The BEST Lenses for Micro Four Thirds Cameras!

[@PetaPixel]

For the best deals on pre-owned camera gear, check out KEH! They're PetaPixel's Official Pre-owned Camera Gear Partner: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=2581797&u=2554814&m=66875&urllink=&afftrack=

[@tomgwl65]

So flyfishing, tell me more🥰👌

[@lenscraftedlife]

It's nice to see a m43 post that isn't doom and gloom, so to speak.

[@GrimYak]

The doom and gloom is coming from OM mostly, they and Lumix is sharing this and for now it is Lumix that's taking the slack. OM needs to stop up.

[@kos2919]

What are you talking about? M43 got more positive videos now. People keep raving about how cheap they're and still making great pics.

[@bamsemh1]

He's a fullframer, don't worry. No crop will ever be pro enough for fullframers.

[@lenscraftedlife]

@@kos2919 maybe my algorithm, the majority of m43 videos I have seen of late are talking about it being a potentially dead system and om systems failures to impress in 2024.

[@ghunterforever]

well. as a M43 user myself, the doom and gloom is pretty real for normal folks. if you ever pay attention to the lens selection listed here.. the price is, let's just say.. for the same amount of total light gathered (which really is what determine the picture quality), the price is the same if not higher than FF. as a hiker myself, i like the compactness of MFT but the wide lense are pretty insanely expensive (for none commercial users) for landscape. everyone talks about how the MFT gives you the longer reach, which is great for birds and whatnot, but on the wide end it works the opposite. i would argue you actually need the compactness when you hike a lot.

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

finally a video that doesn't talk the MFT Death , but also just puts the positive sides of this beautiful, good and portable camera system in a positive way in the spotlight. that should happen more often as far as I'm concerned.

[@RedDeivid]

Using an OM-1 or GH6 having in the market fuji bodies that record 10 bit Prores 4.2.2. internally it's a bit odd unless you are a sport or wildlife photographer, where a 2x crop factor over the focal length is sublime. It is not dead, because it's lightweight lenses but I haven't seen any pro m43 shooters around for a while because of reasons. What I do not understand is why there are too little compact cameras that use m43, an smaller X100, or an Rx100 a bit bigger but with a m43 would be marvelous due to it's aspect ratio, which is more friendly for sharing pictures online. I'll love to have pro compact cameras cheaper than X100, but with a bit better noise handling and better bokeh than 1" sensors.

[@AJ-iu6nw]

Dead system, weak low light performance, it’s over for MFTcels

[@brendaavillakintzrealtor]

Choose not to feed the troll who tried to hijack this high ranking post. I'm new to M43 and loving it!!!!

[@AJ-iu6nw]

@@brendaavillakintzrealtor feed me!!

[@optikum100]

Mft :слуховете за моята смърт са силно преувеличени..

[@trulsdirio]

The Olympus 12-40mm 1:2.8 is what brought me to the system and it is my all time favourite lens. Super sharp, compact, looks and feels amazing, has a great close focussing distance and does everything I need on a daily basis. From product photography, over landscape, to some casual portraits it does everything as well as any standard zoom lens I have ever used.

[@Pieee7]

I bought that lens 10 years ago. It's by far the lens I use the most and it's still my absolute favorite...

[@davidg5898]

The Oly 12-40mm f/2.8 II lives on my Oly body. It's only when I'm shooting for something specific that it can't do that I switch to another lens.

[@metalfatigue]

It's terrific. One of the only wide-tele zooms in ANY format that's good at both ends, even wide open. I struggled with the equally expensive Panasonic 12-35 which test reports said was equally good but it wasn't.

[@deanmermell9098]

The Oly 12-40 and the 40-150 pro lenses are simply magnificent and cover everything but the extremes. If I have those two lenses with me I feel ready for most anything and can do justice to an image however I want to shoot it pretty much.

[@jacobh5817]

I’m using Hasselblad and Leica for my professional fashion/beauty stuff, but for my personal work, since a few months I’m using an OM1 with a few Pro lenses. It’s fantastic for travel, hiking and whatever other walk-around you’d want. Of course, I still love my M cameras, but they’re not always the practical choice. So, after tried almost all other options, I ended-up with an OM1. First out of nostalgia. My first camera was also an OM1, back in 1974. But after trying, I’m convinced. These are brilliant systems. Don’t let the small sensor fool you. You still can get images that almost all others mistake for full-frame. But the fact that you can carry a small backpack that contains a brilliant pro-camera with a range of 14mm to 1200mm pro lenses (FF equiv.) is staggering. I thoroughly enjoy M43 and wishing I did this years ago. No, it won’t replace my M11, SL3 and X2D, but for personal work this is way beyond ‘good enough’.

