Olympus M.Zuiko 8-25mm f4 Pro is the BEST M43 Zoom Lens? - RED35 Review

[@FierceSleepingDog]

You always give upbeat but honest reviews. I trust your opinions. And you are always positive and happy. That's the biggest thing that drives me to watch your videos. Photography is fun! Thanks Jimmy.

[@gerardjanolden]

Okay, you convinced me! (As always Jimmy, really like your enthusiasm ….I can pick up my 8-25 coming Monday. Thanks for the fun you bring!

[@rayjenkins2754]

I have the M.zuiko 12~200mm that is my all all-a-rounder on my G9. I've had the 8~25mm now for a week & it also pairs well with the G9. It's lens function button I've set to turn the camera's IBS on or off Also, the Pany's Focus Stacking feature works well with the 8~25mm. With my Leica 100 ~ 400mm zoom I've got all the bases covered It's lens stabilizer is designed to conjoin with the G9, making distant animal shots steady. All 3 lenses take a 72mm filter thread. Thanks for adding to my knowledge about this lens. Love M.Zuiko lenses & your quality vids !

[@Centauri27]

Always great to see your bubbly enthusiasm, Jimmy! The 8-25 seems like the perfect lens to take on a trip. When I brought my 7-14 to Asia, I was constantly swapping it with the 12-40. I'm thinking my perfect travel combo would be the 8-25 plus the Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8, and the Laowa 10mm f/2 for low light night shooting. On a different note, did OMDS botch the rollout of these lens with the ambassadors? You mentioned how you got your review lens late, and Robin Wong said he never even received a review copy. And you two are among the BIGGEST and most well known Olympus brand ambassadors!

[@franzrabe4584]

Been waiting for this review, Jimmy..! And worth the wait - was a good 'un! Would love a follow up review too... With that brick wall... ☺ Very keen to see a comparison to the 7-14mm PRO, with regards to sharpness (yes, pixel peeping.. ; ) and lens flare (into the sun & artificial lighting) . Thanks a mil, sire!

[@ramtinhayward1]

Love how you've adopted Kasey's "Toneh" 😂 Oh yeh, pretty damn fine videos! I'm seriously considering this lens, so thanks for the review, insights and rationale on getting one.

[@jimblues21]

Hey Jimmy, another great review and I dig your stuff man, you have really nailed these reviews in a professional manner and well done, you have kind of sold me this great new Lens as I know it is a beauty BUT I have to many hobbies and interests, love my photography, Motorbikes, HiFi to name a few and I need to slow up a bit, love my Olympus gear and love enthusiasts like you!!

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers James! I am glad you enjoyed my videos man! Men always have tons of hobbies (most are expensive) myself included hahaha my wife already calls me a hoarder.

[@majamogens]

Thanks for a very thorough review. I use 12-40 F/2.8 as my everyday walk-around lens, but now I look forward to getting my hands on this one - of course it will be much more useful when I can add a 25-100 f/4.0 IS lens ;-)

[@fmc6592]

I use the 12-100 as walk around lens, love it, except the weight.

[@jaumeretrogamer1256]

Totally agree, better late than never. Nice video as ever.

[@CeciliaBurnette]

Fantastic presentation Jimmy

[@JeffreyMcPheeters]

As usual you have excellent and objective comparisons. I appreciate it. Really helps in understanding where they overlap and where they diverge in capabilities and purpose.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Jeffrey, glad you enjoy the video and find it useful.

[@jeffphillips9299]

Looks great, thanks Jimmy 👍

[@pizzasaurolophus]

9-18mm was my go to lens, I was debating on getting a PL8-18 and carry a kit lens, or switch to full frame. Then this lens was announced and I pre-ordered it immediately.

[@Red35Photography]

enjoy your new lens mate!

[@davidblack2632]

Nice actual usage video review. I do own the 7-14/2.8 lens, but it is my least used lens. I don't like how it flares with a light source hitting the bulbous front element. I got the 8-25/4.0 on pre-order and hopefully I will be able to pick it up from my local camera store this week. I am keeping both lenses. There are times you need f2.8. Also I have an filter adapter for it, but it is even more bulk to carry around.

