Which OM System Wide Angle Zoom Lens

This video will compare the M.Zuiko 7-14mm F2.8 PRO, the M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4.0 PRO, and the M.Zuiko 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO lenses. I will discuss how I tend to use them, share images I have captured this year with each lens, and talk about some technical and special features or abilities of each lens.
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[@RogerCollamati]

Thanks, Lee. I have the 8-25 mm. I have been looking at the 12-100 to add to my OM-1. I have the 14-150 on the EM5iii.

[@leehoyphotography]

Roger, the 12-100 would be a major upgrade over the 14-150! Yea, you are losing 50mm of focal length, I get it. But the 200-300mm range is one of the least used ranges for me!

[@jerry2357]

I find that the 14-150 mm is a very useful lens: light, versatile, reasonable image quality. It was the first lens I bought after I got my first Micro Four Thirds camera. More recently I got a second body and 12-45 mm f/4 and 40-150 mm f/4, which are nicer lenses, which I use when I've gone out specifically to do photography. But when I'm on holiday or if I'm just out-and-about and might want to take the odd photo, the 14-150 mm is the one that I have on the camera most of the time. I tend also to carry the 12 mm f/2 to give me a wider option, but I'm thinking of getting the 8-25 mm f/4, which it strikes me would be a useful lens in a European old town where the streets are narrow and I'm sometimes struggling with the field of view.

[@dons7991]

Good comparison of the 3 lenses. I also have had similar experiences with each lens. Living in the Southeast and shooting many waterfalls and streams, I use my circular polarizer frequently to remove reflections on the water and the 8-25 makes this filter a breeze to use. But each lens has earned a place in my camera bag!

[@leehoyphotography]

Yep, the 8-25mm is great for use with the circular polarizer! I wish I got to do more waterfalls, I love them!

[@frankaltobelli]

Thanks!

[@leehoyphotography]

Much appreciated Frank! Thank you sir!

[@allanc803]

When I stumbled into m4/3 in 2019 I didn't truely understand what I got myself into. Now I have 4 lenses that go every where I travel, 7-14,12-100, 90 macro, 100-400 (love to have the 150-400 but the cost in Australia is a bit much at just under $12000 AUD) paired with EM1 3 and the EM1X. Once my back heals I intend to spend time in the Adelaide Hills and try to get my fitness up, I don't see the need for any more lenses other the ones I have with the Pen-F for really light weight carry. Great video Lee, the info you give is awesome.

[@leehoyphotography]

You have a great kit there and I would say you are all good on lenses! I will hopefully be doing a workshop in northern Australia in 2026! Stay tuned!

[@allanc803]

@@leehoyphotography That will be fantastic. Now I won't be able to sleep for two years so hurry up.😄

[@leehoyphotography]

@@allanc803 Hahaha, believe me, that would be my 6th continent so I am anxious too! Will I get to Antartica first or Australia! Kevin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours is also a hardcore OM System user and it will be he and I leading the workshop!

[@allanc803]

@@leehoyphotography Have already started to charge my batteries.

[@chetanunindracusin664]

@@allanc803 time to get om1 mk2 you will never look back

[@michaelhall2709]

I have to admit that probably 80% of the shots I take are with the 12-100. It’s incredibly versatile, as you say, and the synch IS and pro quality make it unbeatable. My 100-400 probably gets the most use after that - I’d love the 150-400, but as I’m a non-professional I’d have a hard time justifying that kind of purchase. The 7-12 is probably the coolest lens I own (certainly the coolest to look at), but in fact I find myself using it only rarely. (I really liked those panoramas, which I thought were your best images with that focal length.) Maybe that will change if I get more into astrophotography. I am considering picking up a used EM-5 mark III as a second body to go with my OM-1, to be used mainly for street photography where a smaller form factor would be an advantage. I was considering pairing it with a fast prime like the 17 or 25 f 1.2, as I truly believe that art thrives on restrictions, but will probably chicken out and opt for the versatility of the 12-40 f 2.8.

