One of these Olympus lenses will have to go

[@wparo]

Great comparison. Thank you for sharing. I feel very well informed now to make my decision. I will go for the 17mm f1.2 despite the slightly heavier size and higher price.

[@KirstenBayes]

Love the pics in this. The Lumix 20mm f/1.7 is a straight-up classic, wheezy motors included.

[@bakermantube]

Fantastic photos, great locations! I am very happy with my 17mm 1.8.

[@Garrus4Spectre]

I wish Panasonic would update the 20mm 1.7 with a new autofocussing mechanism and ideally weather-sealing... Otherwise, it's such a nice lens.

[@SteveGray-1]

Lens purchase always see to be a comprise, between what you want, what they manufacture and price.

[@aaronj9228]

My copy of the OM 20/1.4 is equally sharp in all four corners. Very happy with the wide open performance as well!

[@iSirTaki]

yes, first time i heard that the 20mm lacks sharpness, except from this guy.

[@my2004rt]

Hi Craig. It would be nice to see a side by side when you mentioned the 20mm is no where near as sharp as the 17mm. It sounds like the 17mm is the way to go even if it’s bigger and heavier?

[@sandyns5591]

Great images. Your ability to see beauty in the gritty cityscapes is amazing and unique. Cheers.

[@l.s.11]

Saved the best (photo) for last (one)! If I can suggest: make your videos in 4K, even if you film in 1080p - this will allow for better quality on KZbin, and your photos will look a lot crisper.

[@davidjoy5996]

Craig has an incredible ability to see a photograph. He’s the best on You Tube imho.

[@petrub27]

Gee, that's a stretch

[@daysofgrace2934]

Craig is a master of photography

[@g-fotode]

I totally agree! Just discovered Craig by chance when lookin for a 20mm f1.4 review and I am amazed by his exceptional photo quality. Even if its so called bad weather, he is able to get an excellent shot. Thats the real quality of a good photographer. Keep going Craig!

[@nickshepherd8377]

You have wonderful eyes Craig! Such an eye for a great composition 👍👏👏👏

[@petercardow2083]

Great video Craig ! I had the same thoughts, I sold the 20mm pana. + the 17mm 1.8 Oly. and bought the Sigma 16mm 1.4 and i love it, the right choise for me, it`s weather sealed, sharp and the focus is quiert and fast.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I had the 16mm it’s only weather sealed at the mount. It is a fantastic lens but my heart wanted the 17mm 1.2

[@alex-reay]

Some cool shots there Craig, love the one at 7:27 and that last one, ha! brilliant! It's a shame about the 20mm 1.4 but the 17 1.2 really has set the bar high and takes some beating, there can't be many finer lenses than that, a personal favourite of mine, just wish it was the size of the 20 1.4.

[@e6Vlogs]

Agreed Alex, smaller would be better, but once you’ve seen what the 17mm can do, it’s hard not to compare! It therefore compares more with the 25 f1.2, which is softer, but more evenly across all the corners.

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Very beautiful pictures!! And very interesting video! I’m very happy with the Leica 15mm f1.7 and Olympus 25mm f1.8, but I would love to have a weather sealed prime in my bag. And 20mm is very attractive between 15 and 25mm…

[@d7b5]

