Olympus 17mm, 25mm and 45mm F1.8 - [Which One?]

Olympus has a great set of prime lenses. The 17mm, 25mm, and 45mm f1.8 lenses are the Holy Trinity of f1.8 lenses. Which one is best for you? In this review, I also give tips on how to use these prime lenses. What lens might be the one that you need?
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⏱Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:26 M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8
05:01 M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8
07:50 M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8
12.18 Watch Next
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[@aaponiemela80]

"- As you can see, cannons are quite big" I see what you did there

[@photohounds]

Made me chuckle, too ...

[@d.a.3003]

My perfect combo is the Lumix 20mm 1.7 + Olympus 45 1.8: they're incredibly small and both deliver excellent results.

[@steveworthington930]

I have the same DA, find them both superb, use the Lumix for "full lenth" portrait,s and Oly for head/shoulder portrait,s, both give excellent result,s.

[@armanddimeo6575]

My choices exactly!

[@datapro007]

I agree. My combo too. I'd say I do 95% of my shooting with the Lumix 20mm, but I do take the occasional portrait and landscape shot with the 45mm. Both lenses are the crown jewels of MFT - small size, great optically, value priced. MFT isn't only about one brand.

[@alvaro5162]

I have these two lenses plus the Panasonic 15mm and the Olympus 75mm. Normally I use 45 or 75 on my Pen because having a viewfinder allows me to frame better and 20 or 15 on the Panasonic GF7 because it is more compact and fits in my pocket

[@d.a.3003]

Looks like it's a very appreciated combo! It's not surprising, these two are M4/3 at its best: small, affordable yet very good.

[@mc256]

The three lenses most in line with the spirit and the choice of the micro four thirds format, they are compact, light, discreet, efficient ... and buyable!

[@jasonwrites9186]

By the way Peter, I love how you keep in bits that others sometimes take out. It feels way more authentic, and it feels like we're having an actual conversation rather than you reading purely off a script. ❤📸

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you.

[@Nonaxisymmetric]

I agree, it gives your videos a good style!

[@moggridge1]

Feels like - 13C yet Peter still eschews a scarf in a perfect example of Finnish sisu. 👍😊 That beach location looked lovely.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I will have scarf when it starts to get real cold. No, actually I should had one. Yes, the beach are is quite nice. Especially during summer.

[@AlpacoFilms]

Another fantastic video! I also own the trinity and these, to me, are still the best MFT lenses! They are the perfect example of why MFT shooters shoot MFT in the first place. Small, fantastic quality, and no nonsense!

[@ForsgardPeter]

I totally agree with you!

[@ceaabe]

I own these three lenses and love them very much. When I go into the city or for a walk I take my PEN and these three lenses. It's a lightweight combo for many situations. My favourite lens is the 17mm, but the 25mm is also very close. The 45mm I don't use as much, it's a bit special. By the way: When using manual focus (not the MF clutch) the 17mm can go slightly closer than with MF clutch.

[@angeldulevski3358]

The lenes I got first and almost use exclusively! Only thing I don't like is they don't have water resistant designs. But otherwise.. simply perfect. Great Video Peter!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thanks. A great summary. I have the 17 and 45. The 17 for all purpose. It is a kind of standard lens with a wider view. The 45 is a kind of standard lens with a narrower view. I love the presentation of a 25 (50 in 135 format), but I find it too limited in practise to take along as well.

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

My answers to your questions: First of all, as in your case, my first SLR (an Olympus OM-1, which I still use some 45 years later) came with a 50 mm lens. So now with my EM10 II, 25 mm is my "standard" lens. Until recent times, I didn't feel very comfortable when shooting with a wide angle lens. The photos looked unnatural to me. Nowadays I use it more often, specially when shooting concerts. As said, 25 mm is my standard and I own exactly a 25 mm f 1.8, which I love. But given your advice in the video, I think I'm testing that 25 mm f 1.4. Finally, specially for portraits, I like using a short tele and for that purpose I love using my 50 mm f 1.8. The very one that came with my first SLR! It's a really great, great lens.

[@caw25sha]

If you are used to using a standard lens then a wide angle takes a bit of getting used to. I used to use mostly a 50mm lens with 35mm but then bought a 24mm. For ages I took the same sort of photo so ended up with images with a load of boring or irrelevant stuff round the sides. I had to make a conscious effort to find suitable subjects or "zoom with my feet".

[@malcolmwright6948]

Thanks Peter, your video reminded me why I got into M4/3 in the first place. I have the 25mm and 45mm so far, and I'm looking to add the 17mm. One of the reasons I switched from a Canon DSLR to Olympus was to take around 700+ decent photographs of indoor flower show exhibits in around 20-30 minutes. There are always judges picking up and putting down the exhibits to judge them, so the tables and exhibits shake from time to time whilst I'm trying to take the pictures. I'm hoping the IBIS and the 3 fast primes will get me through the 5 scheduled 2022 shows. It will be my first shows since 2019. Fast image stabilised primes didn't exist in the Canon system when I switched and their new mirrorless system is a bit on the pricey side.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@arnehedberg]

I have all three of them in my "street bag". I mostly use 25 mm and the 17mm. I swap to a 25 mm pro just to get the clutch and weather sealing. I have the 45 but i have not used it so much yet. Maybe if i go ut and do street portrait or something. The future will tell. You made very inspiring videos and it feels like you talking to just me. Great job.