[@raytbrown2]

You lost me , , , until you started talking about filters. It was then that I was *maybe* sold. My artistic landscape workhorse is the 7-14 that lives at 10mm (20MM FF) . . . but I would love the creative option and the idea of a filter that I could use from time-to-time (aka anytime). Interesting option you present for that reason alone. TY!

[@tomerweiss4900]

Thanks for sharing, I think i will go for the 7-14 cause I already have a 12-100\F4

[@25palex]

great review jimmy

[@marshazangroniz9168]

Good Morning, Jimmy. I own the 7-14. It is terrific for night sky. Do I want to drag it around if I'm on a trip? I'd rather not! I'm looking forward to be able to use filters on the 8-25.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Marsha, yes, that's exactly my thoughts. I couldn't use filter for my 7-14 and hence I only use it for stills and weddings, which needs a faster lens. But now I've tried the 8-25, I love it more because I can actually take it away.

[@DGriffGallery]

The 7-14 isn’t much use for landscapes as filters are essential for me. So I was hanging on for something like this from OM. Just picked one up and am in love with it already! I’d watched this video first, obviously. But just wanted to stop by and thank you. Oh. And as an owner, to agree with everything you said! Cheers Jimmy. 😊👍🏻

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers mate! I am glad you love the lens! I agree, especially for landscape photographers who often use filters. 7-14 is still one of my frequently used lenses for my type of photography as filters aren't what I need. But for filming which I need to use NDs, then I need to use other lenses to cover those focal lengths.

[@JoeMustang99]

I have one coming. I don't currently have anything wider than 12 and do a lot of video in good light, so this lens looks perfect for me. Nice review, much appreciated, especially side by side with the 7-14, which I never bought due to the filter adapter requirement.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Joe, thanks for watching mate.

[@mzbarsk]

It’s an interesting lens. The way I think about it you have your standard fast 12-40 f2.8. With 12-100 f4 you are giving up one stop to get more tele. With 8-25 f4 you are giving up one stop to get wider. So depending on if you shoot more tele or more wide you will choose one. With 7-14 f2.8 is a specialized lens for star and night photos where one stop makes a big difference. It’s also primarily a wide lens with no overlap into standard focal range. During travel I found swapping lenses often between 7-14 and 12-100, where in some cases I would need something just a bit wider or something just a bit longer. 8-25 would have solved that problem, especially for timed shots.

[@Mr.Wish86]

What kind of magnetic filters are you using there?

[@bakermantube]

Thanks for your video Jimmy! The lens is great, I'm sure, but I think it is a bit too bulky for my Pen-F. 🤔

[@systemanaturae105]

Nice video clip as always Jimmy. Yes this a good wide angle lens. However, because I use Olympus and Panasonic MFT, I opted for the 8-18mm Panasonic. Quality of build good, completely sealed with no external zoom movement and flat front so easy to screw on any filters. Still checking out the quality of photos with this Pana lens as only recently bought for my trip to Scotland. My advice is buy Olympus and Panasonic MFT. Best of both worlds. When are you doing a photowalk in London Jimmy????

[@timblanc5806]

How would you rate a combination of the Laowa 7.5 mm f/2.0 mft lens auto aperture with my existing 12-40 f/2.8 Pro, as an alternative to the new 8-25mm f4 Pro. I know that the Laowa is not weather sealed & is manual focus only, but I feel that that adding a 8-25mm f4 Pro to my camera bag duplicates most of the 12-40 range, whereas the Laowa adds the ultra wide lens, for when I need it. What do you think ?

[@komandagleby_GB]

I think it is a viable option, even though I complemented my 12-40 with PL 8-18. Laowa 7.5, 9, and 10 still interest me, especially 10 mm, because I may need fast and small (and not too wide).

[@elkano7765]

I have that combo and I LOVE it for street photograpy. I use 12-40 for general purpose and portraits and the small Laowa for arquitecture and interiors. But I’m thinking very seriously buying this 8-25 for landscapes and hiking. I find sooo useful its range! This one combined with the future 40-150 f4 will be the ultimate combo!