🎯 Key points for quick navigation: 00:00 *📷 Objektivvorstellung und Vergleich* - Objektivvergleich zwischen dem OM System 20mm f1.4 und dem Olympus 25mm f1.2 Pro, - Diskussion über Design und Handhabung der Objektive, - Einleitung zum Vergleich der spezifischen Merkmale. 01:13 *🛠️ Usability-Runde* - Der Olympus 25mm f1.2 gewinnt aufgrund des MF-Kupplungsmechanismus und der anpassbaren L-FN-Taste knapp, - Diskussion über die Bedeutung der Benutzerfreundlichkeit bei der Auswahl eines Objektivs, - Betonung der praktischen Aspekte beim täglichen Fotografieren. 02:37 *🎯 AF-Geschwindigkeit* - Beide Objektive zeigen eine vergleichbare AF-Geschwindigkeit in alltäglichen Fotografiesituationen, - Keine signifikanten Unterschiede festgestellt, daher eine Unentschieden-Runde, - Bedeutung der AF-Geschwindigkeit für verschiedene Fotografiearten. 03:45 *🌀 Brennweite und Vielseitigkeit* - Das OM System 20mm f1.4 wird aufgrund seiner Vielseitigkeit und der Möglichkeit, verschiedene Brennweiten zu ersetzen, bevorzugt, - Diskussion darüber, wie Brennweite die Bildkomposition beeinflusst, - Bedeutung einer flexiblen Brennweite für unterschiedliche Fotografieszenarien. 04:36 *🌌 Lichtstärke* - Das Olympus 25mm f1.2 hat mit einer Blende von f1.2 einen Vorteil gegenüber dem OM System 20mm f1.4 (f1.4), - Betonung der Bedeutung von Lichtstärke für Low-Light-Situationen und Bokeh-Effekte, - Diskussion über die Kompromisse zwischen Blendenöffnung und Größe des Objektivs. 05:16 *💰 Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis* - Das OM System 20mm f1.4 wird aufgrund seines günstigeren Preises gegenüber dem Olympus 25mm f1.2 bevorzugt, - Diskussion über die Wirtschaftlichkeit bei der Wahl eines Objektivs, - Bedeutung von Kosten und Wert für Fotografen. 06:27 *📸 Bildqualität* - Das Olympus 25mm f1.2 zeigt bei offener Blende eine leicht bessere Bildqualität, - Diskussion über die Kompromisse bei der Bildqualität je nach Blendenöffnung, - Schlussfolgerung und Zusammenfassung der Objektivvergleiche. Made with HARPA AI

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

I like that you give us a larger view of a scene through a short video clip and then you show us that actual photo you took from that scene.

[@sbom12920]

Always like your videos and being a local lad, this one was particularly interesting. The “ look” in a lot of your images would make the New York Leica M crowd stop and take notice. Regarding the lens, all three of those Olympus OMD f1.2 primes are a force to be reckoned with, so it’s probably a thankless task trying to compare the 1.4 to it. Quality costs as they say. Take care and thanks again.

[@johnfallows3822]

Great shots of Manchester. Makes me think of getting on the tram and following your footsteps to see what I get. Oh, the lens........all the reviews give it good sharpness.

[@e6Vlogs]

Yes, I know, I read those reviews too!

[@marri4441]

I've been following you for some time I like the shots you take, I have a question, among the Zuiko lenses which ones do you think are essential you always have for your way of shooting more or less and thanks too

[@c0ldc0ne]

2:06 Why would the ideal focal length on FF be different than the equivalent on m43?

[@e6Vlogs]

Simply because the 3:2 format of full frame gives more image space. Just the way I see it of course and therefore 40mm seems more of a direct comparison.

[@mikejankowski6321]

@@e6Vlogs I wondered that too. I have always looked at equivalence as being a factor of width, the length just being an aspect ratio preference. Interesting take, to evaluate based on lateral field of view (which corresponds better to our binocular vision in landscape orientation).

[@geofff6671]

I always thought 25mm was the M4/3 equivalent of FF 50mm. Suggest you try the Panasonic Leica 25 f1.4 if you haven’t already. It’s spectacularly sharp wide open and fast focussing and a lot cheaper than the OM Pro primes.

[@marike1100]

Yeah I have no idea what he’s talking about. A normal lens or nifty fifty is 25mm on m43. He may prefer a 40mm, but it is absolutely not a standard lens on m43 or any other system.