[@nickguzman1734]

Yeah it's really convenient with stull good results. People don't realize that the jump from FF to APSC is larger than the jump from APSC to m43.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Thank you for your nice words about your cameras. Yes I love M-series too, but since I got back to Olympus 2019, I have loved it so much. And I never look at the Nikon or Sony cameras at my job, I use the Oly. And at home I love using my old Leica 3f and my not that old Olympusflex 6x6. Take car and enjoy your choices

[@stuartcarden1371]

I started on m43s before being drawn into the sensor size rabbit hole. But after trying almost all the FF brands I came back to m43s and couldn't be happier. I love how flexible and discreet the system is.

[@albinliungman1093]

Did you ever try the Fuji system. Would love to know how the Fujinon primes and a smaller body like an xs10 or xt30 would stack against m4/3

[@stuartcarden1371]

@albinliungman1093 hi... Yeah I did - I had an X-T2 and an X-S20. I had mixed feelings about the Fuji f/2 primes. The 35mm was excellent, as was the 23mm. The 27mm f/2.8 was good, nothing wrong from a technical pov but it didn't thrill me in any particular way, which is a shame because I loved that equivalent focal length when I used full frame Canon. The 18mm f/2 was perhaps the worst branded lens I ever used. I'm convinced I had a bad copy because it wasn't just soft but smudged the detail unless it was right in the centre. Ultimately I came back to Olympus because I felt the m42 lens lineup was more consistent for the price and also Olympus/OMS bodies in particular always feel tough and well made.

[@Deetroiter]

It’s an incredible system and the beautiful thing is the m43 equipment is very affordable, all things considered. An $800 m43 lense would be considered high end, whereas $800 lens in a different system would be entry level

[@Deetroiter]

@@albinliungman1093I had a Fuji xpro3 and honestly…I prefer my lumix gx85. The Fuji has nice colors but any lenses I tried with it they were Fuji branded, I always felt the pictures looked flat and lifeless, no depth at all. Plus the oversharpened, overprocessed look was a major turn off for me. The lumix I have looks professional in image quality, but it has a natural look.

[@albinliungman1093]

@@stuartcarden1371 very interesting. These days I pretty much only bring my 18mmf2 and my 35mmf2. And mostly I’m using the 18mm. I absolutely love it and find it sharp enough for any kind of work. The size and look of it is also ideal for my king of work. I wouldn’t crop with it but that’s why I have the 35. I wonder if you actually had a faulty copy

[@randyfox5317]

As an old guy only a few months short of 70...thank you for giving props to the MFT format. I was a Canon FF user for decades but noticed that my walkabouts getting shorter due to the weight of what I would carry. I discovered the OM-5 and immediately fell in LOVE. I mean...where has Live Comp been all my life?! That, by itself, sold me forever on Olympus! Due to the fact that I just shoot for the fun of it, my budget is limited but I did manage to snag that 8-18mm and love it for star trails, long exposure shots, etc. Add in a couple of general use lenses (60mm macro, 12-45mm) and one long lens- the Panasonic100-400mm and I am reinvigorated with photography! The weight I carry now is POUNDS less which increased my walkabout times again. Until they come up with something lighter and better, MFT's will be my forever gear. Thanks for this comprehensive video!!

[@demensf2555]

Thank you for adding the audio. In spite of my best attempts, I could not get past the silent episode just being Chris whispering sweet nothings to all of us.

[@johnjon1823]

According to Hitchcock silent cinema is pure cinema, but my take is you will have to lip read.

[@godsinbox]

⁠@@johnjon1823according to George Lucas, sound is 50% of the cinema experience

[@shaka-surf]

As a dedicated M4/3 user, I thank you.

[@alanwainwright79]

A refreshing video, highlighting just how good M4/3rds is. Thanks for taking the time for this, rather than many others who spend their time crapping on M4/3

[@evrythingis1]

There is nothing in this video highlighting how good M4/3 is lol

[@alanwainwright79]

@@evrythingis1 Well aren't you the funny one!! Glad your mum helped you typing the response. Muppet.

[@robf-lm9ep]

Thanks for covering these lenses. MFT, both cameras and lenses, are often ignored by other top KZbin reviewers.

[@evrythingis1]

Because they were al already l reviewed by youtubers 10-15 years ago...

[@CaHoiSongThuBon-uw9oh]

​@@evrythingis1 so all the camera released in the recent 10-15 years isn't worth mentioned? What's the point of your answer?

[@cyvan1750]

My favourite and most versatile MFT lens I own is the Panasonic 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 zoom . I've done everyting from landscape, portraits, street and macro all in the same day with that lens. love it

[@Boldorion1958]

I got that one used and was very pleasantly surprised at how good it was.

[@FiveMinuteVelo]

I use the Oli 14-150mm for the same reasons.

[@otoskope]

That one is my travel lens of choice!

[@MatthiasBouillon]

It's always on my GX80. So versatile 😊

[@kwchalky02]

Yes. That is THE mft lens for me. For travel and landscape it is so versatile. If you are outdoors you can't beat the versatility of the 14-140. Such a good lens range. I usually carry a small prime like 9mm, 15mm or 25mm when travelling for situations when low light (indoors).