[@24_7devon]

That’s for the video. It’s great to hear your experience and understanding of these lenses. 👍

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Notturno81]

I purchased my Olympus OMD mark IV just one week ago. I bought it as a very fine deal cause together with pancace 14-42 I've got also the 1/8 45mm for approx. 25 cents:) I completely love this prime lens. Now I considering 17mm as I like hiking in the mountains. Very good channel and lot of valuable information here Peter. Thank you very much!

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. Of the three lenses you listed, I own the 17mm and the 45mm. However, the three that I prefer to use most often are: 14mm f/2.5 Panasonic (use for landscapes, group portraits, reportage, and street) 20mm f/1.7 Panasonic (use for single-lens situations for general subjects, reportage, and street) 45mm f/1.8 Olympus (use for still-life, products, half-length portraits, head & shoulder portraits, face portraits, reportage, and street)

[@steventhomas231]

I have owned the 45mmm before and loved that lens but swapped to the sigma 56mm 1.4 for the extra subject isolation. Never been keen on the 35mm equipment personally so I use the panasonic 15mm for wider stuff. Still own the 25mm 1.8. Lovely lens. I really love the rendering of the 45 and the 25mm. Can't go wrong with those two.

[@walterbulyga2588]

the 14mm f2.5 Lumix was my first MFT lens - matching the 28mm Nikkor with which I won 2 national prizes so the field of view is perfect for environmental portraits. Get the subject close and include plenty of story telling background. Adding the minute 45 f1.8 recently is very exciting - incredibly small and a perfect portrait lens.

[@E2MC2]

I completely agree. These are my go to trio for travel and everyday photography. I began with these and the Pen EP-2. A fantastic light weight combination. I would consider adding the 12mm and / or the 75mm when needed.

[@ForsgardPeter]

12mm f2.0 is a great little lens. It could go nicely as a forth lens like the 75mm f1.8 would too.

[@gberon]

The 45mm f:1.8 was the first lens I bought to supplement the kit lenses that came with my E-PL1. I now shoot with an E-M1 mkII and the only lens I use more is the 12-40mm Pro.

[@rogerquenault7207]

Love the 25MM f1.8 on the E-M5 MK2 50% of all my photos are with this combination, so easy to take and carry around.

[@bdssoaz]

I love the tiny Oly 45mm f1.8, it's a must, and at such low price it's a no-brainer. Regarding the 17mm and 25 mm...i own the 17 f1.8 and the sigma 30 f1.4, they are amazingly sharp but you can probably replace both for a 20mm. So, a 20mm and the 45mm will be enough to travel light. Cheers!

[@JohnAudioTech]

To me, these tiny primes is what micro 4/3rds is all about. Relatively low in cost, light weight and good performance. Including the panasonic and 3rd party options, there is a huge selection.

[@hellsing0999999999]

These lenses are so small but of high quality! I currently have the 14-42mm EZ and the 40-150mm RII but a 25mm is really tempting! And it will all fit in my little bag!

[@lesw.1748]

Nice video. I also like 25mm prime lens. Having kit lens lumix 12-60 f/3.5-5.6, lumix 25mm f/1.4 and olympus 60mm 2.8 lenses meet my needs quite well so far.

[@kardy12]

Interesting video - I often use the short telephoto range on zoom lenses for street photography and also have an old manual Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 that I use with an adaptor. I love using the Nikkor because it forces me to slow down and think more about composition, both because it’s a prime and you have to use your legs to reframe the shot and due to the manual focus. For some reason I still find using it easier to use MF with the OVF on my E-3 than the EVF in the E-M1 - I guess it’s just down to practice.

[@joshuachua6802]

My go to wide angle is the 12 mm F2, I feel it’s wide and a lot more versatile as compared to the 17mm. I will pair the 12mm with the 45mm F1.8 which I use it a lot for street as I prefer taking candid shots and like that distance. I just got the 12-45 F4 pro and loving it but it’s a dilemma which to bring as a backup low light fast prime, sometimes I bring all 3 lenses 😅

[@jimmyswiggers4560]

The 45mm f1.8 has stunned me with it's image quality from the first time I used it a few years ago. It's in my opinion the most underrated Olympus lens even though I totally agree that the focal length makes it a bit limited in use. Never regretted getting this lens. The price makes it a real steal. My feelings on the 25mm f1.8 are mixed. Quality is great, but just a bit less sharp than 45mm and I miss that little extra width that I always got from my standard zoom for landscape photography. So I'm looking at the 17mm f1.8, or either one of the pro zooms. Thanks for the lens reviews. Those will certainly help make up my mind.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Glad it was helpful.

[@rikardpersson9493]

Firstly: Thanks for another great video! I am totally addicted to the Olympus 25mm 1.2! I absolutely love the way it renders images, and it is my most used lens. I use it together with the Panaleica 12mm 1.4 and Olympus 75mm 1.8.

[@ForsgardPeter]

You have a nice set of lenses. Most likely everything you need.

[@woeihwang]

Love these 3 + 20mm 1.7(shooting still photos only) + 9mm 1.7 (also served as a bad weather backup). Own many other primes and pros zooms ranging from 8mm-150mm, not travel with them lately, due to their weight and size.