[@russellgoodwin1652]

Craig is not the only person to have expressed this view. Full-frame or 35mm aspect ratio is wider than m43 (which is squarer than the more obviously rectangular format of 35mm). Over the years, manufacturers have released standard lenses for 35mm cameras ranging from anything from 45mm to 56 or 57mm, suggesting that 50mm as a standard is not something written in stone but became the most popular. Others have said they feel the 20mm (40mm EFV) feels closest on m43 to a 50mm on full-frame. I have no strong feelings about it either way, but it certainly isn't as absolute as you imply.

[@russellgoodwin1652]

@geofff6671 I was actually replying to marike1100 who seemed a little rigid in outlook...

[@geofff6671]

OK sorry.

[@andrewkunyev5243]

Hi Craig. Thank you for a great video. May I ask why you do not consider Leica 25mm 1.4 mark ii. It seems to tick all your boxes. Or is it because there is a rumour that weather sealing on Leica lenses is not working on Oly bodies?

[@e6Vlogs]

I didn’t want a 50mm equivalent.

[@te0pol159]

Why wouldn't weather sealing on Pana-Leica lenses work?

[@glennsak]

Being a fan of the Panasonic 20 1.7 for years, I came to the same conclusion that the 20 1.4 just isn't as sharp (or compact). Disappointed, I returned mine.

[@BarryMaskell]

I have the 15mm and 25mm leica panys would you say the 20mm is a better choice -

[@xHOTDAMNxHBx]

@@BarryMaskell no. The 20mm has unusable af in video and it hunts a lot with loud focusing motors.

[@RWROW]

Your review is the first I've watched that criticized the sharpness of the 20mm f1.4 OM Systems lens. The others raved about its sharpness. You tried two of these lenses. Any idea why this discrepancy in opinion?

[@neilcousineau4956]

Hi Craig I watched this a few months ago and glade I saved it. I’m shopping for a pro fast prime. I like my 17 & 25mm 1.8 primes but I think I’d like the something in the centre of these. Been practicing with my 12-45mm at 20mm focal length but it’s fastest is F4.0. Thanks anyway. I’m still un-decided. Cheers from Southern Georgian Bay Ontario

[@aldrob108]

If you already have a lens that tics most of these boxes I get it. There are many processing programs that almost completely get rid of noise. You could easily stop these this lens down a stop or two, use a little bit higher iso, get rid of any noise and get what you want. You could do that with the 17 mm but if you want a smaller lens you could do it with the 20mm. Wanting it all will probably make the lens bigger and more expensive. I think the Rolling Sones said it best, You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.😎

[@valdiskrebs566]

Amazing photos! Thanks for the honesty.

[@ceaabe]

I think, 17mm is also my favourite for everyday photos.

[@parkfarmhouse]

I agree it is not as sharp as the 17mm 1.2 but it is sharp enough that A4 prints still impress, it has decent bokeh, is built like a tank and covers internal use, landscapes, friends and family very well. It also slips into my trouser pocket when the 12-100mm F4 (outstanding lens!) is on the front and works well on the Pen F where size and weight is always an issue.

[@e6Vlogs]

It would be good if it wasn’t seriously flawed in one of the corners wide open

[@wallywo7392]

Very interesting video have the sigma 35mm equivalent (it's too big) 14-150, and equivalent 50mm asph weathersealed. I recently bought the 12-40mm pro and I have very little use for the others, it's a real all-rounder, love it. Thanks for all your hard work and appreciate your take on this 40mm.

[@funkmon]

Hey it's me from the future. I was deciding between these two but I've been thinking about what you were saying. Why do you think that 40mm equivalent is an ideal focal length for micro 4/3rds and why does that differ?

[@homesickphotographycomau4107]

good vid, I'm trying to buy a camera for street photography I have Olympus e-pm1 as i wanted the first to understand the pen camera feel, but its so bear it's basically a point-and-shoot mft. I think the e-pm2 would be a bit better due to sensor, but not by much. vf-4 look to cumbersome So thinking about getting the Pen-f as (I'm not ready to let go view finder built in ) an 20 mm as it's slim tried the first version, It feels like too many weak spots, meat grinder and slow af, focus ring too stiff. is mark2 any better? OM-20mm doesn't sound the best choice. maybe for wet moments( weather seal ) is the lens problem you found only in the ones that you've got or have you heard many people suffering the same fate is this why you decided to step away from OM and go with Ricoh ? (have so many of them film cameras).

