Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm 1.2 Pro, a true Golden lens - RED35 Review

[@mendelhamoen645]

You are completely right in your review: this lens renders a very beautiful non-digital look (quite rare these days) and although the depth of field may not be very shallow against what some FF-lenses are capable of, the quality of the bokeh is certainly among the best of all lenses out there, including lenses from other systems (FF, etc). I own several lenses including the Zuiko 25 1.8, 45 1.8, 75 1.8 and Sigma 56 1.4 Four months ago I got myself a second-hand Z Pro 25 1.2. I was so impressed with the superb quality of the bokeh, the capability of indoor shooting in dim light situations, shooting against backlight situations, the beautiful ‘organic’ rendering that I decided to get the other Pro lenses (45,17) as well (second hand). It isn’t that the difference with the Zuiko 25 1.8 is noticeable in every picture but in some there definitely is - with the Pro-lens getting the most beautiful results

[@davidgaffney4918]

Just purchased this lens for my LUMIX G9. Thank you sir!

[@k6usy]

The E-M5III just needs the grip to make these lenses just as easy to use on the E-M1III. Please do not ignore this useful ad-on.

[@raksh9]

I recently got the 17 and 45 Pro lenses for a great deal, and am still waiting for a 25 Pro to turn up. Am very happy with how these lenses render, particularly the 45. The feathered bokeh is especially evident in that lens. When a 25 Pro comes up for a good price, I'm jumping on it.

[@MichaelGerrard]

You summed it up well, it is all relative. I am not a pro so the F1.8 primes make a lot more sense to me. It would be nice if the f1.8 lenses were weather sealed, I think for business reasons too they should make at least one small weather sealed prime. A year ago when the E-M5 III was launched there was lots of talk of the weather sealing but without a small weather sealed lens, the concept of a small weather sealed camera doesn't make sense. Yes the 12-45 f4 exists but it is expensive, f4 and big compared to a f1.8 prime. Olympus have a nice niche in the weather sealing but I think they should push that more and not only for pros.

[@Red35Photography]

Never say never, hope that I will see something in the future too. Something that, hopefully the new OMD Digital Corp. will see.

[@gp6367]

Yes but it would be nice if we had more weather sealed small lenses. Particularly 17mm and 25mm on the same size as 1.8

[@derekbarkham2314]

Mine lives on my PEN F with grip, it’s magic.❤️

[@whipsnadepoacher]

My favourite lens for portraiture.

[@joecarton9115]

As always a great review, Jimmy. I love this lens on my OMD EM1 MKII.

[@freedoctor5309]

I have three lenses in the 1.2 Pro series. The Bokeh is like feathers and fine frosted glass. In the 1.2 Pro series lenses, the same high-definition resolution from the center to the edges, and also very good image rendering vision effect. Among the three 1.2 Pro lenses, only 45mm 1.2 Pro has magenta dispersion at the edge of the highlights, and 17 and 25 are almost non-existent or non-existent. I personally prefer to use the 17 mm 1.2 Pro focal length. Because this focal length is in use, the photographer can take a few steps forward or backward to achieve a narrower or wider scene. The 25 mm 1.2 Pro has a narrower viewing angle and is suitable for shooting closer distances and less content. For example, 25 mm 1.2 Pro is more suitable for smaller scenes and portraits, while 17 mm 1.2 pro is more free and diversified than 25 mm 1.2 Pro, suitable for streets, life scenes, humanities, landscapes, etc.

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, among all of them, I use 17mm and 25mm the most. I use my 17mm for a lot of things too as you said, very versatile.

[@freedoctor5309]

@@Red35Photography M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO won the "Lens of the Year" award issued by the 2018 Camera Grand Prix (a total of 44 new lenses were evaluated in the same field). This is Olympus from the Japanese Camera Magazine Publishing Club. Received the "Lens of the Year" award for the third consecutive year. The time and products of the first two awards were M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO in 2016 and M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO in 2017. It can be seen that Olympus is the first photographic equipment in the industry to win three consecutive years of awards. --Comment from the Executive Committee of Camera Grand Prix 2018 "This ultra-high-speed lens is a member of the Olympus f/1.2 lens series. It can simultaneously present the resolution and high-quality background blur effect, not only the shooting angle is flexible, but also the maximum aperture of f/1.2 It can still ensure a moderate depth of field under the conditions of high value. In addition, thanks to the rich technical experience accumulated by Olympus, this lens can also create a beautiful and blurred high-quality bokeh effect. Even at the maximum aperture value Under the setting of, high contrast and resolution can still be achieved; although the structure is complex, the image is natural. As a part of the micro four-thirds system, this product expands the scope of photography and is equipped with The actual focal length and smaller size of the image sensor can be used as an autofocus lens capable of precise focusing when paired with an Olympus camera. All in all, this is a high-quality lens with high image quality." For the above reasons, we selected M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO as "Camera Grand Prix 2018 Lens of the Year".