[@FrenchLouie]

Yay! More micro 4/3 videos please! Would love to see a review of some of the crazy fast voightlander primes for 4/3

[@SilverHalides]

Agree! I would love to see a review of the 29mm f/0.8. I bought the first version of the Voigtländer 17 f/0.95 in 2012. It is a bit soft wide open but very nice rendering. I find it sharper than the SLR Magic HyperPrime 25mm T0.95 wide open.

[@edzardpiltz6348]

Mft is such a great system. Definitely deserves more love. Thank you guys for showing it🤗🤙

[@treebeard909]

Thank you for giving some well deserved attention to this amazing format! I’m recently retired and in the back end of my 60s, so finally have time for my photographic passion. I’m trying Macro, wildlife, Landscape and street so the small size and weight are key. (Although compared to my old Nikon system with the inexpensive lenses I could afford, my OM one Mark two and 100 to 400 Zoom, weigh a ton. But I am told it’s a fraction of what the same reach would weigh with a Nikon and similar lens. Not to mention the cost, which would be out of my range now that I’m retired.) as a hobby photographer that is excited about trying new things, and finally getting the chance to travel, I’m sure I’m like many of your listeners. We are not pros, do not have studios, and cannot afford the latest full frame systems and the accompanying lenses for the type of photos that we are taking. I feel we are probably the majority of your listeners! So thank you ! PS.. my Olympus system with the various lenses I have purchased, have easily cost me $10,000 Canadian. It’s a lot of money and I won’t be buying another camera for years to come. Like when I finally decide on a car that I really like and has everything that I need I don’t buy a new one every year. so when Nikon Canon and Sony are constantly upgrading their systems, it seems that they’re telling the people that just bought their cameras that they’re out of date. Just my two cents.

[@eternaleden3014]

Thank you for the 20mm f1.4 shout out. It is definitely an underrated lens. Almost optically perfect. The sharpness and contrast is fantastic. The price has dropped down enough that it is worth it for most people now, even more so used.

[@zanisgardening123-]

Is this the om system 20mm pro ?

[@eternaleden3014]

@@zanisgardening123- yes it is

[@allenoakley1799]

As a 66 year old guy with 2 bad rotator cuffs I LOVE my Lumix M4/3 gear for the size and weight advantages. Just came back from a wildlife refuge trip here in NC. 2 bodies, the 100-400, 12-60, 9mm and the 35-100 all in one bag. Think most of the "snobs" that look down on M4/3 have never really investigated all the positives of the system. Thanks for the video.

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

As someone who brings my camera camping, backcountry backpacking, and bike touring, m43 just gives me so much more rugged confidence and portability. I’m sure there are great options now from other manufacturers but OM System and LUMIX has been there from the start for me. Hopefully they’ll refresh the compact primes and add weather sealing.

[@benejpocock]

Agree. I came back to photography this year and have settled with OM System. Went camping/hiking in the Lake District in rain I’ve never seen before and had zero worries about my camera. It got a soaking and just took it on the chin.

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

Most of my macro photography group has moved to micro 4/3 for macro and they all love 60mm and 90mm Macros from Olympus/OM Systems. Both lenses are highly recommended.

[@keithholland4322]

I'm not surprised! I think micro four thirds runs circles around every other system for macro. If you have a 30, a 60, a 90, a pair of teleconverters, and a close-focusing Olympus/OM System telephoto zoom like the 40-150 f/2.8, 100-400, 150-600, or 150-400, you have the ultimate lens collection for macro photography for any system. And with the outstanding IBIS that most MFT cameras offer, you don't even need a tripod a lot of the time. The focus stacking and focus bracketing are really handy too. And since you have two extra stops of light with the same depth of field, a little bit of light goes a long way, so you can use a smaller flash unit as well. I can't even turn my Godox AD600 down as low as I would like for some studio portraits of light-colored dogs because my aperture is too bright, even at f/2.8-3.5!

[@ChaitanyaShukla2503]

@@keithholland4322 Panasonic 9mm lens makes a good wide angle "macro" lens on micro 4/3 system and a decent substitute for either Laowa 15mm or Canon RF 24mm Macro for those on micro 4/3 system.

[@MikeLindup42]

Thank you Chris and Jordan, some much overdue love for MFT and yes, you’re right about how much of a difference the lens can make. And then for video there’s also the Speedbooster options.

[@obscurelines]

The 10-25 and 25-50 are a great combo for stills as well. As a wedding set up, accepting the image will be mft, they are absolutely perfect.

[@jamesscharnitz7640]

I love the M43 content. Very much appreciated by those of us who use the system!

[@philippedugout2278]

Hi Chris nice selection but you forgot to speak about the macro lenses where the micro 43 works great 😉

[@Bayonet1809]

The 90mm f/3.5 has to win, right?

[@philippedugout2278]

@@Bayonet1809 High price but yes a great choice and for the value for money the 60 IS a great choice. I don't know the Lumix ones so can't say something about them.

[@chuckl7713]

I love my 40-150mm f/4. Small foot print and good reach. Works well in the urban landscape.