[@leehoyphotography]

Hahaha, I loved your comment about "probably chicken out" as I can relate all to well! That versatility of zooms is so hard to set down! The 12-100 is an underrated lens for sure until someone gets it on their camera! Thanks for watching and commenting Michael! Since you do already have the 12-100, the 12-40 isn't really that important unless you do want to do astro but then you have the 7-14 already. That does make me think the prime might be a better choice, unless you just really want that difference from f4.0 to f2.8! Just a thought!

[@QuarktaschemitSenf]

Hi there :) Thanks for the good video on wide angle lenses. Quick question: Im about to get my first "real" camera set. At the moment i could get an OM1(Mark1) the 12-50 f 2.8 pro ii and the 50-150 f2.8 pro ii for 2500 euros making the Mark 1 pretty cheap. Is the mark 2 worth the extra money or is the mark 1 good enough for the beginning? Thanks in Advance :)

[@robberthummen8283]

Hi Lee, the 8-25 is not an internal zoom lens😁 I love mine on my OM-1 mk II and my wife uses the 12-100 on her OM-5

[@leehoyphotography]

No it isn't! The challenge of not using a teleprompter or scripting my text is that occasionally what I know and what I say don't line up! Good catch! Thanks for watching!

[@jonathanscherer8567]

@@leehoyphotography You're willing to admit when it happens though, which is what counts!

[@stephenfinch4534]

Great video, I have just bought the 12-100 and like yourself It was not a lens that caught my eye at first until my wife got one and I tried it and now I am hooked!

[@leehoyphotography]

That is awesome Stephen! Thanks for watching and commenting! Hope you enjoy it for a variety of photography genres!

[@KJ4YIG]

This is a good video tells you about lens and how to use them, that helps us new too mft

[@leehoyphotography]

Glad it helped and thank you for watching!

[@Namaste..]

Very much enjoyed the presentation; liked seeing the images that you captured with these different lenses, especially the Cuban photos. I have the 8-25 and a Panasonic 9 mm 1.7. I think my next lens purchase is going to be the 12 to 100 …

[@leehoyphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Honestly, the 12-100 lens makes me want to get out more for street photography! ;) Did I just say that out loud?! And the nice thing, any filters you have for the 8-25, fit the 12-100 too!

[@martinbyrne-wk6ri]

Hi i have just bought the 8-25 and the 12-100 and going the Canadian Rockies next week thanks for the video very interesting can't wait to really use them

[@leehoyphotography]

That will be a hell of a nice combo for that trip! I love the Canadian Rockies! Have a great trip and get some spectacular shots! Don't forget to try some focus stacking/ bracketing for some landscape images as well. Use that high res mode too! Don't get so caught up in the splendor you forget the features you have on hand!

[@TRUSKY1965]

Amazing lenses, and great, awesome images! I have the 7-14 mm and I use it intensively for landscape photography, but from time to time I use my old M. Zuiko 9-18mm. It is a real gem, and it accepts screw filters. Thank you for this great video!

[@leehoyphotography]

My pleasure and thanks for commenting and watching!

[@guykerr8111]

Doing a 2 month UK tour Sept and Oct. Bought the 12-100 for that trip (other general travel too). I figure it + the 7-14 will give me most of what I need without being too onerous. Thanks!

[@leehoyphotography]

Great combo for a trip! You won't be disappointed at all!

[@MrTifoso31]

Very nice pictures. Since I upgraded to the OM1m2 I use the 7-14 2.8 more often as well in conjunction with the LiveGND feature 👍

[@leehoyphotography]

It is incredible how well the Live GND feature works and the difference it makes with that lens! Thanks for watching!

[@Mark-qn9xl]

Thanks for the video and review. Of these I only have the 12-100/4 however it is on my camera the majority of the time. I used it plus the Laowa 7.5/2 on a trip to eastern Canada a few years ago. I have been considering the 8-25 although I tend to use telephoto focal lengths more often plus the odd pano so not sure how much I would use it. Having said that I did swap on my 12-40/2.8 for an Aurora shoot a few weeks ago.