[@ansonwu3073]

Thanks Jimmy! I was struggling to buy this for months and now i got it ;-)

[@Red35Photography]

Enjoy it, it's awesome!

[@raytbrown2]

Kind'a one of your best videos . . . but not totally sure why, atm. Either way, thank you!

[@Red35Photography]

Lol!! Really?? I will keep that in mind

[@Whatsup_Abroad]

Great review. I have the 25mm nokton already and I've shot exclusively manual focus for years, but I'm tempted by this lens and the 45mm f1.2 for their weather sealing. Wanna get that 42.5mm nokton to complete my set first though. The voigts are just too darn nice for video

[@AndrewSowerby]

Uh-oh, I feel a bad case of GAS coming on. I don't need it. I can't justify buying it. I still want this lens :D

[@Red35Photography]

LOL, us photographers always have GAS.

[@hauke3644]

This is certainly a very good lens. I recently considered getting it as an upgrade for my Panasonic Leica 25mm, but then instead got the Panaleica 25 Ii. That has increased optical performance wide open, while maintaining the very nice rendering out of focus. It is weather-sealed and the manual focusing runs very nice on my Olympus cameras. I almost never use the manual focusing clutch of my Olympus Pro lenses, because they are too fast for precise focus. Olympus really should have made the rotation longer. I have the 45mm/1.2, which is optically great (while not perfect), but often take it out of my bag due to its size and weight. I’d wish for smaller versions with 1.4 aperture. The 1.8 lenses are not good enough: not particularly sharp wide open and not so nice bokeh with busy backgrounds.

[@Red35Photography]

Interesting comment. I guess it depends on how you use manual focus, I prefer faster actions for video work. Long focus throw may have precision but too slow to react changes. Great on manual focus for close up work. I tried using the PanaLeica 25mm and couldn't utilise MF because of it. I need to try the version II to see how much better it's wide open performance has got, the first version was too poor with too much CA for my liking.

[@Clickumentary]

that flicker effect made me have to rest my head lol

[@MarchalisVan]

A consideration if you are in the market for a camera and lens system at this focal length, is that full frame 50mm-85mm lenses are often their smallest in build size for full frame. And the Micro Four Thirds Olympus 25mm (50mm Full frame equivalent) is about as heavy if not in some cases heavier than a full frame 50mm f1.8, which can offer better low light performance and produce more Bokeh. Meaning that a modern full frame set up can be roughly the same size and weight as this while giving better low light performance. It's only a great option if fully committed to M43 system, it does perform very well and does give manual focus options for video.

[@mendelhamoen645]

A 50 mm f 1.8 full frame lens does not give ‘more bokeh’ , what you mean is that it has (the option of) a smaller depth of field. The bokeh (quality of out of focus rendering) of this zuiko 25 1.2 lens is better than almost on any 50 1.8 full frame lens. That’s what makes this lens so special. Ad to that the Zuiko 25 1.2 is already sharp wide open, most 50 1.8 ff lenses you have to stop down a little to get good sharpness…and I almost forgot: a (ff) 1.8 does not give a better low light performance than a (m43) 1.2 lens. ‘by definition’ the 1.2 lens lets more light in than a 1.8 lens, no matter what system (ff,apsc, m43)

[@MarchalisVan]

@@mendelhamoen645 I have both the Oly 25mm f1.2 and full frame Pany 1.8 for L mount S5. I have done side by sides and low light testing. Both at widest aperture are sharp in the centre, the Pany 50mm is sharper in the corners. The bokeh is equally smooth but as the oly 25mm has the same background blur as a full frame f2.4 lens there was just a little less of it. I have an old 1980's Cannon 50m f1.2, it's bokeh although on a full frame and lower f stop is worse than the oly, as it's kind of busy, so even though there is more of it, it looks like less if that makes sense. It does do better for low light though. The old canon 50m f1.2 is a lot smaller than modern full frame 50mm f1.8 lenses and the oly 25mm f1.2, they used a lot less glass back in the day.