[@olivierlevarois4818]

I'm in the same interrogation having the 12/40 2.8 and the 9/18 and ask me to change both by the 8/25 f4 (ive got a 17 1.2 for low light). So have u change ur combo ? Thanks

[@timblanc5806]

@@olivierlevarois4818 I have stayed with my Oly 12-40 F2.8 Pro lens as my everyday carry on my OM-D EM1 Mk2. This gives me the rugged & weather proof kit that I like to use. Meanwhile, I have bought a Laowa 7.5 mm f/2.0 mft lens auto aperture, that I love using. It is so small that I can easily carry it in my fleece jacket pocket, for when I want the ultra-wide lens, particularly for architecture or interesting wide angle shots. I also have the Oly 40-150 F2.8 Pro, with a 2x TC. This set-up gives me a huge range from 15mm to 600mm (35mm film equivalent). I can cover all my needs with this.

[@timblanc5806]

No need to buy the 8-25 F4.... I prefer faster lenses :-)

[@fmc6592]

Nooo, why lock. As a street photographer, this absolutely kills me. Nice review btw. 😀

[@matko7931]

Thanks so much Jimmy. Yo are the best. What do you think about the panaleica 8-16?

[@AdamHouston]

Tempted by this lens. I sold my criminally under-used 7-14/2.8 a year ago, but there are still times when wider than 12mm is wanted. For my uses, 8-25 is a more useful walkaround zoom range for the places I travel than the standard 12-40. I’ll usually pack a couple of primes, so I could get around the limitations of f/4 when I need to.

[@hughcoleman3866]

When this lens was first announced, I was ready to sell both my 7-14 and my 12-40 to fund buying it. I was not getting a great deal of joy from my 7-14 as a land scape lens due to the PITA that it is when trying to use filters... I recently did a trip to Tasmania and used the 12-40 for the first week and left the 7-14 in the bag. The second week though, I used the 7-14 with my home made/Nisi 100mm filter holder attached and the aspect set to either 16*9 or 1*1 (both of which eliminate any vignetting from the Filter holder) and I loved it. I'm thinking now after watching your review that maybe I need to hang on to the 7-14 even if I do purchase the 8-25 (which is attractive from the POV of being able to use screw on filters)...

[@raytbrown2]

Yep. Glad you found the 7-14 love. But I feel you on the easy filter thing.

[@bamsemh1]

I need to win that Friday jackpot 😅 thinking about this, to my collection 😅 but, the 8mm 1.8 is a must too 😁

[@bombaybigman]

Hi Jimmy, I am wondering between this and 12-40 as some people have commented. The question is how important is that one stop advantage of 12-40, and is the IQ of the new lens miles better than 12-40? I am not too fussed about 8mm or 40mm.. Most of the things I shoot would be between 12 and 25mm (24-50 effective..)

[@infinitesimulations]

This lens is perfect for green screen with the new Black Magic Micro Studio Camera 4K G2. It's a lot cheaper than the Sony 12-24mm, and it covers all of the main focal lengths you need from 16-50mm FFE. The Sony however will have focus breathing compensation. You can also grab that OLYMPUS 14-42mm power zoom lens.

[@laithstevens]

Hi Jimmy, I have the 7-14 2.8 already but would love to add this lens to my bag, I shoot mainly landscapes/seascapes so the loss of one stop is not really a problem for me, and the added bonus of being able to easily use filters is very appealing. I would also begrudgingly consider selling 7-14 2.8 to ensure this fits into my bag and my budget.

[@tomrandall6539]

I have been wondering about this lens; I don't own a super wide angle myself yet with the 7-14 being on the radar for so long, but this has now come along. I don't really shoot people or moving subjects in low light (except for maybe some woodland in low light) so f4 might not be so bad for me. But the range, that's what I'm interested in! And that image quality looks superb.