[@leehoyphotography]

It is my pleasure! If you are happy with what you have, no need to add to the kit! Use the money on a trip! The 12-40 F2.8 is a brilliant lens as well! Thanks for watching!

[@johnpark8297]

Thanks for the overview of these lenses Lee. Great pictures and superb insights into getting the best out of the equipment 👍

[@leehoyphotography]

You are welcome John! Thanks for all your kind words!

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

Amazing images Lee. Just awesome. Portraits too!!!!

[@leehoyphotography]

Much appreciated!! Seriously, I don't take these words for granted!

[@fernanddurler4709]

How about LOWA 6 OR 9 MM FOR NIGHT SKIES

[@leehoyphotography]

I am sure they would be great, but I don't want to give up Starry Sky AF with the OM lenses!

[@martinlennon4673]

Scotland here : great glass, beautiful images 👍

[@leehoyphotography]

Much appreciated Martin! I sure hope to see Scotland some day!

[@davidblack2632]

Great video with great photos showing how you use these great lenses. I owned these three lenses and I do agree with you. Like you my 7-14/2.8 was mostly retired to nightscape landscapes. I have a filter adopter (Phil Norton) for it and it worked. What really bugged me with this lens is the flare issue. So, I got the 8-25/4.0 lens when it was released. I really love this lens. The flare is very well controlled. It didn't need an adopter for filter use. So, it got a lot of use. I love the zoom range. My 12-100/4.0 is my general away about lens. It has good closeup ability and a great range. After buying the OM-1 MkII I got the 7-14/2.8 out of retirement and am really enjoying using it. It is amazing how many times I use the Live GND feature. Anyhow, I agree with you, and I did enjoy the video.

[@leehoyphotography]

David, love hearing that you too utilize all three lenses! They each have their place and I would hate to get rid of one! Thanks for watching!

[@sweden_ove2074]

I'm so happy you love the 12-100. It was my first lens when I popped back to pro level camera and got the new released E-M1 mk3. Nowadays my favourite lens on my OM-1 mk1 is the 8-25. I love both lenses for the same purposes you do. I'm more into street photo than you, Lee, but I love landscape photos equal much. So these two are my main tools. And I love doing crazy combo in street photography my red PEN PM-2 with 8-25. Looks crazy, but is lovely when people smile and let themselves into the photos. I wish I get money to buy the OM-1mk2 soon. I need the GND. Lovely more than tech video. ❤

[@leehoyphotography]

Thank you so very much for watching and your kind words! The Live GND is an awesome feature for sure, watch for future sales or maybe some nice clean used copies will pop up! Street photography is definitely fun when I am in the right areas that are appealing to me!

[@2daybrich]

Lee, I’m in the Dallas, Fort Worth area. I love your channel the info you share and the fact that you’re in Texas. I’m new to the OM system so your channel has been a mainstay for me.

[@leehoyphotography]

Howdy Ya'll! ;) I often teach at Precision Camera in Austin, so watch their schedule and come down and say hi when I am some time!

[@ianjefferson694]

Thanks Lee. Gear reviews are always useful. Let's get back outside. I love the 12-100 and put the Loawa 7.5mm f2 in my pocket because it weighs nothing. I always enjoy your wildlife videos and technical phrases such as 'fiddle-farting around' cheers.

[@leehoyphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it including my detailed grasp of the english language!

[@jonathanscherer8567]

Having to choose lenses as I haven't an infinite budget, the 12-100 was one of the first I bought. I don't have anything wider, and its versatility makes it a go-to lens for most things. The 12-40 f/2.8 pro mark II is good for lower light conditions, but it doesn't have as much reach so isn't on the camera as much. I also have a Panny 25mm that'll do in a pinch, but it's not what I'd call "wide." I'd love to have some more dedicated truly wide-angle lenses. But you know how easily the costs can accrue as you buy lenses. Eventually, you have to be happy with what you have and just get out there to take photos! That 7.5mm though sounds like a lot of fun. I can't say I'm not envious.