[@mendelhamoen645]

Good to have done some side by side tests! From what I’ve read: the Pany 50 1.8 sure seems a very nice lens too. Indeed it must give you the option of a little more shallow depth of field, compared to the zuiko 25 1.2. The zuiko 25 1.2 is praised by their users for it’s beautiful rendering and ‘not digital’ look (see this Red35 video). Must be nice to own both systems (mft, ff).

[@MarchalisVan]

I mostly use the Olympus 25mm f1.8. mostly as it slips in my bag as an always with me camera setup. it's the lens you use that is the best. I had the big full frame 600mm zoom sports lens a while ago.. it was so heavy it put me off going out to places with wildlife.. so I sold it, and am back to the tiny in comparison pany 100-300mm on m43. Do I get more hit's with it when out, no... do I go out more and get more hits with it over all... yes... Would I take the FF 50m for an important event over the M43 25m f 1.2, yes... Do I more often use the Oly 25mm f1.2 over the pany 50mm just for fun.. yes, I don't even know why but it feels friendly... probably because I take that m43 camera with me all the time and am so used to it :S

[@javierruizamado]

For professional use with professional camera bodies, I think the Olympus 25mm f1.2 lens is unbeatable at that focal length and totally worth it. I would love to have it among my lenses. But I'm not a pro and my camera doesn't have a good grip like the E-M1 series or the Panasonic G9, for example. If one day I had a slightly larger camera with a better grip, I would consider it. For recreational use with smaller camera bodies, such as the E-M5 series, the PanaLeica 25mm f1.4 II is my choice. It does have chromatic aberrations, but I don't think they are extreme in real use and can be corrected. For enthusiast use, I think for price, weight and size it is more than enough. And now it is dust and splash resistant. I am really happy with it.

[@mendelhamoen645]

I have the EM5mkiii, and my zuiko 25 1.2 is not to big for it in terms of grip - it’s quite ok. (If you can spend the money it’s certainly worth the try because it’s a marvelous lens)

[@tobiasdavid3096]

I hardly ever use that lens. Almost always chose something lighter. And if I do take something pro-like its the 12-40 pro. More versatile.

[@DM-sc4zy]

Zoom is always versatile, though 12-40 Pro won't deliver the shallow Dof and fast aperture when you need it.

[@tremaincheerful4189]

Really annoying flicker effect at the beginning, followed by another excellent enjoyable and informative vlog. Great insider tips and features.

[@1stfootprint_art]

Good timing... I have been thinking of getting this lens... sorry to hear that you had to pull the original video... I hope you did not have to pull too many other videos...

[@Red35Photography]

Two were affected but the other one wasn't Olympus hahaha but it was a popular video that we made in the early days.

[@thomasdesalle9183]

Did you not own the panasonic/leica 25mm f1.4 too for some time? I have a GX9, i'm thinking the panasonic/leica will be better sized. This f1.2 pro start to be on the big side for a M4/3 prime.

[@Red35Photography]

Yes I did Thomas. I sold it for this. I do miss the size of the PanaLeica, but this does give me better wide open performance and I need it for my work.

[@thomasdesalle9183]

@@Red35Photography I guess you use a lot the manual focus for video. I wouldn't really need this feature. Thanks for your good reviews!

[@Red35Photography]

@@thomasdesalle9183 Cheers Thomas, yes I do but even for photos, I need something more substantial in terms of build, I don't mind the size too much, as it's still much smaller than full frame, but yeah, I miss the PanaLeica lens and it was my go-to for travel photography for a good few years before upgraded.

[@We-imageIt]

i tried the same lens with a E-M1X in a video and it's really amazing!

[@Ahmad-lw3hn]

I need one of this 😢❤

[@Red35Photography]

Don't worry, it will always be here :) There are always some deals going and you may be able to pick one up.

[@Ahmad-lw3hn]

@@Red35Photography Thanks.. you helping me a lot... need more time to study photography..im using EM5 Mark ii

[@chinitopinoy1726]

Thinking of getting this lens.

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Me too

[@SpaceSignaaL]

Would u recommend any of this pro lens for a body without IS ?