[@clintjohnson5914]

Wow-- sorry I'm a year out seeing this,, Great video with terrific images and a well expressed train of thought. I have circled the 1.2 Olympus and the Panasonic lenses for sometime but have pacified myself with the Pana-Leica 25 1.4. I do wonder if I personally would use the 17mm or the 45mm more. I'm aware that the 25mm Lumix works better on Lumix bodies that correct chromatic fringing better,, but it's also easy to overcome in post. These Olympus PRO lenses are soooo good however. I guess I have info to work with after seeing this,,Thanks!!

[@jaspervd1]

Can someone advice me what is the best F stop for the best sharpness on the 20mm F1/4 lense...im happy with full open with 1.4 but sometimes the light let me able to go higher so for sharpness which is the best stop?

[@e6Vlogs]

Why not just do some test shots yourself and find out?

[@jaspervd1]

@@e6Vlogs well, maybe someone had already find the sweetspot. I guess its 2.8 for me

[@jaspervd1]

@@e6Vlogs well, maybe someone had already find the sweetspot. I guess its 2.8 for me

[@jaspervd1]

@@e6Vlogs well, maybe someone had already find the sweetspot. I guess its 2.8 for me

[@marri4441]

Ciao scusa se ti scrivo in Italiano, ti seguo da diverso tempo mi piacciono gli scatti che fai, avrei una domanda, tra gli obiettivi Zuiko quali ritieni indispensabili è da avete sempre per il tuo modo di scattare che più o meno e anche il mio grazie

[@whipsnadepoacher]

Stick to the 17mm f1.2. They don't come better.

[@mainzerknipser]

Thank You for a well balanced Review. The Lens seem to have severe Problems with Decentering. I now have the 5th Example - the first one with acceptable Corner-sharpness. These Problems are a pitty - the field of view is much better for my purposes than the 17mm....

[@davidblack2632]

Great video! I own the new 20/1.4, the 17/1.2, and the 25/1.2. I do like the compact size of the 20/1.4 and have added it to my kit for when I don't want the bulk of taking both the 17/1.2 and the 20/1.2 lenses. Image quality is good enough for me, but I do agree that the 17/1.2 has better image quality.

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

Concur with this. I didn’t keep the 1.4, but mostly because it wasn’t *that* much smaller than the 1.2, not because the IQ wasn’t good enough. Certainly not as good, but it’s also not as corrected so I expected that. But same net conclusion, 25 1.2 will be the one I stick with for my ultra fast prime.

[@boombalancehub6844]

How about CA in Oly 20/1.4 i worry about this so much

[@davidblack2632]

@@boombalancehub6844 Not enough to be a concern. If you are concerned, then the 12/1 would be a great choice.

[@boombalancehub6844]

@@davidblack2632 Thanks so much bro!

[@jonbarnard7186]

Very useful review. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of weather sealed fast and small primes for Micro four-thirds. I travel with the Olympus 12-100 F4, and would love a fast weather sealed prime about this focal length. I think the 1.2s are too big for me, and too pricey too. I was seriously considering this lens. Most reviews of the 20mm have been very good, but I recognize that a lot of the other reviewers seem to have a "pony in the race" so to speak. So your review is much appreciated. Maybe I'll just keep my 17mm 1.8 and keep it dry! I have also considered (re-purchasing) the panasonic 14mm pancake. I know it's not weather sealed, but it is so tiny (and inexpensive) and I really like that focal length. Do you have any thoughts on that lens? By the way, I really like your cityscapes. I think I should go to Manchester the next time I'm in the UK.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

all i need to know, the panasonic 20mm 1.7 ii is the one for me. You get down for angles like I do, worst place for a camera is standing eye level in my opinion

[@martindobos4835]

Your low light compact standard prime was realised more than 10 years ago 😂😂. Panasonic Leica 15mm f1.7. It is not wheather sealed and bit wider, but beautifully sharp nice colours. I never liked my pictures from olympus 17mm f1.7 but loving my leica

[@GeirBakkenVestfold]

Many beautiful images in this video! Next time I buy a lens for m43, I will probaly go for the 17mm F1.2. I have a feeling that wide angle lenses are the most challenging to make really good for M43.