[@LaurenceRoach]

How do I collapse the 8-25mm please Jimmy

[@Emerald_City_]

We love you Jimmy and I think I know most of the things you do better than anyone else, but this is closer to a commercial/advertisement of the product than any review I've seen so far. Of course, one can enjoy commercials too...

[@rogerquenault7207]

I want one but have both the 7-14 and 12-40 pros so convincing the wife that I need the 8-25 is going to be really difficult & I’ve already used up the look at how many pairs of shoes you have so that wont work.

[@alanneilson6811]

Another great review thanks, definitely would like to get this lens to replace my 9-18mm. I would have preferred if it was the same smaller filter size as the 12-40 but as I have 72 mm filters for my 40 - 150 no major pproblem

[@Jawsjawsjawsrg]

Because I own the 7-14 this be be a back burner buy till I get like 10 different lenses. Including the 12-100, 12-200, 40-150, 100-400, and the prime lenses and more.

[@mbombara]

Which filter system you use, it looks a magnetic one?

[@MichaelGerrard]

The range going to 25mm makes this a great walk around lens. However, from my non-pro point of view, this is big. I wish they'd refresh the 9-18mm f4-5.6, I bet they won't now ☹️

[@Centauri27]

I still love my little 9-18. It is the epitome of Micro Four Thirds: compact and high quality! It matches the m4/3 bodies perfectly. If all you want is wide angle, and are willing to give up 1mm, then the 9-18 might be a good substitute for the 8-25, as they are both f/4 at the wide end.

[@user-tvcsolo]

Спасибо!

[@JasonFollett]

I have the 7-14 and 12-40 f2.8 PROs, so I would have a hard time justifying the 8-25 f4. The 12-40 is my everyday walk-around, and if anything I'd prefer a longer zoom on that. I use the 7-14 for super wide and night sky, so the f4 wouldn't be an improvement. But I can see how the new lens would be tempting for anyone considering the 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 - it's basically a pro version of that lens.

[@asdfhun]

I still believe that the audio is at least 1 frame ahead the video. At least 2 frames, from 2:34 .

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers, I will adjust the frame next time.

[@1stfootprint_art]

Hiya... this lens seems very exciting... I was wondering if you could demonstrate it on the Olympus PenF... If it does not look too large on that camera... I think that it could be the ultimate everyday setup... take care...

[@Red35Photography]

I will try to make an instagram post :)

[@1stfootprint_art]

@@Red35Photography Then I will follow you on Instagram... cheers...

[@mikechudzinski6629]

No one in America is awake at 5am. I will have to catch the episode around noon with my hot coffee and warm crumpets... I don't really think the 8-25mm competes with the 7-14mm, that lens is my 3rd favorite. Kinoptik 5mm and 5.7mm my first and second choice of lenses.... but, I am interested to see what you have to say about this new Pro lens...

[@bamsemh1]

I think most of the sunrise photographers in America, is in the field at 5 am 😉 gamers never sleep 😅

[@JosephHawkins]

Thanks Jimmy, As a everyday walk around lens how would you it compare to the 12-40

[@Red35Photography]

Well, that really depends on how much you use that tele end of your 12-40. this lens is pretty versatile as it can get to 25mm. So to me, it's pretty cool. You can add the 45mm 1.8 in the bag just in case.

[@systemanaturae105]

I use Olympus and Panasonic MFT. Now have 12-35mm and 8-18mm Pana (apart from other Oly and Pana lenses) Covers both street shots and landscapes.

[@rinusworldzm]

Great video man. I'm thinking about getting fully into Olympus for video, what 2 Pro lenses would you recommend for video to cover asch ground as possible? I was thinking from this crop of pro lenses, I.e the 12-40 f2.8 Pro, 12-100 f4 Pro and the 40-150 f4 Pro. I ideally want to get 2 i can cover as much ground as possible with.

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate. Well, as micro four thirds do get a little noisy at high ISO (comparatively speaking), if you can set up your scenes with lights and it shouldn't be a problem. I personally own all the lenses you mentioned. 12-100 is a fantastic all in one lens that can use sync-is for extra stable recording, almost gimbal-like. 12-40 2.8 is better for lower light but you can't beat 40-150's reach, though, it's not far off from 12-100. So if you need maximum coverage, either 8-25mm + 12-100mm or 12-40 + 40-150mm depends on whether you want wider/closer to you or further away/longer reach.