[@SpaceSignaaL]

So I have a G100 which is vert small body , I guess that this lenses are not for me then ?

[@Red35Photography]

Unless you use it for video on your G100 or wants to do some low light slow exposure shots without tripod, it's fine without IS. Most old DSLR doesn't have IS and still produce fantastic images.

[@SpaceSignaaL]

@@Red35Photography Thx for the answer

[@이서아-t8u]

if i have a wide lens, a 12-40 pro, and i am planning to get a portrait lens should i get a 45mm 1.2 or a 75mm 1.8?

[@michaelshoup2703]

The 45 is much more versatile, especially for portrait work..

[@zardosspinosa6944]

If you want a cheaper option the Sigma 56mm 1.4 is worth considering

[@이서아-t8u]

@@michaelshoup2703 Thanks.

[@이서아-t8u]

@@zardosspinosa6944 Planning to finish my lens with one wide. one zoom. and a portrait + a cheap laowa fisheye for fun. Since 4 lens is all im going to ever buy im thinking of olyum pro lens. But thanks for giving me an alternative.

[@zardosspinosa6944]

@@이서아-t8u cannot go wrong with the Olympus, for my needs could not quite justify the price and often the actual differences are pretty minimal.

[@JericTamayo]

I love this lens with my G9. In all honesty, I actually have used this lens maybe almost 50% of the time compared to my other lenses. And that's a lot considering the fact I have the following lenses: 7-14mm f2.8, 17mm f1.8, 45mm f1.2, 75mm f1.8, 35-100mm f2.8, 100-400mm f4-6.3

[@Red35Photography]

That's cool, thanks for watching mate!

[@danny_r27]

Because the Leica 25mm f/1.4 II exist, I find it very difficult to see a Olympus 25mm f/1.2 purchase viable. I know people that own it say it basically lives on their camera body. But the Leica is cheaper, smaller, and lighter, it’s the most appealing one for me. This is coming from an Olympus fanboy 😂, I love Olympus but it’s the Leica 25mm II for me.

[@izuanalyahya5205]

Ditto. Just bought the Leica Mark II 2 months ago.. P/s:- I would still want to get the Zuiko when my wallet says its viable 😅😜

[@tobiasdavid3096]

I think I‘ll sell my 25mm 1.2 pro to geht the Summilux II. The pro is too big and heavy.

[@Red35Photography]

LoL Danny, yes I do like the PanaLeica 25mm. But there's still too much CA when shooting wide open. Something I do a lot, especially against back lit scenes. I love the size and when CA isn't there, it's a strong sharp lens and that Leica rendering. But as now I shoot more videos, the infinity spinning focusing ring is a no no for me, I need a proper manual focusing action.

[@danny_r27]

@@Red35Photography I would love the Olympus version because I’m a big Olympus fanboy, I still pick my M1 Mrk. II or old OM-2S film camera over my Sony A7III 80% of the time. But for the price, size, and weight it’s the Leica 25mm for me. For video I use the Olympus 12-40mm, to this day the 12-40mm is my favorite all around lens. With the focus clutch it makes video easy. But I simply can’t justify the bigger 25mm Olympus pro lens. CA on the new Leica 25mm II is non existent, so I’ll be buying it in a few months. Just sold my original Leica 25mm to get the new one which is also weather sealed now.

[@Red35Photography]

@@danny_r27 let me know how you get on, I heard that the optical formula hasn't changed from Mark I. So theoretically, the performance should be the same, just added weather seals.

[@emarshallp]

Jimmy, for an enthusiastic how bad compare is the 25 mm prime lens. I know is made on plastic, doesnt have weather proof, and is less luminosity. (sorry my writing i´m an spanish speaker). For me that i´m not pro, do you think a prime 25mm 1.8 still worth it? Thanks, i love your videos, photos and think you are the real thing and not just someone who want to sell! Thanks a lot!

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

At the beginning of the Video, you mention being a Pro Photographer, and Film Maker, can you share some Titles of Films you Produced, or Directed?

[@Red35Photography]

I mostly produced short films for small clients, used for promotions rather than artistic films for broadcast. As of 2020, I have two documentary films working, but got delayed now because of pandemic, so I hope to share as soon as it's released, now more looking like 2021 now :(

[@DM-sc4zy]

Got one as freebie with the EM1 Mkii purchase (promo). I like it but I'd not buy it at its regular price.