[@slothlovechunk]

No mention of the 50-200 2.8-4. Fantastic lens.

[@thieninh4153]

Lumix 20mm f1.7 is my favorite everyday lens, it basically lives on my camera. Anyone love this, too?

[@cyberyoyo7674]

Absolutely. I was fortunate enough to go to the original Oly Pen launch event with an appearance by David Bailey. This was the first lens I bought after the 14-42 kit zoom and I love the 40mm equivalent focal length. Took me a while before I realised it was an identical frame to the Oly Trip 35 I learned on in the nineties. And I’ve recently bought an original Rollei 35 with a lovely 40mm Tessar. A relatively rare standard lens focal length but pretty versatile.

[@artistjoh]

I have always preferred the standard 50/35/24 equivs, and so never use my 20 (40mm equiv) but totally understand why some people prefer the 40/30 equivs that include the Panasonic 20mm and 15mm lenses. We are all different, and have different needs. Personally I adore the Olympus 17mm f1.8. Not quite as small, but slightly wider and has that wonderful manual focus clutch, whereas I dislike manual focus on the 20/1.7 and the tighter view

[@johnbarber1824]

Same here! My f/2.8 Pro zoom never gets a chance to shine.

[@nineoneten]

I love it too. Great on a G9 body as a normal lens. I have though of the Olympus 20F1.4 but would I actually see any difference in normal use ? My two lens 'lightweight' outfit is the Pana 20mm and Olympus 45F1.8 For a zoom the Olympus 12-45F4 is excellent and has very close focus range that almost makes a macro lens redundant unless you are into really small bugs and such like - my 60mm Olympus Macro hasn't been out since I got the 12-45.

[@timcourlas2403]

I think the 20 is loved by photographers and videographers who like a look that is very close to normal vision. In other words the lens is not impactful on the image. Shorter and longer lenses have a large impact on the image because the perspective is so different from the human eye. I tend to prefer lenses that impact the image so I like obviously wide, on MFT, around 10-14 and obviously tight, around 35-75. It’s just what I prefer, the lens being an integral part of the look. I’ve tried to work with the 20 and it only leads to frustration for me. To each their own, that’s what makes this all so much fun.

[@turkishraf]

This is a fist class review. What I like the most about PETA Pixel is that the viewer feels part of the PP family! Well done guys.

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Props to you guys for not only acknowledging but using and representing the microphone third system. I switched to Panasonic micro four thirds about a year ago from Sony and not looking back. Wish more photography KZbin channels would talk about the micro four thirds system because it’s really really good.

[@WaterfallJoe]

The OM System 8-25mm and 40-150mm f/4 PRO are both very high on my list of my next additions to my fleet.

[@allenthomas4280]

Thank you for giving a fair and honest presentation about micro 4/3. Finally a channel of notoriety sharing the positive attributes of this great form factor! Thanks again!

[@evrythingis1]

When did they list positive attributes of M4/3!?

[@dhlininger3159]

I just walked in from shooting some night shots of Christmas lights on my Pen E-P3 and you guys just helped direct me to my next lens. Thanks and happy holidays.

[@DCPiFilmServices]

If you guys are actually finding an OM 150-600 for $250 I would love to see a link, LOL. But seriously, always good to see more MFT representation. There are dozens of us MFT shooters! DOZENS!

[@QuiznPop]

me too, what a deal 🤣

[@stevehageman6785]

I think they were still recovering from their last 'Drinking Game' when they annotated that slide. ;-)

[@jorismak]

Or were they thinking about the 75-300? Thats still more expensive but still 'affordable' though

[@MicheleBertocci]

Thank you for the suggestions, all great quality lenses. The Olympus 40-150 f4 pro should be mentioned, ultra compact, great quality, 80-300mm ff equivalent.

[@paximaxi]

Oh well, a typo can happen and there’s nothing wrong with it, it just shows how professional you have to be all the time, and how quickly people will point out when you make a tiny mistake 🎉 ❤❤

[@LightoneD]

Olympus 12-100mm f4 is by far the best mft zoom lens. Good stab, crazy sharp, awesome range. Used it a lot on a Zcam, what a great combo.

[@pgy8863]

Thanks Chris and Jordan. That somewhat overlooked OM 20mm f1.4 deserves a lot of love. And MFTs is great for macro (better depth of field, excellent IBIS). I like the Oly 60mm f2.8 as it's excellent, light, inexpensive and weather-sealed.

[@J3sixty]

The 75mm f1.8 pick from Jordan for the portrait lens is one of my favourites!

[@FierceSleepingDog]

Good to see. I love my MFT gear. Great portability, price, capabilities, and photos.

[@Princeton_James]

I just got the OM 20mm 1.4. It is amazing.

[@Nonaxisymmetric]

I love the fact that the example lenses are well used - like a favourite set of tools! Great video.

[@dellfonic]

Thanks Chris mate, really nice to see you appreciate the relevance of M43 and in essence the beauty of all formats, the Leica partnership in particular. How great can it be that we can have such a wide range of lenses in partnership with such. Great times, it's hard to go wrong, let's explore our creativity!