[@p.io7]

My go to combo was Lumix 15mm f1.7 mounted on the Em5 and I had Zuiko 45mm f1.8 in my bag for longer reach when needed. Now I own an Em1.3 and I feel I'd prefer a slow zoom instead so I wouldn't need to swap lenses that often, and would carry the primes in the bag for low light conditions.

[@PhiggysDOTcom]

Favourite prime on my omd is the 12mm f1:2.0 followed by the 45mm f1:1.8 both stunning optics

[@ianbrowne9304]

Thank you for sharing your experiences and wonderful advice I too started a film camera ; a Practica and 50 mm lens around 40 ++ years ago . Still have it . I too have said I could do most of my photography with a 50mm standard lens on the fully manual Nikon Fm2, and a Nikon F4s later on . Today I'm "in love" with my Oly em 1 mark 2, and mark 1 --- preferred happy snapper lens is the little 20mm Panasonic . I also have a 12-40 and 40-150 F2.8 . Best macro lens is the crop tool imo. Long story short -- I was not well around 10 years ago.. To give myself a reason to walk the local streets I bought a Em1 and 20mm lens so my journey of learning , and re-learning 'real' photography started there. Have owned so many --- TOO MANY (pro) cameras; film and digital , however the Oly + 20mm lens is by far the best camera I have owned since the Practica . I finally learnt that "real photography" has very little to do with gear . I was totally amazed to how many subjects (not people) fitted nicely through that one little lens. I was amazed how quickly my eyes, mind, and feet put me at the near perfect angle for the most subjects , and often without looking through the camera . My eyes and mind were free of gear/lens selection so very often just one click was required . I learnt or perhaps re-learnt too much gear = confusions = frustrations = loss of interest. I also learnt that no matter how much gear is owned/carried/used it's impossible to record ever photo we might see . What would we do with them if we could capture all?!! I also remembered when we were travelling to Sydney for a Fuji minilab conference 29 years ago. I laid out ALL the gear I would 'have to have' . But only took the Nikon Fm2 and the 50mm F1.4 lens and never missed all that ''have to have" gear. (or battery charges ). Certainly didn't need to take thousands of photos That one little standard lens re-taught me there are 1000s of wonderful photos in most bigger pictures that I now turn my back on . Sorry; longer than I planned but perhaps someone will learn a little, or re-learn "real photography"

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing your very good points.

[@robertcarhartjr6234]

It’s interesting to see the range of comments and uses for this trinity of primes; I’ve ordered the new 20mm as everything about it is just right for my needs, especially when on travel. Ironically, I was happy with the announcement in the summer of that lens and the upcoming 40-150mm F4 PRO, figuring that these two would provide an outstanding lightweight travel combo. I do have the 25mm F1.8 (which came as part of an Olympus kit a while back) as well as the 12-45 F4 PRO that was essentially the kit lens for the E-M5 Mark III when I bought it in the spring of 2020. That’s a nice lens too, and either it or the 20mm will be the main lens most of the time and depending on the situation. If I’d known the 20mm was even on the drawing board when I got the E-M5, I would have waited for it.

[@MichaelGerrard]

Thanks so much for talking about the f1.8 lenses, they are what m43 is about. Recently I was on a trip, I took the 17mm f1.8 as my main lens. I enjoyed using that, I like that field of view. But I also like 25mm, I have the Panasonic 25 f1.7, it is a bit bigger but very light. It's a great lens, amazing for the price. I also have the Oly 45 f1.8, it was the first m43 lens I bought, many years ago. It is a joy to use. For longer Tele, i wish I had the 75 but I already have the 60 macro and it does a great job for portraits and Tele shots.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The 60mm macro is a great lens for many uses. I mainly use it for macro, but it could work as a portrait lens too. The focal length is good for that.

[@WijanarkoFx]

G'evening, thanks for 👍🏻 sharing ❤️ Batam island here 8:11pm🙏🏻

[@ryimpdx]

Have had my camera a year now, bought with the kit 14-150mm lens. I also bought the 17mm 1.8 because I thought I might enjoy it, too. And I do. More than the zoom. My favorite images over the past year have been taken with that lens. In another year I may try the 45mm 1.8. I have set the zoom lens to 45mm and tried out that focal length a couple of times to see what that perspective is like. Thanks for this video.

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is a god way to find out how you like a certain focal length. Just use that foe a while and if it is something you like you might consider a prime. If it is not > money saved!

[@datapro007]

"Disclaimer: I am an Olympus Visionary. I make all my content with mirrorless Olympus micro four-thirds gear. " - Is this still true Peter? Enjoyable video - thank you. I shoot with the Oly 45mm but primarily the Panny 20mm. I get by with just these two.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is with the exception that I am not a Visionary anymore. Still working closely with Olympus/OMDS.

[@neilcousineau4956]

Hi Peter, Hi Peter, I have these lenses as well. I use them mostly on my EM-10 mk ii for everyday walk about. I generally only take two lenses depending on where I am going, usually the 17 and the 40 - 150mm kit zoom. Easy to use and light weight. I rarely use the 45mm but it does have its place when I need 3 lenses.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing. 40-150mm kit zoom is a great lens.

