 12-40mm 2.8. Like the manual clutch! Ln-F also!

[@MSNet1]

Great call. Optics makes the camera.

[@robinwong]

Agreed

[@robertwlester]

This is helpful, I've just sold my sony gear to go back into MFT. And this lens is one of the lenses on my too try list. It might be a keeper.

[@philiplockwood5243]

Hello Robin, thanks for your excellent review. Just to say that I love this lens, its sharpness and versatility. I bought it for its low weight when i put the Em1 mk3 on my photo mast as it gives me the focal length flexibility I don't have with the prime fixed lenses while having a reasonable overweight. This lens is one of my favorites.

[@garybrown9719]

1. 12-60 f4 yea 12-45mm what's the point. 2. Is it better than the 12-40mm I don't think so * Close up is a incredible feature 3. No manual focus clutch

[@robinwong]

Are you sure it is not better than 12-40mm?

[@JT-zb2km]

Love your reviews Robin. I would like to see your compare the pro12-40 and the 12-45pro. Btw, these are all m43 mounts correct? I use a Lumix G9 and wonder what your thoughts are if I'm considering one if these lenses. Thanks

[@francishwlee]

Hi Robin, nice video! Please go ahead with a comparsion between the 12-40mm PRO and 12-45mm PRO. If the newer lens is like the 12-100mm PRO, then I think it will be a little better than the older one in terms of IQ. However, in terms of utility, I agree that the missing focus clutch and programmable button is detrimental to the 12-45mm's usefulness for work purposes. I also agree that the 12-45mm PRO would have been an ideal kit lens for the E-M5mk3.

[@RobShootPhotos]

I love the soft blur at f/4 with head shots but probably will be buying the f/2.8 but would buy a pro f/4 version of the 40-150mm in a heartbeat. I find the f/2.8 really awesome but I don't know if I'm planning on buying E-M1 body and like small.

[@garycralle7696]

Thanks for the all-encompassing 12-45mm review, Robin. Well done. Count me in as a YES for a 12-40 f2.8 vs 12-45 f4 comparison.

[@charlesgoweniii5689]

Hi Robin: yes! Please make comparison video between the 12-40 and 12-45 lenses. Already own the 12-40 but the 12-45 looks more versatile as a family/travel option. Is it, how much, and why? For the PEN-F, E-M5 iii, E-M10 iii, and E-M1 ii bodies, which is the better match and why?

[@geofff6671]

I’m not sure why Olympus released this f4 pro lens first. It doesn’t look like a big weight or size saving over the f2.8 version. On the other hand a small 40-150 f4 pro would be very useful for travel. Maybe this was meant to be paired with the Em5?

[@robinwong]

As I have suspected in my earlier video, I speculated that Olympus will release a new trinity of compact F4 PRO zoom lenses, which will include probably a 50-200mm F4 PRO, compact version of course. Let's hope it happens.

[@marklaurendet1861]

Looks like a nice lens, and like you wonder why the left off the clutch and button especially since it is more expensive than the 12-40 where I come from. My shop indicates they are expecting some big price increases from Oly this year so price differences may change. But glad they are producing these smaller pro lenses as some Oly users have purchases the smaller Panasonic lenses for their size, so this series may help to keep people brand loyal

[@StopTheLies12]

Great review as usual. Would love to see a comparison between this and the 12-40 f2.8 pro lens Thanks!

[@rookonthecastle]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this lens. I enjoyed your video and the images you presented. As you said, the 12-40/2.8 is also a fantastic, albeit more expensive new, lens. It’s also been around for years, and secondhand copies are fairly common on the used market, for less than what Olympus is asking for the 12-45/4. I see a used 12-40 as a better kit lens upgrade option, with brighter aperture and MF clutch, and lower cost, so tough competition for this new model. The 12-45 would probably be better value bundled with the EM5 III, it looks a perfect size match as you said. Also good for tripod work where the 12-40’s larger diameter can foul the tripod mount on the smaller bodies (scratched my 12-40 that way). Also important in my mind, coming out with this new lens further demonstrates Olympus’s commitment to the system.