[@lvca.avellino]

Hy RED. What's that box on the em1 mounted on the gimbal? For wide lens good for photos and video is very difficut. Laowa 7,5mm ok but optical aberration is a problem. 7-14 fantastic but filter is a problem. 8-25 is very good compromise and fantastic range, but f4 is a problem in dark photografy and for video bokeh 🤔😓 I don't know what to choose, please help me!

[@guyracine7998]

Hi Jimmy. Great presentation. Very appealing lens for its versatility. I like to travel and visit churches and cathedrals. How good would it be in this case? Say you go to St. paul, how would it perform in this environment? Of course the 7-14 will be brighter, but is the 8-25 a good fit?

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks mate! Yes, it's totally fine. With Olympus IBIS, you can show your shutter for indoor shots (if not time critical). Even with bumped up ISO, there are ways to enhance your photo quality without losing any details. So I would say, yes :)

[@guyracine7998]

@@Red35Photography Grrrrrrrrrreat! I think I’ll pre-order it then. It will be a nice complement to my 12-100 😁

[@orki-V-ad]

if you choose between Olympus 8-25mm f4 Pro And Laowa 7.5mm which one is better for video?

[@johnstephen2869]

Thanks again Jimmy. The only problem I have with your vids is that I think there's someone at the bloody door. Take care.

[@hankroest6836]

Yes, it is light and wide and good for video. And yes, the 12-45 f4 Pro is lighter and longer and the 7-14 f2.8 Pro is wider and faster and the 10-25 f1.7 is better for video and in low light... Ya jus' gotta love MFT!

[@MrFirstdance2000]

I wouldn't limit the 10-25mm to only better for video and low light. It kicks ass for landscape shooting! :-)

[@paulogglesby7253]

I just sold my 7-14 pro & 12-40 pro (I was made an offer for both lenses that I had a hard time refusing) and am ordering the 8-25 pro. With my 40-150 pro, 100-400 f5-6.3 and my 17 f1.8, 25 f1.7 Lumix, 45 f1.8 & 60 f2.8 macro I feel I will have enough coverage as well as reducing the weight of my kit a bit. I am really looking forward to the new lens.

[@paja13]

got one, really awesome one! :)

[@harttakada5066]

Come for "Toneh", lust for the 8mm

[@johnsmith-gs4qf]

Nice professional lens! I can't afford it at about $1,100, but maybe in the future when the price gets lower.

[@8thom00]

Hi Jimmy, just out of curiosity: have you tried to 'un-correct' the raw files? I have the 8-18mm by PL, and many criticise it for the barrel distortion that is heavily corrected digitally. I personally don't mind it as the final result is perfect, but I was wondering about your point of view on this (non-)issue. I assume the heavier weight of this 8-25 might mean that distortion-corrections happen mostly optically. Thanks!

[@Red35Photography]

Yes, it's good. I can load the RAW in PhotoLab 4 and remove the lens correction, optically this is great, there's a little bit of distortion but not as severe as many early design. this is definitely a 2021 lens :)

[@8thom00]

@@Red35Photography thanks Jimmy and most importantly I’m glad to see you feel better

[@Red35Photography]

@@8thom00 Cheers, I do feel a whole lot better.

[@mtleealex]

jimmy does it mean 8-25mm lens for video and landscape and 7-14mm lens is more of star light shooting ?? as i want to get a lens that can shoot star or milkyway

[@Red35Photography]

Yes if you want to shoot stars and milkyway, a faster 2.8 lens will be better.

[@gmaas1418]

I love David Thorpe's videos for the unexpected humorous remarks. Now that's a high standard but this video was a laugh! Keep going! Also... this lens means that maybe, possibly, some 7-14's will become available second hand... that is good news too.