[@Tu-Liki]

Kiitos Peter, greetings from Ireland by a Finnish in Exile dedicatedly shooting Olympus! Focus on Life!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@diogoferreira9039]

Hi, for portraits the 75mm 1.8 is an absolute gem, it's the best micro 4/3 portrait lens I've used... As for wide lens I only use them in 3 situations: long exposures, macro wide angle and underwater photography. For long exposures my favourite is the 12mm f2, for underwater photography my choice is the Panasonic 8mm f3.5 fisheye. I use the 45mm f1.8 for landscape photography as it has no distortion and the vignetting disappears at f2.8-3.5, it is a great lens for large format composite landscape images. The Olympus 45mm f1.8 and the panasonic 20mm f1.7 are always in my bag. These are the lenses I use the most, on par with the 60mm f2.8 macro.

[@markgoodwin1754]

My trinity is th Laowa 7.5mm F2 Auto, Olympus 25mm 1.8, and Olympus 75mm 1.8. I use the 25mm the most but I also like the amount of reach the 75mm has over the 45mm even if it is a bit tricky to use at times.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I like the Oly 7-14 which I use all the time, I really like the very wide look. I also have the Oly 12-100, and shoot at 12 mil a lot, especially in the amazing desert I travel in a lot. My favorite light weight hiking setup is the EM10.3 with the 17 mil f1.8. Oh and by the way, I live in southern California and could not function at zero degrees! Cheers!

[@sambutcher4344]

Great video! Do you have a link to the extension tubes you mentioned to convert the 45mm to a macro lens? Thanks in advance!

[@ForsgardPeter]

These are similar type extension tubes: amzn.to/3LnNZjm (affiliate link)

[@martinheidinger2761]

I enjoyed your tipps! Have you taked this video in Hanko/Finnland? I appreciate your content!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes, it was filmed in Hanko. Have you been there?

[@martinheidinger2761]

Yes a long time ago! What lovely wooden villas, surrounded in pine trees, smooth granite rocks and islands, and long golden hourS. (Not minutes real hour!). I have to come back some time, when travelling will be easier again! And perhaps an Oly 12mm 2.0 or an 17mm 1.8mm in my bag for the Landscape. Accompanied by my darling the Oly 12-40mm 2.8, such a universal lens....

[@kungula]

I own 7 mft lenses and I use more and more the Leica 8-18 and the 40-150 pro. The least used lenses are the 100-400 consumer lens and the excellent 75 / 1.8. Also my macro lens 60/ 2.8 is used quite a bit although it is my oldest lens.

[@bosamuelsson3052]

Thank You Peter for this! I uses 25 mm Lumix F1,7, may god formgive , and Olympus 12-40mm f2,8. for photowalks. I am not sure this is perfekt combo but that is what I have

[@ruuddirks5565]

I use a 20 mm for standard and (very) short wide-angle work. And a 10 mm for nature photos, often in a square cropping.

[@RocknR00ster]

Thank you for the image showing the difference, it really helped me make a better decision as I was going to get the 45mm, but this made me realize the 25mm is actually the style I'm looking to shoot with. I'll still wind up getting the 45mm for specific shots at a later time, just not interested it that narrow fov at the moment.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Glad I was able to help.

[@ottohansnitsch3764]

Peter, with my old Nikon mechanical analogical camera I had around 40 jears ago, only one lens during around 4 years. It was an excellent 85 mm 1:1.8 lens. It was fantastic because you really had to work hard to compose an image. And during that time i never missed another lens, I think I will have to experiment much more with the 45 mm lens for my OLY OMD 10 Mark 2. Thanks again for your interesting videos.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bakermantube]

Thanks for that interesting video! My intention to choose Olympus was the small size of lenses and cameras and the excellent quality of Olympus products. I fell in love with the digital Pen-F and bought the combo with the 17mm 1.8. The next one was the fantastic 45mm 1.8. I use it for portraits (humans and dogs etc.) and interesting subjects a bit far away. The 17mm is a compromise for me between the 12mm and the 25mm. Back in the film days I had the Olympus XA with a 35mm 2.8 lens for a long time and I was used to this angle. But when I don't want to change lenses or want to have more wide angle, I use the 12-40mm 2.8 pro lens. It's a bit bulky but ok for my big hands.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@skamradt67]

Thank you Peter. I generally take the 12-40 f2.8 pro with the 60mm macro for most of my shooting, which often is in the rainforest or on the side of a mountain. I haven't been that happy with the lack of manual focus on the 25, so I have a generic 25mm manual lens that I toss in the bag that I will use on occasion. I have been considering the 12-100 f4 for my outdoor adventures and taking just one lens for those times when I would like a little extra reach.

[@ForsgardPeter]

12-100 f4 is also a great choice

[@gerhardw.933]

@7:00, concerning 25mm/1.8 lens: "the ring is quite loose" is right in auto- focus mode (AFS/AFF & AFC). But in manual focus (MF) mode, the focus ring is not loose but engaged, works accurately, and focuses smooth manually. At least on my Panasonic GX8 and GF9.

[@davidcoote8395]

I have the LUMIX 20mm f1.7 and the Olympus 45mm which are both great lenses. Just wish sometimes they had the manual focus clutch.