[@manoloquintoempecinado7191]

Excellent lens with IPX1 certification, macro capabilities, price, weight and size content. When will the updated version of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4-5.6?

[@robinwong]

I have no idea, hopefully we don't have to wait too long!

[@manoloquintoempecinado7191]

@@robinwong The M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO is very good, but expensive for me because I am very pooooor :-(

[@Dahrenhorst]

I have the 12-40mm 2.8. Although I like compact lenses, for me the reductions on size and weight of the 12-45mm is not big enough to justify the loss of one full stop. Still waiting for the 400mm zoom lenses ...

[@garybrown9719]

I don't get it either why give us more video features.

[@7grayada]

Hi Robin. I like your videos and appeciate your knowledge, thoughts which you are sharing in them. Also thanks for photos. Greetings :-).

[@mattisulanto]

Cute little lens and it's easy to believe that the lens is sharp, because the max aperture is modest and makes it easier to design. However, it should be a great travel and street zoom and I'd get one right away, if I was using Olympus😀

[@robinwong]

I would have gotten one, if I don't already own the 12-40mm PRO. I also have all the delicious prime lenses!

[@dougscottking]

Hey Robin, please do a comparison among the three lenses: 12-40, 12-45 and 12-100.

[@michaelcarol_]

Hi Robin I'm really like your review for 12-45mm f4 PRO

[@valdiskrebs566]

I also have the EM10ii with the EZ lens - love that combination! Amazed at how sharp the EZ lens is. I take along the 45 f/1.8 for low light situations.

[@Centauri27]

@@valdiskrebs566 I agree--the 14-42 EZ is amazingly sharp for what it is!

[@duckd50]

Hi Robin, another very good review. thank you. I am interested in how you would compare the 12-45 with the 12-40 lens. If you are going to the trouble you should compare all 3 and include the 12-100 F4 as well. I have both the 12-40 and the 12-100, and in my personal use I cannot tell the image quality apart between the two. Both are excellent with the shorter version being the day-to-day workhorse and the longer version my primary travel lens.

[@cuttleyip]

Great video!! I also love to see the comparison between 12-40 pro and 12-45 pro. Thx.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, will do that soon

[@dayeah765caoni3]

I've lost count of the times I have watched this video. Almost set up my mind to have it when 8-25mm was announced:) instead, I pulled the trigger on 14-150 while waiting on the 8-25. Meanwhile, I can get by with my zuiko 12-60mm f2.8-4

[@MasterFangus]

Hello Robin, thanks for the review. Is the autofocus quiet enough?

[@maheshg212]

Hi Robin, yes please a comparison between this and the f2.8 zoom would be great, especially for full-length/waist level portraits. It would be nice to see how the rendering of this lens at f4 compares with that of the f2.8 at 2.8 (other than obvious bokeh)

[@ceecee130x]

Please do a comparison between 12-40 f2.8 vs 12-45 f4. Loved the closeups.

[@jeffdrew625]

On the first look for this lens, there is a lot to like! I see several significant features that make it distinct. Choices are good!

[@robinwong]

Agreed, having more choices is a good thing

[@evanmcknight2566]

Yes a 12-45 f4 to 12-40 f2.8 comparison would be great.

[@hughjohns9110]

I think excluding the MF clutch and LFN buttons would have reduced the size of the lens considerably, for me it was the right thing to do. I have assigned MF/AF switching to one of the front function buttons on my E-M1, works perfectly for me. I'll be getting this lens in due course.

[@seyedmahdiamiri4924]

Hi Robin. 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? I have found in Germany a good deal on 12-45mm F4.0 PRO only for 300 Euro. Does that make sense to buy these lenses?