[@Red35Photography]

Cheers Gerben. David Thorpes' videos inspired me a lot as I watched loads in the past, before I started this channel.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I think I want to sell my 12-40 F 2.8 and buy this lens. Really want that wide end.

[@Red35Photography]

Yes Terry, this is a pretty cool lens.

[@EnkiAndInanna]

I wished I could afford both, would only be getting the older lens for Astro photos which I would just be a fad for me, I don’t know I want both

[@Aerotone_FPV]

F8 equivalent?

[@anthonygarbo8114]

On my list . . . .

[@الرجل-المنقرد]

Best lens for vedio plz?

[@Red35Photography]

That depends on what you want/need. Best all round on M43 for travel in one lens is 12-100mm f4 PRO IS.

[@paulmuadibatreid]

Make one more reason to switch to Olympus.. but I still keep my sanity.

[@erwinmayer5033]

Hi Jimmy, once again a great video, informative and entertaining at the same time!! I am really impressed by the new OM 8-25mm F/4 lens; however since I own the Panasonic Leica 8-18mm F/2,8-4, this one has many of the features of the OM 8-25mm as well, compared to the OLY7-14mm: less weight; feasibility to use filters, and it is in the middle between the two OLY/ OM lenses for max. aperture. The one factor that remains is the extended focal length of 25mm, making it both a WideAngle as well as a Std zoom lens. For me it is very difficult to justify the budget to buy a new lens which in great parts overlaps with the utilization pattern of what I already have (but again this does not mean I am not tempted! ;-))

[@Red35Photography]

Thanks Erwin! Yes I can completely understand. It is a tempting option.

[@przybylskipawel]

And I would prefer the image of a brick wall. Otherwise I will have to wait until lenstip.com produce their review to really tell how much of an improvement this lens is in terms of IQ over the 7-14 f/2.8 stopped down to f/4. And I really need that objective measure not elusiveness as I already own 7-14mm and would have to sell it to buy this one, so I would like to make an informed decision.

[@Red35Photography]

haha you prefer the brick wall. I will make some for another video. What I can say, pre-test is that this lens is sharp :)

[@Seanonyoutube]

I’d have to sell my 8mm 1.8 fisheye to buy it…not sure it i’m ready to do that…

[@Red35Photography]

Oh tough man, I love the 8mm 1.8 too. it's a great specialist lens.

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

I love Olympus and all, but for all the positives for this lens (killer range, pseudo macro, pro build), the killer for me is f4. It's just too slow for me, on m43. This lens can't replace the 12-40 f2.8 (or the 7-14 f2.8 Pro for that matter). I understand other people might feel differently, but I live in Northern latitudes where it's often overcast in summer and winter nights are long. I shoot people mostly, not inanimate objects. The 8mm f1.8 FE Pro also got me used to insane close focusing AND having a fast aperture. It would be hard to be restricted to F4 as a maximum aperture.

[@Richard.Cabeza]

Problem for me too. f2,8 is much better

[@nightowl660]

Why the 12-45 is STINKY ????

[@RyougiVector]

He said "dinky," if you listen again.

[@mobadubaba]

i sold my 7-14 pro, but it is my favorite just wait for this one, because I have baby now, I need a lighter lens

[@Red35Photography]

Happy fatherhood!

[@kennynvake4hve584]

It should be nice at $1,000.

[@neelmistry]

Is Jimmy high? Sounds like he’s full-on amped in this video. Perhaps it’s scripted or he’s reading off an auto-queue? 😂 Nice lens btw.

[@andersistbesser]

A 8-25 f1.7 was what i wanted but a lame f4 is what we got..

[@dnairish]

A 8-25 1.7 would be massive and insanely expensive.

[@zhengricky5446]

not as good as10-25

[@Red35Photography]

That's a different lens altogether. I love it for videos if I am working and have a rig. But it's too big, heavy and expensive.

[@zhengricky5446]

@@Red35Photography everything is expensive in the UK

[@Red35Photography]

that I wouldn't disagree.

[@andreasthegreat8509]

I already have the golden tri of 2,8 zoom so this lens feels redundant.