[@photohounds]

You usual, casual and informative style. Thanks Peter. All three I've owned, they are excellent , I sold them all as the lure of f/1,2 was too great and I settled on those superb 17 and 45 lenses. "Which one"? What? The three will all in a coat pocket. Try old (clean) socks to keep them apart. On the subject of f/1,2 a 10mm is the stuff (some) of my dreams are made of.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good point about the socks! (clean ones)

[@ebreckpo6563]

Hello Peter, thank you for the very informative video. I use the 17mm f/1.8 mostly for teleconferencing and general purpose photography due to the very compact size. The 45mm f/1.8 is great as you have a small tele and extremely compact. As I grow up when cameras were sold with a 50mm FF lens. The 50mm eq. i.e. 25mm in m43 terms my most used lens when photographing is the 25mm pro f/1.2 although on the larger size. It is weather sealed and the output is gorgeous. I am looking forward using the new 20mm f/1.4 pro lens as this approaches more when I was using Pentax ltd primes (42mm) on 135 film cameras. I am of the opinion this could be a compromise between the 17 and the 25mm and carrying one less lens.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@erhanduyar2981]

I got all three but mostly i use the 25 mm . Its not too wide or not narrow , its just perfect. 45 mm is great for the price and there is 75 mm its just piece of diamond . If you take 17 mm and 45 mm you pretty much covered all needs but if i go with just one lens my choice would be 25 mm

[@Dee-me3ug]

I just found your channel and I am really loving your videos Peter, Thank you. I have just bought an Olympus OM D E M1 mkII and I had planned to buy a pair of zooms (12-40 2.8 and 40-150 2.8) but I have decided to buy at least one prime instead. I know I definitely want to get the Olympus 17mm 1.2 for low light (I have fallen in love with that lens), but I am wondering whether to also get the 25mm 1.8 and the 45mm 1.2, or whether to get the 17mm 1.2 and the 45mm 1.8 and 75mm 1.8. Or whether to start with a 17mm 1.2 and a Zoom (40-150mm 2.8). I’m on a budget so it’s a tough choice to make without personal experience. Your videos are very helpful, but I wonder what you think about including a 75mm? I would like mainly to photograph interiors, people indoors and outside, live music events and occasionally landscapes.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Welcome to the channel! Glad to have you. For those need maybe a 17mm F1.2 of F1.8 is the best solution.

[@Dee-me3ug]

@@ForsgardPeter Thank you Peter, and may I ask which would you recommend as a second lens?

[@calvindz8805]

I opted for the sigma 16mm art lens instead of the Olympus actually. Nifty little thing. absolute favorite focal length right now!

[@absurdfool]

i use a 12-50mm for my old pen ep3, it's a bit long yet light, an all-purpose lens for me, cheers pete

[@florianschfr]

My favorite mft wide angle currently is the 17mm 1.8. Very subtle and universal

[@YamanoteSensei]

I'm a street photographer based in Tokyo. I use an Olympus EM5MIII. I carry a few prime lenses with me including the 25mm you mentioned. I agree with your review of it. I also carry the 75mm which I use often. It's a little tricky to use well... But I get, what I believe to be, great shots from it. I'm interested in the 45mm too. I might pick one up. Thank you for going through the lineup!

[@MasterSekeyi]

I would reccomend you the 45mm for Street Photography. I use an Omd EM 10 MKIII and my light tele is my all rounder in the streets and in nature (the 2x teleconverter is perfect for details in a wide landscape). I will purchase the 75mm next!

[@ForsgardPeter]

75mm f1.8 as a street photography lens is an interesting choice! Do you have any images somewhere online?

[@mohamedeltaleb]

I have these 3 focal lengths,, Laowa 17mm F1.8 + Lumix G 25mm F1.7 & Yongnuo 42.5mm F1.8 …. They are amazing 👌🏻 for telezoom I use lumix G 45-150mm …. Thanks Peter for this video 👍🏻

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@jeffdrew625]

For me; primes trio is 12mm f/2, 25mm f1.8, and 45mm f/1.8. I’m not crazy about WA, but the 12mm is a gem lens on my Pen-f! Love it! I wish Olympus had built the other premium line primes as well as the 12mm & 17mm, with clutches etc. but they are all good choices!

[@ForsgardPeter]

12mm f2.0 and Pen-F. Nice!

[@petriteravainen4006]

Kiitos! Very good comparison and really on time - I am just thinking the 45mm to add in my kit as a portrait lens with the mobile lighting set.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks. The 45mm f1.8 is a great lens for portraits and it has a good price.

[@petriteravainen4006]

In general, thank you for very inspiring channel for us with Olympus gear. I really appreciate that you tell us not only the high end equipment but also other product lines. I have the also the pro series lenses but actually nowadays use more and more 25mm/1.8 and from now on 45mm/1.8 (got it yesterday) - and for that, thank you!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Enjoy your new lens!

[@pharaohoo]

I own Lumix 15mm f1.7 for indoor and Sigma 56mm f1.4 for outdoor most of time, just love making portrait's. Now I looking to get something in middle like 25mm

[@geebee2276]

“behind me is a Canon” … whilst shooting with an Olympus. ha ha … loved that. I carry a 7-14, 12-40 & 40-150 Pro lenses. Great to have nearly all focal lengths covered but I remember spending a day in Paris with just a 105mm (Nikon) and had so much fun not having to even think about changing lenses or zooming in/out. It was a challenge and I found I needed to look at so many different view points of what I was photographing to be able to get the best shot. I can see that having one of these lenses would be a lot of fun. I’d go for the 45mm personally. I love the compressed depth of field that the longer focal lengths give … and that’s just a personal choice - in fact I’ve hardly used my 7-14mm lens. I just can’t seem to make that work for me. Great video Peter … always entertaining.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you very much.