[@bakermantube]

Very informative and entertaining too, thank you. I am happy with my 12-40 2.8 lens, but if I had it not, I would think about this new 12-45 4.0 lens. I hope Olympus will replace the wide angle lens 9-18mm 4.0-5.6 with a new one!

[@robinwong]

Ditto!

[@lenseal]

Yes a comparison with the 2.8 12-40 would be good

[@MadEnglishTV]

Thanks for the great review! 😃😃

[@Smoothblue90]

While I do want the 12-45mm f/4 and the rumored to be released "sometime" 8-25mm f/4. What I have really wanted for years is an updated 9-18mm F3.5-5.6 II R to match the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R.

[@tingyingchung]

I was backpacking with my 12-40mm F2.8 Pro and EM1 II the other day. I found myself thinking of getting a 12-45 mm F4.0 Pro A LOT in this trip! I usually use F5.6 during backpacking trip anyways, and a lighter and slightly longer range pro lens is a much better choice. For low light conditions, maybe carry 12mm F2 prime to get it covered.

[@wyeunghk]

? 12-40 F2.8 Pro 382 g vs =414 g: 130 g (12mm F2) + 284 g (12-45mm F4.0 PRO) ....more heavy to carry 2 X lens ? ..worth to do so ??

[@tingyingchung]

@@wyeunghk I carry my camera with a camera strap to have it available whenever. With 12-40 F2.8, it really adds burden to my neck after a full day hike. I actually don't mind carry 12mm F2 in my backpack, because carrying a small lens in my backpack doesn't hurt my neck :p. The only condition I need to have a larger aperture is for night sky, which is only 1-2% of my shots during a normal backpacking trip. I'd be fine not carrying 12mm F2, too.

[@wyeunghk]

understand ..say for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III body (414 g): total weight is 796 g vs 698 g, i.e. 10% less in total weight ...seem not big different ...anyway , each make his own choice based on overall fact..

[@padgreen]

Hi Robin, I would be very interested to watch a comparison between the 12-40mm f2.8 PRO and the 12-45mm f4 PRO lens.

[@lorenschwiderski]

Would be interesting to see how the 14-150mm lens compares in image quality. If even close, would it not make an even better travel and walk-about everyday shooter lens. Appears to be just a half inch longer. It is currently $499 on sale. It has weather sealing. -Loren

[@robinwong]

I don't have the 14-150mm lens with me, but I am sure soon someone will own both and they can give a good feedback on the comparison requested.

[@1962Jivatone]

Very helpful video, the photographs look sharper than previous Pro primes! Thank you

[@micgent]

As a pany 12-32 & oly 12-40 & 45mm user this new 12-45 just isn't hitting the spot for me . On one hand not small enough, if it had the clutch then I could forgive the larger size. I can see great use for the lens if I were starting out right now though. Thank you for your down to earth opinion Robin

[@palamj2]

Very impressive Robin.

[@robinwong]

Cheers

[@Centauri27]

Good video, Robin! I also agree that the 12-45 is a better match for my E-M5 MkIII than the 12-40. But the differences are not great to switch. I am also puzzled as to why they didn't put in a manual focus clutch. And I would love for you to do a comparison video between these two lenses!

[@robinwong]

UPDATE: Comparison review between 12-45mm F4 vs 12-40mm F2.8 is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i33bnXmmnsiNjtE

[@stanpowers600]

As usual, excellent review, Robin. I will miss the MF clutch and the Fn Button - that said, I think this will be a great zoom for my Pen F and the E-M10II. Keep up the great work!

[@AliAlireza]

Robin, thank you very much for another superb video. You never fail to inspire me to take more photographs, I always look forward to your latest videos. Regarding the 12-45 f4 lens, I am going to get one to pair with my new E-M5 mark III and my older Pen-F bodies. I already own the 12-40 f2.8, but because it doesn't really suit my requirements of shooting with smaller bodies being quite a mismatch with the Pen-F. I travel a lot so need my gear to be small and light. Once again thank you again for a most enjoyable, informative and inspirational video.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words, I am sure you will love the 12-45mm F4 PRO lens, it will match your E-M5 Mark III perfectly! Definitely a good choice for travel

[@1962Jivatone]

Thanks Robin, very helpful. Could you review the 12 45 lens with the Pen F please? It would be good to hear how this compares to the EM5 12 45 combination.