[@johnehman8685]

I just came in from shooting with the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8. What a fantastically useful and fun lens! And its hood design is surprisingly important. I also couldn’t live without the 75mm f/1.8 for events and portraiture. The Laowa 6mm f/2 rounds out my top three favorites, though I probably use it less than the Olympus 12mm f/2.

[@benejpocock]

Absolutely love my 40-150 f2.8. Probably my favourite. But there are so many good lenses it’s hard to just pick one.

[@treebeard909]

I love it too, but my hood fell apart and I can’t seem to get it to stay back together. Now using the hood from my 100-400 which fits… Anyone know how to fix it?

[@johnehman8685]

@@treebeard909 I have heard that some people have had this problem, though the hood has worked reliably for me. The consensus seems to be that it’s not repairable, and you’ll probably need to get a new one or go with a conventional hood. The retractable hood was a brilliant idea, but unfortunately it was apparently not designed by the same people who designed the rest of this excellent lens!

[@zardosspinosa6944]

@@treebeard909 Yep, buy a new one, if you look closely its probably split, happened to me, I just sucked it up and bought a new hood. That said, I did initially repair it and the repair worked fine, but I finally managed to crack the lens protector UV filter which was jammed in place, I read way back basically a silly idea, so now dont use any UV protectors on any of my lenses. Yes, so I fixed it with a tiny bit of black sticky electrical tape which just tightened the fit, it can be done.

[@albeck69]

My OM-1 is the perfect camera for me - small, rugged, great lens options, and the extra reach with the M43 sensor is handy.

[@terrysanders1550]

For portraiture, the 45mm 1:8 Zuiko cannot be beat for compactness and smooth results. Very bright, light, and effective

[@isabellefourre5543]

I also own this small but powerful lens. I agree that it gives fantastic results.

[@MatthiasBouillon]

Love that one too. Got in in mint condition for just over 100€ 😍

[@Daveatpcc]

Great video. The kicker for me with my mft system was when I printed my photos, the sheer photographic goodness in my prints was equal or better to the work I was printing using full frame Nikon gear, which I also love. Point is, which I appreciate you making, mft is a solid system hat produces good results.

[@n8-creates]

Excellent video! I keep telling people that the range of glass for M4/3 is nothing short of incredible! I love full-frame as well but hands down my all time favorite lens to shoot with are on M4/3 system.

[@TheRenalicious]

As someone who invested a bit into the "standard" Four Thirds back in the day, it was disappointing when Olympus abandoned it. But, I can see how m43 is basically what their intent was all along. As much as I like my chunky 5D Mark 4 since I can swap lenses back and forth with a Canon film camera as well, I've never stopped eyeing the four thirds stuff as a small, compact, and light weight carry around solution for daily shooting.

[@bastian.michel]

YEAH! Micro Four Thirds Content !!! ❤❤

[@johnalmberg7512]

Micro four thirds lives! I can't imagine ever giving up either my G9 or ancient GX7. The GX7 with the Leica 50mm f/1.4 lens is my daily carry that is perfect for street photography, which is what I do the most. And the G9 does everything I want a camera body to do and is the most comfortable camera to hold that I've ever seen.

[@josh_around]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I don't know that I've seen something this comprehensive for the MFT system before, and as someone who is still on the outside looking in, this feels like it gives me some good places to start ✨

[@774duke]

Yay!! M43 content! I'm currently using 50/50 Sony FF and Oly and m43 is such a fun system with great lenses

[@mmmfuhlendorf]

I'm very glad you guys made this video: in the podcasts you always praise the gear, but since OM System and Panasonic don't focus on release quantity, m43 is underepresented in the regular reviews... I am so tired of hearing about the "small sensor and relatively big professional bodies", but people tend to forget how SMALL and excellent the lenses can be. I shoot and own full frame and 1", but mostly for some specific cases: literally 90% of what I do, both professionally and for personal use, is done on m43, video and stills. It gets you 95% of the way in terms of quality with huge size, cost and weight benefits. and yes, the 75mm f1.8 is just perfection for portraiture

[@bobaab]

Very thoughtful list! Thanks from another dedicated MFT user, this system is an enabler for me and has given me so much joy!

[@Brightsparks1960]

Excellent summary of the key lenses in the MFT system. I am mainly an MFT user as I do also use several FF cameas from Leica, Sony and Panasonic. I keep coming back to my MFT systems when travelling as the overall combination of the smaller, lighter lenses and camera body means the FF gear is left at home. For my photography the sensor size or MP count is not an issue. My favourite lenses are the pana Leica 8-18 & 12-60 and 15mm f1.7, along with the OMS 20mm 1.4, OMS 40-150 f4 and Olympus 12-100 f4.

[@JohnSmith762A11B]

Good call on the Pana-Leica 42.5; it's a lens that almost justifies having an M4/3 camera alone. And I know that because I've moved on to full frame and still find myself thinking, "I really wish I had that old 42.5..."