[@Bigfarmer8]

Thanks for pointing out the pros and cons of these lenses Peter. I do not have the 17mm f1.8 lens and I doubt I ever will. I am more of e telephoto guy. I disagree that the 25mm lens is not that good. My copy definitely has a bit better build and image quality than my 45mm. I use the 25 a lot for night photography and the 45 for street photography. Just that bit more distance between you and the subject make the capture often go unnoticed. My favorite lens by far though is the 75mm f1.8. A bit of an awkward focal length but whenever I take it with me I come back with at least one good photo. The build and image quality is fantastic.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@FreakOut2727]

I have this trinity plus the stunning 60mm macro.

[@valdiskrebs566]

I mainly use 2 camera kits: * Outdoors(longer distances and weather-sealed) EM1 + 14-150mm zoom * Indoors(need more light, shorter distances) Pen-F + 17mm + 45mm

[@diegodiaz5206]

Dear Peter excellent video, Greetings from Colombia!!!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@matthiasbarenfanger331]

Lenses for my Pen F are the Olympus 12mm 2.0 , 25mm 1.8 and the 50mm OM 1.4.

[@hanajurakova1285]

I loved 17mm but I couldn't use it for recording. When recording on AutoFocus, there was a loud clicking sound as I replayed the video. 25mm I'm not really using, but 45mm is a wonderful lens and inspiring me soooo much. I took it to flea market the other day and captured various teeny tiny scenes with all these random objects that suddenly created a universe on itself. So much fun.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sounds like really interesting images! Have you published them some where?

[@belalang90]

Same with mine. That 17mm has a loud clicking when using AF while recording. Need to use manual focus to lose that clicking sound.

[@Ed-bj5eq]

I choose the 17 f1.8 to go with the 14-42 EZ or 14-150 ii when traveling, great for low light, amazing build quality, clutch, good IQ, yet small and light, love this little lens. It works with with Raynox M250 & M150 macro adapter for closer focusing (not real macro). If I had to choose only one lens to go with my OMD M10 this is certainly the one, I already used it as my only lens many times.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good choice!

[@gtpete6363]

I have all three and they are all worth the money. They are all sharp but the 45mm is extremely sharp. The only issue I have with the 25mm is that the colours are slightly warmer than the others. wouldn't be without them. A must have for a light weight street shoots.

[@UMS9695]

Oly 12-40mm f2.8 is my preferred lens. Oly 25mm f1.8 has been staple for portraits and the lens I have on my camera when traveling light. I recently purchased Oly 45mm f1.8 and will be using it primarily for portraits and then some. I have an Oly EM1 (the first one) a d plan to have my 25mm locked onto that.

[@JalanKesini]

I got 25mm f1.8 and I use it mostly only for evening to night photoshoot. For street view photography in the daylight I often use 9mm Body Cap Lens or I also use vintage SMC Pentax 200mm f4 for capture "real expression" of people without let the people know that I took their picture. As a smartphone use that already too comfortable with wide lens because mostly smartphone only got wide and ultrawide lens, I dont really use 25mm because I feel like 50mm eq. Is too narrow to capture the background.

[@mariusm2402]

Thanks Peter for your perspective on the 3 lenses. I do own the 17mm and 45mm f1.8. Both of them are seldom mounted to my camera. The 25mm f1.7 of Panasonic is one of my favorite ones since my daughter is born - fortunately I was lucky and the cheap lens is amazingly sharp. Would be interesting so see how the olympus primes do "vs" the Panasonic variants. Maybe a joint session with Matti 😉 Stay healthy. Forgot to answer your first question. Favorit Wide lens: 8mm F1.8... Do I feel confident using it? Not really - need more training with the lens.

[@ForsgardPeter]

That could be a topic for a video. Not sure what lenses Matti has left for MFT.

[@renshubers9523]

I sold my M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 and bought the M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 because I think (hope) that I can use this lens often for my “walking around photography” and also for portrets. The 25mm f/1.2 pro is in my opinion too big and too heavy. It would we nice if OM-systems will make a weather-sealed version of the M.Zuiko prime lenses!!!

[@sandervesik173]

I have a question - you have a very nice looking square hood on the 45mm lens - which ones is it? Does it work well?

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is LH-46. It is a for the 12mm f2.0, but it works ok with the 45mm f1.8 lens.

[@shift7o7]

I personally like to alternate between lenses to have more diversity, I have an offtopic question about your Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKII. I have the same camera but knowing that isn't weather proof i'm afraid to take it on days/nights that are below 10 C or when is a light rain outside or snow. From your experience should I try to go with the camera in the weather conditions that I mentioned or as in your video? Or should i buy an OM-D E-M5 series for weather proof?

[@ForsgardPeter]

If you are careful and he camera does not get really wet you should be ok. Cover it and try make images from places were there is not straight rain. If it is really cold then keep the camera in the bag for a while when going inside. It will warm up in the bag and there wont be any condensed water on the body.

[@KD_0082]

I have the 17 and the 45mm f1.8, I use the 17mm A LOT, and sometimes for streetphoto it's a bit narrow to me (I'm used to the FOVs of 28/24mm) For the 25mm FOV I bought the Panasonic Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4 DG because I had the opportunity, it's bigger than the Zuiko 25mm and a bit noisier, but it's amazing for standard/portrait lens. The 45mm gets little use but when I need to do portrait and detail photos, it's just unrivalled, surpassing even the "Panaleica". Maybe I should try that 20mm f1.4, looks gorgeous...