[@DavidZvi]

Nice review, agree they should have released the 12-45 with the e-m5.3 and / or the E-M1.3. I'd love to see a direct comparison with the 12-40 and 12-100. I have the 12-100 but not the 12-40. I also have an E-M1.2 and Pen F, this 12-45 looks like a great option for both and better than the 12-100 on the Pen F.

[@stuartnelson3202]

Having the 12-40 I didn't see the point of this as it looked the same size. Then I saw the side by side and realised it's a lot smaller than it initially looks and was more interested. Then I saw it didn't have the clutch (early in the video it looked like it did) and all interest went out the window 😂 Having also got the Panasonic 12-32 (which is lovely image quality for a tiny pancake) as a more compact version of the 12-40 I'd struggle to find an excuse to buy this lens unless it was really cheap, which, from other comments, it isn't... It's good that Olympus are giving MFT users these smaller lens options, if I didn't have the 12-40 already I'd be far more interested, if only for the extra reach. I use that lens primarily for holidays and I don't *need* F2.8 but do find 40mm too restrictive, so swapping that for the slightly extra reach seems a good trade off, with bonus of being smaller too. Having already got the 12-40 and size not being a massive problem (don't mind looking like a tourist when I am one) I'm much more likely to get the 12-200 to replace it as a holiday all in one lens as it's cheaper than the 12-100 and I don't think I even need F4 for primarily taking pictures outside in sunny countries.

[@jvanegas14]

I love that it's also much more compact price wise than the other pro lenses :p

[@williampegram]

Hi Robin, great review, but even greater images! I'll take your recommendation & stick with the 12-40, but would love to see the comparison with the 12-45.

[@gabithemagyar]

Is there a huge difference in image quality between the 14-150mm II lens and the 12-45mm f4.0 lens for stills taken outside (travel pictures) in decent light ? Any other advantages which would make it a worthwhile upgrade given the price differential ?

[@BobK58]

I'm guessing this lens is aimed for the E-M5 and 10 shooters. Size, weight and cost are more in line with those cameras. I find the 12-40 Pro a bit awkward on my EM10. It fits much better on my EM1. Cheers!

[@robinwong]

My thoughts exactly, the 12-45mm will fit the smaller cameras better

[@c.augustin]

This is an interesting one, and I'm sure it would be a perfect match to my Pen F! Now, let's wait and see what it should cost … oh, wait, I've already found prices on Google (though not at Olympus.de), and it says 650 EUR - this sounds reasonable for this lens. And you are right, it looks like the perfect "kit" lens for the E-M5III.

[@harvey6864]

yes, this is a much better option for the PenF.

[@michelmorin1937]

Well, it's going to be my next kit lens. Thanks Robin for the fine review.

[@kbroadey]

I picked up a brand new 12-45 F4 PRO online very cheap (£400 vs RRP £600). When it arrived the box had an AUSTRALIAN VERSION sticker on it. Does this matter in the UK? The photos still come out the right way up :-) One thing I have noticed is that the Olympus Firmware Updater doesn't show the lens name (and FW is v1.0), but the same is true for other Oly lenses I have. Again, should I be concerned?

[@mr.l6982]

Great review for not having it long. I actually sold my 12-40 for the 12-45, because I never liked the size of the 12-40 and really preferred the smaller size of the 12-45 on my Pen-F. I was shocked how good the 12-45 is at macro- rivaling the amazing 60mm! Thanks for all you do for photography!

[@miguelmayer3473]

Thank you again for a great video! For me, I'll stick with my 12-100 and primes.