[@tomassalomoun6377]

The same here :-) I'm looking forward to receiving the promo lens so much. It was an incredible offer from Olympus.

[@neulandlotse]

It's a photographic Pro lens only. For video, it needs a clickless aperture ring also.

[@zhengricky5446]

in this price range, would prefer panasonic 1025 f1.7

[@Red35Photography]

Nah Ricky, 10-25 is a lot more expensive, bigger and even heavier. You can get the 25mm 1.2 for 1k and the panaleica is 1.5k

[@zhengricky5446]

@@Red35Photography It depends on where you buy them, in China, these two lenses are both lower than 1k GBP

[@Red35Photography]

@@zhengricky5446 Sadly I don't live in China :(

[@zhengricky5446]

@@Red35Photography yeah last time I bought a xpan with 3 lenses and sold them in the UK, and I earned 2000+ GBP...

[@Red35Photography]

@@zhengricky5446 lucky you man. I know xpan is commanding a lot of money in UK now. I had a chance to pick up a mint one with three lenses for 2k a few years back, now it's gone through the roof!

[@bamsemh1]

Too many lenses, too little money 😅 but I guess I can only do 25mm 1.8 😬

[@Red35Photography]

the 1.8 is a great lens too!

[@bamsemh1]

@@Red35Photography I wish olyjip made a mark ii of it, with only added weather sealing. Like pana did on theirs. I'm currently playing with the selective color in art mode 😊 interesting photography 😊

[@aquariuslady777]

I love the 25mm 1.8 and use it for everything

[@bamsemh1]

New microphone? You aren't as clear as normally 😬 high bass, low vocals

[@Red35Photography]

You got good ear, I was trying something but I don't like it, so going back to my old setup.

[@jf9979]

Damn I wish I had the money...

[@vrettakosalexandros]

Hi from Greece

[@Red35Photography]

Hello!

[@vrettakosalexandros]

@@Red35Photography I respect and thank you for what you offer us. Thank you!

[@vrettakosalexandros]

I am fighting for Olympus in Greece.I'm one of the few photographers I recommend here.Most use canon and nikon. but this is not something you do not know I imagine

[@Red35Photography]

@@vrettakosalexandros Well, Canon and Nikon will always be the 'majority'. But we know best what we need and prioritise. I value portability and agility more as it allows me to get out and shoot more often. I've been a Canon guy for over 10 years and finally made the switch to Olympus. So, I don't need convincing and rather, I hope to inspire others to do the same, if they want light weight system.

[@vrettakosalexandros]

@@Red35Photography Strongly Agree. You have said this many times and I fully understand it.I also take a lot of photos, travel a lot and walk a lot.We live the same dream...

[@yizhe7512]

too expensive, I will consider it when the price drops under 800 USD.

[@andersistbesser]

I wair for this to but it wont happen

[@joeltunnah]

Amazingly, Olympus prices haven’t dropped at all since the takeover. EM1.3 is the same $1700 as last year. I think Panasonic is a better deal now, at least for the bodies.

[@papa.alfredo]

Why that disturbing music in the background? I could not watch anymore, for me was very important to listen at you without any of those playbacks that are not important at all, your narration to review lenses does not need those playbacks, maybe you like them but you must consider those who visit your channel like me which found that playback terrible and very disturbing! I am sorry. Greetings from Germany. Alfredo

[@Red35Photography]

No worry, it was an experiment for me and I don't use background music much these days (apart from my latest video).

[@papa.alfredo]

@@Red35Photography thank you very much for your kind answer, many greetings from Germany Alfredo

[@harttakada5066]

i hope, they make 40-150 f2.8 with plastic. hahah....

[@harttakada5066]

i have the pro lens, but i want lighter and lighter. Olympus make it happen.

[@Red35Photography]

@@harttakada5066 LOL hahha

[@kornasteniker3939]

"retracted from public live"??? ☹️ Doesn't sound that amazing if you ask me. Or do you just mean the model bussines? Btw. All the Zuiko pro Lenses are just amazing but for me personally they are just counterweighting the reason why there is MFT: small and lightweight ;-)

[@dayeah765caoni3]

You are not a pro, that's why

[@dayeah765caoni3]

And poor

[@kornasteniker3939]

@@dayeah765caoni3 😂

[@Red35Photography]

Yes Korna, unfortunately, she wanted them removed, but I was allowed to keep a couple. I could have resisted since she signed the model released but I don't want to argue, just respect.