[@ytdufy]

The 7-14mm and the 8mm fisheye are superb lenses. The 8-25mm is also very good, as is the 17mm, f:1.2. Unfortunately, the 20mm Pro doesn't seem to match the quality Olympus got us used to for years.

[@SaxonSuccess]

That last shot's a killer... Well spotted!

[@garypentecost833]

That final image 👌

[@davidalanphotography1]

thanks! Those are some really great shots!

[@frankartale1026]

I would keep the 1.4 less distortion. 20mm in 4:3 is closer to 35mm not 40. To my eye

[@BarryMaskell]

I think you are right - a 20mm is most likely the best focal - I have a 15mm Pany and 25mm Pany and both are just not quite right - the 25 is too tight and and 15 too distant

[@polyfission2776]

Have you played around with a 17mm? I am so torn about this question too. My heart says 40mm (the 20mm f1.4) is where its at, but that 17mm f1.2 looks amazing too. I already own the 7-14 f2.8 and a 25 f1.8. I agree with you that the 25mm is a tad too tight and the wide is, well, too wide most of the time. Though I prefer the 25 over the wide, so perhaps 20mm is the sweet spot...

[@jordandunlop5629]

great insight to the 20mm...though, every single review of fast aperture lens never...ever..ever include low light testing for some reason.

[@neilcole3406]

As always another great vlog from the vlogmaster!

[@b.s.4478]

Great photos mate! 👌👍

[@stevef4010]

So cool you also watch Camera Conspiracies.

[@josephweaving6458]

vertcal fringeing also as another downside i have read about

[@BobShrader]

Great video with some very nice images. For me, the 20/1.4 is just right for my normal shooting. I sold the only 1.2 I owned, the 25mm.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great review, as I do not like the oversharpened modern lenses, I will probably get the 20/1,4 to replace my 20/1,7 from 2009! / Regards Ulf (not replace - complement)!

[@lmglange]

Great cityscape images ... just waow!

[@jeffdrew625]

“…some of the seedier parts too…” oh my, sign me up! Great clip! 🎃

[@ToastandJam52]

Egads! That is Manchester?!?!? Change a bit since that last time I was there 27 years ago.

[@e6Vlogs]

They started to do it up as soon as you left! 😀

[@StewartBairdPhoto]

I like my 17mm 1.8 when I want small and light. My 25 1.2 not really a walk around lens

[@mirkoregina8733]

Hi, I currently have a pen-f that I love and 2 objectives sigma 30mm 1,4 and the 45mm 1,8 olympus. As a budget I have 1300/1700 Euros and I am looking for one or 2 "definitive" objectives for the meantime (later you will see) that are capable of doing different types of photography ranging from weddings such as portraits even in low light, football matches mainly during the day and occasional landscapes.I am looking for objectives that are unique as compactness, performance and versatility compared to all systems photographic (apsc, full, frame etc ...) if I stay in the micro 4/3 I'm interested and I don't see real alternatives to the Om system / olympus 8-25mm, 12-100mm, 20mm 1,4 and last probably also Om lenses 40-150mm f4 or sigma 56mm 1,4. I am confused because if the 20mm 1,4 can replace my sigma 30mm in all ways, even as a bokeh, I would take it with my eyes closed. 12-100mm and these would also be useful for taking medium and long distance portraits of the spouses.If I really have to keep my pen-f with a single lens I would think of the 20mm or 15mm leica or the announced 9mm leica 1.7 ... or also have a second no micro 4/3 body with other lenses also used? Thanks.