[@7zinz]

I had the same thought. Sure the 12-100 is bigger but why get the 12-45 when you get so much more from the 12-100..

[@Quattro5081]

@@7zinz Size and weight maybe

[@robinwong]

12-100mm PRO is a fantastic lens.

[@RobShootPhotos]

Well...I said I would not be interested in this lens but yes! I would buy it with a E-M5 bundle if it is as reasonably good as when they were selling the Mark II with the 14-150.

[@flx4305]

I hesitate between this one and lumix 12-35 2.8 , i would much prefer a smaller focal length and wider aperture but i prefer olympus lens so i'm gonna just waiting to make the best decision.

[@jonsnih492]

Robin, what is your impression regarding AF on the E-M1iii. Is it as good as the E-M1X (=better than the E-M1ii). I miss this kind of info. AF aquisition, AF consistency in C-AF for moving subjects, accuracy in general. Can you elaborate more on this topic? Thanks.

[@HugoSilva-tb6fx]

Looking forward to buy this lens for my E-m10 Mark IV. The câmera came with the 14-150mm that I like a lot because of the zoom range but I think this it's another level.

[@andreatilli6227]

Did you buy it? How is it

[@freddyBeatrijs23]

Can you help me further? I own the Olympus 14-150 mm lens f4-5.6. Ask me if the Olympus 14-45 mm f4 is a better lens? In short, would the purchase of the Olympus 14-45 mm f4 be an added value for me? Thanks

[@andresmalo5137]

Hi Robin, I would also like to see your comparison of 12-45 with 12-40 thankyou

[@FelipANadal]

Hi Robin, I am interested into this lens, it looks great for travelling to me. What about taking pictures at day inside buildings with it?

[@stephenfox5133]

Hey Robin,.. don’t think you can get away with making offers like that do you? Of course we’d love to see a comparison of this lens with the 12-40!

[@robinwong]

Haha working hard on the comparison review now.

[@dzeng]

Does it come with a lens hood? Also, is the macro capabilities better than 12-40 f2.8? I wished Olympus made a 12-40 f2.8 mark 2 with OIS to work with sync IS that way owners of the 12-40 can move up. Hard to see why you would want a 12-45 if you already have the 12-40.

[@wyeunghk]

would this a better choice: Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 II Asph. Power O.I.S ? ...just 50 g more

[@michaellong9526]

Hi Robin, any idea on the change in use of the description of freeze proof no longer being app,I'd to f4 pro lenses and even the 12-40 mk2 is no longer called freezeproof but marketed with the waterproof rating then says that helps in low temperatures. Have they changed something in the manufacturing to keep costs down? In canada the mark 2 12-40 2.8 is selling less then the original version??? Thank you

[@henrik_worst_of_sinners]

I would be interested if Olympus could do something like a 18-30mm f2.0. I find 30mm good enough for portraits and 18 wide enough for environment shots. It should be able to be smaller and cheaper than of pana’s 12-25 F1.7. And I would perhaps be interested to pay premium if it had a stabilizer.

[@oeaoo]

Found myself not requiring F2.8 in my 12-40 most of the time due to shallow DoF. So, 12-45 would be a better fit for my purposes overall.

[@robinwong]

If F2.8 wide aperture is not needed, the 12-45mm is a better choice!

[@7zinz]

thank you for another great video. I agree, the 12-45 feels more aimed for smaller bodies, perhaps even for the Pen-series? An alternative to the 12-40 and the 12-100, which is so much bigger in comparison. Id love to have it if I have a Pen. The weather sealing would be the dealbreaker bit. Like you said about when you are (geographycally), sometimes it rains and it comes suddenly. Usually its the lens that gives up before the body. Gonna put in the Oly-wish-list that they make a normal range super bright 1.2 or so lens. Sadly I bet the pricetag would also land in the astronomical range.