[@ElMundoDuro]

There is something about that lens that makes things look amazing.

[@Gynra]

Me too. It was my favourite lens when I was doing studio portraiture. Wonderful rendering and sharp as a scalpel. I sold it when I moved on from micro four-thirds some years ago, but I'm now back into the system with an Olympus OM-D E-M1X. I'm so very tempted to buy the Nocticron, even though I have no pressing need for it any more.

[@REZrblde]

My most favourite camera-lens combo of all time is the Lumix GM1 with either the Lumix G 12-32mm or the Lumix G 20mm F1.7. Small body,small lens and a very low profile look. The thing is about the size of a pop tart so no need to bring a camera bag,just slip it into my pocket. Great street photography tool.

[@enigmabletchley6936]

I thought maybe I was in a time warp, Chris because unless I am wrong I think one of the first KZbin videos you made, or at the least the earliest one I recall (at Camerstore TV) was a micro43rds camera review - perhaps the GH1? As one of the earliest adopters (GF1 and proud!) at the time I thought, "Wow! Someone who also understands the system!". Great to see you bringing up to date this amazingly versatile system. My favourite lens? The Leica Lumix DG Elmarit 45f2.8 Macro. Stop it down to f3.2 and the results are sublime for nature and portrait photography.

[@McMaxW]

It would be great to see a budget-friendly video of micro 4/3s lenses!

[@timothykieper]

Yes, but seems mostly ignored in favor of big bulky gear ?

[@nickguzman1734]

It's really gonna be the lumix counterparts of these same exact lenses (100-300, 25mm, etc), other than maybe the Oly 40 150 R. That lens is STELLAR for 50 bucks

[@andyreichert499]

I love the little lumix 42.5 f1.7 lens. Short focal distance and a wide enough aperture make it a fun to carry lens for a lot of interesting shots. I keep it on a GM5, and that's quite a lot of power that fits in a jacket pocket.

[@shogoth]

MFT is great for photo and even better for video! I'm using Oly Em1 MK2 and Panasonic GH5s on gimbal, what a combo! I'm waiting for GH7 to drop in price to grab one! And the lenses for this system are just outstanding! Long live MFT!

[@jameshoward9700]

Dude, that was so helpful! So clear and honest. I'm between nature/outdoor/sport systems at the moment and tempted by MFT, but like most, I'm kinda ignorant about the choices on offer, pros and cons. My main reason to consider MFT is the size. I shoot Leica M and I don't want to go back to the crazy sizes of modern mirrorless for outdoor photography. Compact lenses and bodies are great - such an underrated advantage.

[@W00dy_NL]

While I have no interest in m43 since I'm embedded in to many camerasystems allready I watched and enjoyed this anyway since your content is always so good. Sound like a lot of solid options you are recommending. Keep up the good work!

[@tomm7910]

Thanks for covering M43!

[@xmeda]

12-100/4 is great one. Panasonic 25/1.7 and Oly 45/1.8 are both excellent price/performance lenses. 75-300 is also good one.

[@tsteen8656]

Given the impressive computational abilities of the OM bodies, especially in camera stacking, you need to do something about MACRO LENSES, especially the fantastic Olympus 60mm and 90mm macro lenses ! ! !

[@LarryZagg]

I was debating for ages about which compact fast prime to add. I went with the 20mm 1.4, perfect for street and events. Uber sharp, great isolation when needed and that bit wider for larger groups.

[@sassy-m5n]

My om 100 - 400 is practically glued to my OM 1! Finally ditched my old 7D in summer and couldn't be happier for casual birding and the occasional deer :)

[@ElMundoDuro]

I have 3 of the lens picks from this list. I have found the Pan/Leica 12-60 is the lens that is on my camera the most.

[@Dave_Whyte]

Great video I agree with the lens choices . Would love to see you do a video with the best third party lenses. I’m a big fan of the Sirui Anamorphic. 10-25 f1.7 is what lives on my GH6 most of the time

[@ohpk90]

Thank you for your help in choosing lenses!👍👍

[@MartinKulle]

Thank you very much for this post. Everyone is FF today. But I really like this system. It gives me great photos from a very small package. The compactness allows me to carry my camera and lenses with me everywhere, so I can devote myself to shooting even though I can't dedicate as much time to it as I used to. I hope the system will last for a long time.

[@JimmyPifPaf]

OM 20mm 1.4 is now my only lens with OM5 and I love it... Some of my best shots I did with Oly 25 1.8 and 12-45... I'm going to by 12-45 again as a brother to 20mm...