[@olympus2OM]

Fantastic photos.

[@weisserth]

Yeah, my suspicions confirmed. Thank you. I will keep the 17mm 1.2 on my wish list then.

[@ebvs5ou]

Simple answer to the title question: Keep both 😊

[@Dee-me3ug]

Great video!

[@markellsworth980]

Well, I am two months behind the curve, no idea how KZbin only recently figured out that I am an Olympus shooter. I wonder if FaceBook swapped my information. All questions like this one reveal preference, not truth. In my world, I keep the 17mm mounted on my system most often of all lenses because the convenience and flexibility of the 56° angle of view wins out. This confession tells something about the kinds of photographs I tend to shoot most. I had supposed the conventional 25mm with 40° angle of view would have owned the privilege (comparable to keeping the Zuiko 50mm f1.4 on my film-era OM-1), but I was mistaken. 20mm divides the difference at 48° so I would suppose the choice of angle of view, and whether you like the focus clutch would be key variables in a decision, one way or the other. I think the clutch is VERY cool, but I see no reason to use it. On-sensor PDAF locks the focus so quickly and perfectly that the temptation to do rangefinder shooting is almost nil. One other scenario: I can imagine not having either of 17mm or 25mm, solely owning the 20mm. That would be somewhat thrifty. Insofar as the brighter f1.2 is only half a stop faster than f1.4 in the "get what you pay for" game, you will have a couple of shots in a thousand that either (1) stop the motion slightly better, or (2) give you bit more of not especially great bokeh, which if really important, you should use one of the 45mm lenses to advantage. I you want gobs, shoot the 75mm. I am trying to think of a situation where indoor bokeh is killer. I think it is most important, outside, in natural surroundings. To each his own. It is an embarrassment of riches to have so much photographic power these days.

[@nsavch]

photos are so nice, but too sad that your goto lens is "to be released" :(

[@BARS113113]

You are best. As usual

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

8:49 ❤

[@djmouglie]

thank you for this video :D

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Excellent... Saved me some £££s..👌🙏

[@peterbudd1803]

I'm hoping for a 12mm or 14mm f1.4 at some point. 20mm was never an option for me.

[@raksh9]

Panasonic make a 12mm f1.4 and a 9mm f1.7.

[@dunnymonster]

There are few guarantees in life except that it always rains in Manchester 😊

[@daysofgrace2934]

I would say keep the 17mm f1.2 & buy a Lumix Leica 25mm f1.4

[@kiwipics]

No giveaway..... damn. ;-)

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice!

[@TB-up4xi]

2:09 ? huh 50mm is 50mm ......50mm (FF Equiv) is the ideal standard no matter what system - 25mm MFT, 30/35mm APCS and 50mm FF - there is no such thing as 40mm being ideal on MFT nobody has ever said this (except you) - you're just making stuff up. The reason 50mm is considered "ideal" in the FF world is at that field of view the background compression is considered most natural obviously, you could compose the same shot at 40mm or 60mm by moving closer or further away the only difference would be the amount of background compression, 40mm makes the backround seem artifically distant and 60mm artificially close. 20mm @ f/2.8 on MFT is EXACTLY the same as 40mm @ f/5.6 on FF so it can't be ideal if 50mm is ideal on FF.

[@e6Vlogs]

Stop thinking background compression, which has minimal difference in those instances and think field of view with those different sensor aspect ratios.

[@TB-up4xi]

@@e6Vlogs Exactly... 25mm on a MFT has exactly the same FOV as 50mm on FF at the same distance from the subject - what is your point? - Otherwise a good review and good job on the vid!

[@Mekchaibang]

I like 20 mm lens

[@broken12367]

It’s Manchester of course it’s raining

[@chacmool2581]

I'd sell them both, ditch the microscopic sensor and move to Fuji.