[@TheMarkedWolf]

I have a Pen and I won't get an f/4 zoom lens. I'd rather bring two f/1.8 primes like the 14mm f/2.5 and 45mm f/1.8

[@guy3206]

thanks, Robin ;-)

[@sl-rt5kv]

As someone new to micro four thirds, only recently having purchased an em5 mark iii and looking for a high quality standard zoom, I thought this review was really informative. For me it comes down to the lighter weight of the 12-45 vs the greater speed, and manual focus clutch on the 12-40. My brain tells me I would appreciate the broader range of options afforded by the 12-40, but my heart tells me I would enjoy shooting more with a lighter lens. A direct comparison of these two lenses would be fun, but based on the independent reviews of them you have already made, I believe I know how this will come out.

[@Centauri27]

If you're new to m4/3 and just got your E-M5 Mk III, I would recommend going for the 12-45. I think you will appreciate the more compact size and lighter weight--that main advantages of m4/3!

[@sl-rt5kv]

@@Centauri27 Thanks for your recommendation. I am leaning in that direction. Ultimately, I think I would use the 12-45 more than a heavier zoom because of the light weight. I have a couple of primes that should cover my bases on lower light situations.

[@ThorenTravels]

Personally i would go crazy with only F4 on a M43 body. The 12-40 is a much better value used too.

[@gwarlow]

Seems too close to its cousin, the 12-40 2.8. Even with the reduction in size/weight we lose a full stop. Not sure about Olympus's marketing at times although I still shoot with their E-30. Your videos are so well done and provide us with enough useful information to make sound decisions. Cheers.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words

[@davidblack2632]

Great review. I got one on order.

[@robinwong]

You will love the lens!

[@CarlosManAl]

Thank you. Please do de comparison

[@VictorGandia]

The lens looks very good as a second standard lens for a second body. To be considered. One question: how do you do to obtain such color saturation in your pictures? I like them a lot. You do it in postpro or colors in Malaisia are so saturated? If so, I will have to think of going there for some days :-)

[@robinwong]

I don't change or manipulate the colors in my images, besides white balance and contrast/exposure adjustment. I do add a bit more contrast to my image and the lighting (during shoot) plays a crucial part in how deep the colors will be

[@leonfourie5717]

Will appreciate a comparrison video between the oly 12-45 and the oly 12-40 pro lenses

[@Mark_James_Hill]

Did you ever compare the 12-40 to the 12-50 ?

[@craigleavitt9348]

One big question that so far nobody has said anything about. Will this lens be able to do IN CAMERA FOCUS STACKING????

[@aleksaandria]

Hi, Is the lens suitable for jewelry photography?

[@aerialfilm1]

Pen F owners should be buying this lens immediately. The 2.8 is just big and wonky on that camera.

[@Mir1189]

People keep telling that this lens would be better for smaller M4/3 bodies like M5 or M10. Actually i went the other way around. I got my 12-40 f2,8 quite few years ago, and I went for M5 Mark III precisely because the lens was bit big and heavy on M10 (mark I). To me M5 Mark III with 12-40 sits in hand perfectly, and I am fine even without the grip or battery grip (which may follow later). I would say this lens would be perfect for M10, PEN F and other PEN cameras.

[@robinwong]

If the 12-40mm feels good on the E-M5 Mark III, then that is a good news indeed. I have been using the 12-45mm F4 on E-M5 Mark III a lot lately, to me it is a better fit.

[@DonRod84]

Would be highly appreciated if you can compare the 12-40 with this lens!

[@MrMrTor]

Please compare 12-45f4 vs 12-40f2.8.

[@peperodriguezcordon5239]

No focus stacking for EM5 MkII? Any software upgrade can be expected? What do you thin Robin?

[@peperodriguezcordon5239]

Catriona Thomson I think not for this particular lens. I use focus stacking with my EM5 MkII and 60 macro, and love to use with this new 12-45 but if it won’t work it’ll be a con to buy it.