[@Jgatti41]

Great video guys. I have been struggling with the decision to keep two systems or sell off my Sony and commit to m 4/3 again. I have been doing some test shooting lately to try and see what one I prefer. When it comes to IQ in decent light ( how I do most of my shooting) crazy as it sounds. I have been liking my images out of my OM-1 compared to my Sony A7IV. One thing people love about FF is something I feel hurts in some ways. The crazy DOF. I don't always want it. In fact I prefer not having how shallow the depth of field is. It takes some getting used too. Having shot with Olympus for 17 years I ruined or missed some shots due to this. I often shoot in lower light when my subjects are not moving. I cannot hand hold the Sony at slower shutter speeds like I can my OM-1. I can hand hold a 2 second shot out of my OM-1 consistently. My Sony I need to boost my ISO and shoot around 1/30th. Big difference? No, but still. Keeping my ISO at 200 compared to 800-1000 at times? I recently started following a photographer who lives in Poland. His portrait work with an OM-1 and an old 14-35 4/3 lens , the 12-40 2.8 and the 25 1.2 is absolutely fantastic. This being what so many say m 4/3's can't do. I am getting back into the mindset of what is it exactly my OM-1 cannot do that my Sony can? In addition there are so many lenses I miss from m 4/3's I cannot get as cheap and small in FF. What to do what to do? lol Merry Christmas guys.

[@--Mano--]

Hey, can you tell what is the name/Instagram@ of that Polish photographer? Got me interested what one might achieve with mft.

[@TomOhle1]

@@--Mano--yes please share. I’m also interested. I found some amazing work from the guy over at the “f/stops here “ KZbin. He loved the m43 for portraiture. Actually said the skin tones out of camera were some of his favorite

[@Jgatti41]

@@TomOhle1 I shared it here, it must have been deleted

[@tablameister]

Thanks for this (long overdue) analysis of lenses in the micro four thirds system. It is a great system because of the incredible quality that both Olympus and Panasonic (through their Leica partnership) bring to the table. The Panasonic 20mm f1.7 pancake is my choice for a normal lens mostly because it is so small, I can always toss it in to the camera bag. I am going to check out the Olympus 20mm, as I was unaware of it. The Olympus 75mm was my "go to" lens for many years, but for the last few years, the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm has been my "go to". Its a great range, fast enough, and takes beautiful pictures.

[@jonerikrolf2029]

Thanks guys for an excellent review of the benefits one gets with the m43 system gear. Years ago, I switched from Nikon to Olympus and now OM-1. I am a retired scientist, and my passion is wildlife photography with the OM-1ii and pro lenses (esp. the 150-400 1.25x and 40-150mm f/2.8). One lens not on your reviewed list is the 14-150mm f/4-5.6 mark ii. It is an excellent multipurpose, close focusing and pocketable. It is great for walkabouts and travel - especially when carrying the telephoto lenses.

[@TheTigers00001]

I have the 75mm F1.8, 12-40 F2.8 PRO, 12-100 F4 and 45mm F1.2. I use the 12-100mm about 98% of the time. Just as sharp as the 12-40 with amazing IS. The 45 F1.2 is a magnificent portrait lens. All the lenses are optically superb. Olympus is uncompromising with their lenses, especially their PRO line.

[@4mooncheese]

I really do like the 20mm f1.4 pro so it is nice to see it getting some love.

[@julianlarcher3629]

Nothing tops the 75mm - can't describe how much i love it 💛

[@Centauri27]

Thanks Chris & Jordan for showing your love for this underappreciated (?) format. Sure Micro Four Thirds can hold its own with image quality, but the constant beating up by all the FF manufacturers (and fanboys) is starting to hurt. That plus OMDS seems to have gone off to become "an outdoor company that happens to make a few photographic products" rather than "a camera company that makes great equipment for the outdoors". And with Panasonic hedging its bets on FF, I do kindn of fear for the future of this system.

[@JeevesTCW]

Love to see you enjoying a variety of diff formats with your photography. I'm a M43 user and agree the Pana Leica glass is generally pretty special (I have 4 primes including the amazing 12mm 1.4 & 42.5mm 1.2 which deserve your high praise). However as much as I wanted to love the 12-60 f2.8-4 (Even bought it twice after 1st one was stolen) once I bought the Pana Leica 8-18 it became clear the 12-60 was nowhere near as sharp. Now I have the OM System 12-40 f2.8 pro II which is fabulous. Even in the pics in the video the 12-60 is clearly not as sharp as the 12-40 so I am bemused so many people love the 12-60 lens.

[@SakaphotoGraphics]

With the Panasonic G97 announcement this week, there might be some renewed interest in the format. I'm always surprised at the people who make videos, no matter the product, who used something for 10 minutes and discovered everything was wrong. Thanks for always being thorough.

[@derekgpony]

Awesome video! I've been shooting Oly/OM System as a hobbyist/enthusiast for 10 years. I understand its limitations but I'll tell you what, I can carry 2 bodies and anywhere from 4-6 lenses in a relatively small shoulder bag for shooting astro and landscape to macro to wildlife to street. Hard to beat that versatility and size when traveling. Also shoot 35mm film, that's my FF.

[@michaelatlas8072]

PanaLeica 50-200/2.8-4 + G9 II is the combo keeping me in M43 system. I also shoot FF. Perfect focal range for trackside motorsports work and weighs a whole kg less than any FF 100-400 lens.