[@HappyWater45]

Hi, do you recommend for a mode natural field of view for video a 17 or a 25mm focal length? Love the video, thank you!

[@ForsgardPeter]

It depends on your style. Both lenses are great for video. I use a bit wider lens like 17mm for B.roll and for interviews etc. i mainly use a 25mm or 45mm. That depends on how much room there is.

[@HappyWater45]

@@ForsgardPeter Thank you so much for the quick and detailed reply! I tried out the 17mm Leica today but it seemed a bit far out, so I went with the 25mm 1.4. Might consider a 20mm as well in the near future :)

[@ForsgardPeter]

The new 20mm f1.4 is nicely between those two. Enjoy the 25mm and make the most of it!

[@HappyWater45]

@@ForsgardPeter thank you so much, most definitely!

[@olympus2OM]

Of course all three!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Good choice.

[@WMedl]

I own all three of them an do not use them often. For general purpose shooting I take either the 12-100 (only witj EM1) or (later in the evening) the 12-40 which give me more versatility. By the way outdoors I do not like to change lenses. In indoor shooting especilally social events I prefer the 25 because I can get closer shots. For dedicated landscape shooting I prefer the 9-18 though a little too slow. Especially in the evening for street I use either the old Canon 50 mm 1.4 or the also old Nikon 85 mm 1.8.

[@jerp1138]

My choice: Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12mm f/2 Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 All perfect. The 12mm with the clutch is fun to use as well. Took me years of buying and selling to narrow it down to the perfect collection of M4/3 lens trilogy.

[@torkelstenqvist1279]

I mainly use longer lenses. I got 'a full spectrum' of both zooms (7 - - 300) and primes (17 to 300) but often when I am stunned by a wide angle view it comes out as dull and lacking in the picture (and I do try to use the foreground trick). When I travel light I take my PM2, the 17 and the 45; next step is adding the PL 25mmF1.4; and then the 75-300mm zoom if there is a chance for outdoor shots. A small flash FL300 is also in the bag, and everything can fit in the pockets of a larger jacket. The 45mm is actually a decent macro lens with extension tubes.

[@ForsgardPeter]

We see things differently. I also sometimes struggle with the wide-angle. I do like a bit longer focal length too. I think we should use the lenses we feel most comfortable with. But then we should also try something new and see how we like it.

[@jooyoonchung3593]

The 17mm 1.8 was the very first lens I purchased for my Olympus and it is the lens that I use for probably 3/4 of my shots (the remaining 1/4 being the 75-300mm). But as wide as the 35mm FF equivalent is, for a not insignificant number of occasions, its field of view still feels a little bit too tight. A 14mm f/1.8 or faster would be my sweet spot, but alas, no such lens exists for m43 ... yet. The Lumix 14mm f/2.5 is close, but I want at least 1.8 ... Given that, my preferred combo would be a 14mm f/1.x with a 45mm f/1.x. I don't think a 25mm is necessary - I can just crop a bit of wide images to get more to a more "normal" field of view / perspective. In any case, wonderful video. Keep up the great content.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@govertvanamerongen5902]

I have the 17mm 1.8 as my standard lens. And the 45mm 1.8 for portaits and special shots. And Yes the 17mm does not have a lot of bokeh. But is super fast. And perfect for low light shooting. I use the 17mm 70% of times, the 45mm the other times... superb combo!!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Like I said in the video bokeh is not everything.

[@lvca.avellino]

I love 45 1.8 and this focal lens. I use with 25 1.2 and sigma 16 1.4. But maybe better 17 1.8? I'm undecided if buy 75 1.8. I use 75-300 at 75 and is not bad focal, but to be used often

[@jerry2357]

My usual lens in the Olympus 14-150 mm, because I like to both take wide shots and zoom into details. And I'm often in a situation where I don't have time to keep swapping lenses. The other lens I always carry is the Olympus 12 mm f/2, because sometimes 14 mm is just not wide enough, especially in an urban environment or indoors. But if I was going to take just one prime lens, then I would choose the 17 mm f/1.8. I have both the 25 mm and the 45 mm, but I don't think either is quite as versatile. I sometimes go out with just a prime lens, and the 17 mm is the one I choose most often, followed by the 25 mm and then the 12 mm. I couldn't use a large one-shoulder bag like the one you showed. I used to travel quite a lot for work, and I found that using a carry on with one shoulder strap used to give me a bad back. Switching to a rucksack solved the problem. These days I tend to use a Tenba BYOB insert for my camera in a standard rucksack (with room for spare clothes, food, water etc).

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing.

[@borderlands6606]

Saul Leiter did some shallow focus street photography, and Nick Turpin's bus portraits use a long lens and shallow focus. Martin Parr has experimented with long lenses, but they are the exception. Historically, wide aperture lenses were a way of capturing a shot in low light with limited film speeds, and shallow focus was a consequence, not an end in itself. Many classic photographs aren't particularly sharp by modern standards, but so what? They remain remarkable images.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing. Good point about the shallow dof. Wide aperture was the only way if it was dark.