[@TCizauskas]

@@Red35Photography An issue you didn't discuss in the review but which demonstrates your professionalism and decency.

[@danielschmidt9849]

I think for an 50mm 2.4 equivalent it‘s too big and heavy...

[@danielschmidt9849]

@@weisserth that‘s not completely true... a bigger sensor gathers more light and you can use a higher ISO with the same amount of noise. I think a 1.8 lens on full frame will give you better noise performance...

[@DM-sc4zy]

@@weisserth Lets admit it, many people buy fast aperture lenses mainly to get the shallow Dof esp for portraits.

[@phaselead_dj]

I agree to half of you. Yes, it gives the same result with 50mm F2.4 FF lens in terms of dof and noise performance. However, when taking loCA into consideration, 25mm F1.2 pro has still value IMO. 1) Almost all compact 50mm F1.8 glasses suffer from serious loCA, which I'm assuming all the manufacturers choose to sacrifice for better sharpness while keeping the glasses very compact. I use 55mm F1.8 zeiss with A7M3 and I love it, but I don't consider it as "true F1.8", because I have to close it down to F2.8 or F4.0 depending on what I shoot only to avoid loCA, which is not easily removable in post. The same goes for my pana-leica 25mm F1.4 as well. I love its compactness, but I often close it down only to avoid loCA. 2) However, Olympus 25mm F1.2 Pro is loCA-free. You can use it at F2.4 FF-equivalent all day long without worry. 3) As compact FF bodies like A7C is available, a FF body with compact 50mm F1.8 can get even lighter than an MFT body with 25mm F1.2 Pro, and it can provide better noise performance and the option to make DOF shallower. However, the serious loCA of compact F1.8 glasses can often limit you to F2.8 or even to F4.0 depending on what you shoot. 4) To experience the same loCA-freeness you need to look for more premium primes in the FF as well. I ordered Sony 35mm F1.4 GM for that reason yesterday. It's fairly compact and the price is reasonable as well, which makes Olympus 17mm F1.2 Pro lose its value quite a lot. However, comparable Sony 50mm F1.2 GM is still too heavy for my use case and fairly expensive, and I don't expect we can see a new 50mm FF prime with loCA-free performance coming in relatively compact size anytime soon, which as a result keeps the value of the Olympus 25mm F1.2 Pro to some point.

[@joeltunnah]

This lens is only “f2.4 equivalent” for depth of field. It really is f/1.2 and you must compare it to the size weight and cost of an f/1.2 fool frame lens.

[@josephguo6256]

the problem for oly is after sales services, not worth to invest in this brand.

[@elfbark624]

17mm f1.2 is better

[@VengefulMaG3]

how so? it's a different focal length, achieving a different style.

[@elfbark624]

@@VengefulMaG3 all the pro range lens are good. But the 17mm build is technically better, slightly. But this focal length (17mm) is more versatile in many practical ways. Also if you can only buy one, 17mm is the way to go. Hell, if you can buy both good one! I have used both, personally found the images much better in low light settings as well as many other light scenarios. Just encourage you to try before you buy, assuming that’s an option for you in your area.

[@sdpoh]

Frank Walsh I have the 7-14mm pro so was thinking the 25mm rather than 17mm as a more complimentary lens. What do you think?

[@elfbark624]

@@sdpoh going to 25mm, you may find difficult to adjust your style of photography. Think of it like this. 25mm is the equivalent of a 50mm focal length for a FF. 17mm is the equivalent of a 35mm FF. If you shoot with a 7-14mm focal length, I assume you shoot landscape or wide shots. If you use a 17mm and want a 25mm focal length image, just take a few steps forward. However, if you have a 25mm, and need to step back, find that you quickly run out of room. That’s because i shoot indoor, confined spaces, low light events. I can’t ask a group of people to step back, just not practical. So I zoom in/out with my feet 😀 think in terms of your photography style and the scenarios you typically shoot in. Again, if you can buy both awesome, but if you are limited to one I’d shoot with 17mm. Also, you can always crop the image to 25mm focal length in post; again the 17mm just gives me more options. I should say. I also have the 40-150mm f2.8 pro lens. So this setup compliments my range.