[@leehoyphotography]

@@jonathanscherer8567 Good quality lenses sure do add up, no doubt! You have to learn to be content with the lenses you have and honestly, having only one at a time and focusing more on what you do with it will improve one's photography skills way more than just owning a lot of lenses!

[@DavidL5star]

Great video Lee. I recently bought the 12-100 f4 as Olympus UK were doing a great deal and that combined with a local store additional discount meant I got the lens at frankly a stupid price! I’m off shooting puffins in June and was thinking of taking my 150-400 f4.5 and my 40-150, but after watching this video I think I’ll take the 150-400 and the 12-100. The birds are not passed by people so come close. I want to get BIF images using the 150-400, but I think the 12-100 will be a perfect match with the birds getting closer. I have the 7-14 as well but I use the Lee filter adapter on that. Anyway, I really enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@debsunderman6567]

Hi Lee ... Love your videos. Question, when you set the button on lens Fn I believe you call it.. If I set it on my 7-14mm, will the same setting apply to the different lens when I switch it ? Thanks.

[@leehoyphotography]

Hey Deb, thank you so very much! Yes, it will; BUT, you can have the Lens FN button do different things if you program it differently in your Custom Menus of C1, C2, C3, or C4! So you might want it to do one thing for landscape, but another for night sky, etc. That is how you would vary what it does. Does that make sense?

[@debsunderman6567]

@@leehoyphotography yes that certainly makes since when I think about it. Thanks so much. If I do a custom setting c1 on one of my lens, can I have my 7-14 mm Fn lens use the set function not on a a custom setting too?

[@MikeC2K10]

@@leehoyphotography I did not know that! New knowledge. Yay! 🙂

[@ThomasReed-c1w]

Lee, you’re a lot better sunset and landscape photographer than you are a wildlife photographer for sure. Great images great video thanks for posting.

[@suemachie122]

Where does the 12-40 fit in for your photography?

[@leehoyphotography]

Sue, that is an outstanding question as I LOVE that lens! I have two (well, I did gave one to a family member). I use one for camera trapping and video! This is such a great lens, and I like the 15mm-35mm range for night sky. I love quality and speed. I will probably pick up a version two for camera trapping, video, and night sky. Although, for video, another 8-25mm would be better. I hate rotating stuff through various uses and like to leave what I need in a bag designated for such purposes! If one has that lens, you don't have to get the 8-25mm, but I do like that 8-12mm range at times. It is such a tough decision at times! It is my main camera trapping lens though!

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Hi Lee Great video with Geert images ❤

[@leehoyphotography]

Thank you very much!

[@arlacgravure3002]

the best trinity is 8-25 f/4, 12-100 f/4 and 40-150 F/2.8😍

[@leehoyphotography]

You must not do wildlife! ;) But that is a hell of a combo! I will go with my second best trinity! ;) Thanks for commenting!

[@sandbilly100]

All steller lenses no doubt but there is a lot of overlap. Another option would be 7-14, 12-100 and 150-600.

[@chetanunindracusin664]

7-14 /12-40/40-150allf 4 that all😊

[@chetanunindracusin664]

F 2.8

[@jerry2357]

Why not the 40-150 f/4, it's much lighter and more compact for travel? And it's a nice lens.

[@thomasreed49]

Enjoy that a lot Lee thank you.

[@leehoyphotography]

You are more than welcome sir! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattwalter9956]

Some great info, Lee. I might have to get the 12-100 before my trip to RMNP.

[@leehoyphotography]

Matt, if you want a photography guide while there, I have a great friend and co-worker, Dawn Wilson lives near there and is a phenomenal photographer and guide.

[@mattwalter9956]

Thanks, Lee - and I need to look her up! But I actually have the great Darlene Bushue as my guide already! Truly appreciate this!