[@johnalmberg7512]

Love that lens. Mine is incredibly sharp.

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Still rockin’ the Olympus 12-40 2.8 Pro, 17 1.8, & 45 1.8. Sold the Oly 75 1.8; that was a sad day but I was underutilizing it. Thanks for the video guys.

[@glsracer]

I think you guys made some great picks. I use a lot of these lenses too. My picks are: PL 10-25 f/1.7 Oly 40-150 f/2.8 Lumix 20 f/1.7 II PL 12-60 f/2.8-4 Sigma 30 and 56 f/1.4 Lumix 12-32 f/3.5-5.6 Lumix 35-100 f/4-5.6 (the mini one) Honorable mention is the Lumix 45-200 II cause it's cheap, light weight, and optically decent for use on smaller bodies.

[@Codejoy]

I am not sure why I am so curious about m43. I would love to see this video but aimed more at those starting out in m43. Not top of the line but great starter lenses for : Wild life, astrophotography, street photography, landscape, portraiture and travel.

[@jocelynguevremont1116]

Chris you forgot to mention the most important lens and the reason i bought and use the OM1-mark2, MACRO photography, 60mm or 90mm lens plus focus stacking with a flash. i own 2 canon R5, a canon R8, i have most of the RF L glass but for MACRO nothing beats the micro 4/3 because it is light, efficient and gives amazing result.

[@Titanpharao]

I'm really charmed that you mentioned the Leica 8-16mm and 12-60mm. These were my first lenses when I started with MFT in 2019 for my world trip. I also added the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and 100-300mm to keep the costs down.

[@martin_the_artist_]

Nocticron domination!! Great video

[@shashiDodderi]

Excellent and thanks for covering the microfour third

[@nicknico4121]

I kept the 25mm 1.4 for so many years, it was my most used lens for sure for most situations. I also did a couple of paid contracts with the nocticron 42.5.

[@LeeJMac]

I'm a huge fan of the OM 8-25 F4 - an utterly unique and fantastically useful range, and razor sharp corner to corner across the entire zoom and aperture range. I love to pair it with 40-150 F4, which is also razor sharp corner to corner across the zoom and aperture range, which allows me to cover 16-300mm equivalent with just two very light and compact yet ultra rugged and high quality lenses. An unsung advantage of Micro 4/3rds is that unlike most full frame lenses, they do not need to be stopped down for best performance.

[@Davesrmz]

I really really love the 300f4 lens. It’s so light and sharp.

[@whfowle]

I have grown to love the MFT systems. It all started with a decision to buy the G7 and the kit lens. I needed a small carry package for a trip to Alaska and i was able to get some great pics and video from that trip. After that, I just kept growing my system and now have some of the best that Olympus and Panasonic have to offer. While FF still is useful for some situations, I find I will most often pick the light compact MFT cameras and lenses when I go on travel adventures.

[@ktbikefun]

Love this, after selling old m43 gears, I’ve bought second hand GX9 and E-M1 mark III

[@bmiller025]

Back before m4/3 came out, I used the Olympus 4/3 14-35 f2 and the 35-100 f2. I still use those two lenses regularly on my OM1, and they are amazing. They are very big lenses, but I couldn’t be happier..

[@YouSnoozeYouNooze]

No love for the PL 15mm 1.7?

[@cmsmart13]

Yeah, it’s one of my faves, especially indoors.

[@rl4bzs]

My go-to travel lens, attached to the E-M10 Mk IV. A great performer.

[@tomlew55]

I have 7 mft lenses including a couple of 1.7 primes and a 100-400, but my favorite is the Panasonic 35-100 2.8. I still love my full frame gear in most situations. Different tools for different jobs. It's all good.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Thank you Chris for bein honest about this excellent system. So many mock MFT, and even MFT users do that in a bad manner. I wish more people would be honest about the capabilities instead of lack of everyday revolution of the camera market.

[@dylandubeau]

Adding a few of my faves, as well as some I'd like to pick up for the (hopefully) inevitable GX10. Pancakes! I quite like both the 20mm 1.7 and the 14mm 2.5. Super small and fun. Apparently the AFC now works on the 20mm on new bodies, so that's exciting. I surprisingly quite like the 12-32, though the lack of a manual focus ring does drive me crazy sometimes. I quite like the Olympus 45mm 1.8 - you may be noticing a pattern. I would like to pick up the Leica 9mm 1.7, the tiny collapsible 35-100 from Panasonic, the 15mm 1.7 from Leica and both bodycaps from Olympus, ideally in one of the colours. I can't stomach the price of the 10-25, but it does look quite nice! Thanks for the video. Always happy to see M43 content in the spotlight.

[@alexanderignatyev8175]

Thanks a lot! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ! Nice to see that somebody thinks Micro Four Thirds hasn't died yet. Have been using it for about 9 years. My cameras have changed, but the lenses haven't. Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2, Panasonic 12-60mm and and Olympus 60 MM F2.8.

[@Ces1um]

I"m a big fan of the Olympus kit lens - the 14-150 as a travel lens!