[@chrispatmore8944]

My favourite wide-angle lens on the OM1 was always the 24mm f/2.8, which I bought in 1978 and still have. I shoot live music (yes, I use an M43 for low-light concert photography in small venues), and if it’s too dark for the 12-40mm f/2.8 I use the 17 and 45 f/1.8 on two bodies (EM-1 and EM-1 mk2). In fact, they are my default lenses most of the time. The 17 is great for most shots, and I simply change position if I need to go wider or tighter. The 45 is for close-ups, and it is fast becoming my favourite, for its clarity. And so light and compact compared to the Canon 85 mm f/1.8 I used to use. Still undecided about getting a 12mm at the moment. The 40-150 is more of a priority.

[@ForsgardPeter]

You have a good selection of lenses. In concerts the 17mm and the 45mm are most likely the most useful lenses.

[@chrispatmore8944]

@@ForsgardPeter That's what I've found, although the zoom is handy when there's plenty of light. I'm still using an OM1 or OM2 with a 50mm at gigs too, loaded with either HP5 or Delta 400 pushed to 1600.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I remember when pushing film was a thing. It was a great way to get faster film. The results were usually ok. Do you develop the films yourself?

[@jackmatthews9390]

I have these three and they fit on all OM-d systems I have. But, when I put these three with the pen f in my peak design messenger bag. I’m armed like a Leica with a set of” ‘crons “! I photograph more with that system than any other I own !

[@Ed-bj5eq]

I have a question for you regarding the 45mm, what do you think of this comparison as a portrait/indoor sport/macro combo : 45mm f1.8 + Raynox M250 or Oly Macro 60mm f2.8 ? Pros and cons ? Maybe an idea for one of your great videos ? thanks by the way for your great video on these 3 lenses

[@ForsgardPeter]

Interesting question. I would choose the 45mm for overall photography ovet the 60mm macro. I have not really tested the 45mm with Raynox that much. Hard to say how that compares to 60mm macro lens. When starting out with macro I would most likely get extension rings or Raynox close-up lens. Maybe then later get a real macro lens.

[@jakobsoegaard1886]

Back in the early 1980 ..most who bought a consumer camera got it with a 50mm…..I bought a very used one…and felt it was very tight back then…now when I have passed 50….I bought the Olympus 25 1,2 and it is magic…I even bought the 25, 1,8 so I had a smaller one…I used to love wider angle lenses and still do..but for human…street …I find my self more and more using a 25 ( 50 mm on 24/36)

[@fillerbunnyninjashark271]

I have a 10mm lens I just got for my MFT and it's been a lot of fun in Manhattan

[@RobShootPhotos]

If it's two primes the 17mm & 45mm combo for Street Photography. I actually feel more comfortable with the wide end of the 40-150. I use the kit lens over the pro lens for Street. I'm looking forward to the 40-150 f/4 model. It would be cool if they came out with a 40mm f/1.4, I'd buy that lens in a heartbeat.

[@ForsgardPeter]

A fast 40mm would be interesting. I have said many times that I hope OM System/Olympus makes a set of f1.4 lenses. Pro lenses that are between the f1.2 and f1.8 lenses.

[@anitafnelsonk2826]

My Trinity is 12mm F2 + 25mm 1.8 + 45mm 1.8 I’m from Hong Kong, a very high density place, 12 is more practical as a wide angle lens here. Especially for the indoor environment, the look produced by 12mm is more spacious. It’s my default lens whenever I’m not sure what to take. 25mm is only about 30% of my shooting time, Mostly for indoor portraits when the room is not enough for my 45mm, sometimes I feel 25mm a bit narrow for my needs, probably I should try 20mm. And 45mm is rarely used, after I had my 40-150 F2.8, which gives me zoom range for outdoor portrait. But every time using the 45mm 1.8 is rewarded with very satisfying images.

[@caw25sha]

You have the same three primes as me. I have just bought the 12mm and it's really nice. I live in London which isn't quite as dense but you still need a wide angle. I was planning a trip to HK a couple of years ago but things happened ☹

[@ForsgardPeter]

12mm f2.0 is also a great lens. many have that instead of the 17mm f1.8. Like you said in very crowded areas that is a better choice than a 17mm.

[@Chris-Brown-]

I just purchased 3 new lens, one of them being the 45mm/f1.8. To answer the questions I dont really shoot wide angle but I when do its as wide as possible, I bought the cheap 9mm body cap lens for that I dont have a standard lens. Of all the lens I have If I could only take two, probably the pancake and the 45mm I just bought my first short telephoto lens, I image id be using it a bit. I like taking portraits of my dogs at the wide end of my telephoto lens

[@rickthomas9894]

Hi Peter, I am enjoying and learning from your videos. My first interchangeable lense camera was the OMD EM5 Ml with Olympus M.Zukio Digital 9 - 18 mm f1.4 - 5.6. I used this lense exclusively for a year+. I was really comfortable with it for street and landscape photography. A few years later, I upgraded to the OMD EM5 Mll and was able to get the Olympus 12 - 40 mm 1:2.8 Pro and love that. I was traveling a lot for work and was very happy with just those two lenses. I don't travel so much since COVID, but have picked up the Olympus 25mm and 45mm referenced in this video. I am becoming more comfortable with these with more use. Considering the 17mm to augment my collection of prime lenses. Thanks again for these videos. I have a Flickr account if you're interested. Will share at your request. Kind regards Rick

[@ForsgardPeter]

Please share it. It always great to see images.