When the Micro Four Thirds system debuted in 2008, photographers doubted whether these compact cameras and ultralight lenses would ever seriously compete with DSLRs.
Now that everyone recognizes the value in this minimalist system, however, their popularity has exploded—and it doesn’t look like the buzz is dying down anytime soon.
All the best Micro Four Thirds lenses are delightfully quiet and conveniently portable. They are surprisingly affordable when compared to their DSLR equivalents.
Browse through images produced by the lenses on this list. You might not be able to tell them apart from the output of a much heavier, pricier Canon or Nikon option. That’s the magic of the Micro Four Thirds system.
With such a wealth of options available, it’s becoming more and more difficult to choose which option best suits your personal preferences, shooting style, and professional needs. We’ve compiled this list of the best Micro Four Thirds lenses to help you narrow down that intimidating list.
Now you can select the perfect addition to your kit!
Top 10 Micro Four Thirds Lenses
Ranking | Lens | Size | Weight | Max / Min Apert | Focus Type | Lens Type | Review | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH | 6.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in | 15 oz. | 1.2 — 16 | Manual / Auto | Fixed | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#2 | Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4 | 8.3 x 6.3 x 4.9 in. | 1.6 lbs. | 25 — 25 | Manual / Auto | Wide Angle | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#3 | Olympus M.ZUIKO 17mm f/1.8 | 1.42 x 2.28 x 2.28 in. | 4.23 oz. | n/a — 17 | Micro motor | Prime | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#4 | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO | 3.3 x 2.8 x 2.8 in. | 13.4 oz. | 40 — 12 | Stepper Motor | Zoom | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#5 | Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 | 6.3 x 3.1 x 3.1 in. | 1.94 lbs. | 150 — 40 | Stepper Motor | Telephoto | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#6 | Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO | 3.1 x 2.4 x 2.4 in. | 11 oz. | 22 — 1.8 | Stepper Motor | Prime | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#7 | Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 Aspherical Lens | 7.7 x 4.6 x 4.5 in. | 14.4 oz. | 52 — 0.95 | Manual | Fixed | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#8 | Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 G X VARIO Lens | 2.9 x 2.7 x 2.7 in. | 9.6 oz. | 2.8 — 22 | Manual / Auto | Zoom | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#9 | Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 Lens | 2.7 x 2.5 x 2.5 in. | 10.7 oz. | 75 — 75 | Micro motor | Prime | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#10 | Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 Lens | 1.8 x 2.2 x 2.2 in. | 4.09 oz. | 45 — 45 | Micro motor | Prime | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#1. Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 in.
- Weight: 15 oz.
- Lens Type: Fixed
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 1.2/16
- Focus type: Manual and Automatic
- The good parts: Astonishing optics, solid image stabilization, excellent low-light performance, fast autofocus
- The not-so: High price, bulky body and accessories
Can one lens do it all? That’s the question that the experts at Leica seemed to be answering when they designed and crafted this astonishing prime lens.
Whatever its pedigree, the trendy DG Nocticron certainly deserves a place in Leica’s hall of fame. It boasts a snappy autofocus system, flawless build quality, and advanced optical features. This lens is sure to win your heart.
It’s exactly what you would expect from a premium Leica lens. it feels sleek in your hands and operates quickly under your fingertips.
It produces exceptionally rich, vibrant images on paper or screen. No wonder some reviewers called the Nocticron one of the best Micro Four Thirds lenses that Leica—or any manufacturer, for that matter—has ever made.
What do reviewers say about it?
Unsurprisingly, portrait and street photographers can’t get enough of the DG Nocticron. They rave about the exquisite images that it produces. You will see smooth skin tones, striking foreground detail, and ravishing bokeh.
Many reviewers also had high praise for the Nocticron’s rock solid build quality, high-performance image stabilization system, and predictably capable low-light performance.
Leica lenses have a bit of a reputation for tricky operation and mystifying menus. However, veterans and hobbyists alike praised the Nocticron’s user-friendly interface and accessible design.
A few purchasers had minor gripes with this lens. But almost all adored the smooth, seamless shooting experience it offers.
What’s good?
The DG Nocticron’s f/1.2 focal length—an 85mm equivalent prime—is the ideal length for sparse lighting, close subjects, and shallow depths of field. It’s fast, accurate, and always capable of nailing the focus.
Thanks to a variety of sophisticated optical elements, colors are always vivid and details are always crisp. A Nano Surface Coating boosts color fidelity and contrast.
An Ultra-High Refractive Index element reduces spherical aberrations. In addition, a single extra-low dispersion element ensures perfect clarity and precision.
Leica’s POWER Optical Image Stabilizer and fast autofocus system team up for a totally seamless, efficient shooting process. The images produced by the Nocticron are nearly always clean, lifelike, and luminous. They rival the output of much more expensive options from the manufacturer.
What could be better?
Like most lenses of its caliber, the DG Nocticron costs a pretty penny. Its ticket price isn’t ludicrous, but it does measure up to some very capable DSLR primes. So think carefully about whether you’re committed enough to your Micro Four Thirds system to justify the investment.
This lens and its included accessories are also a little bulky. It doesn’t fit seamlessly onto every camera body, so hopeful purchasers should ensure that it will work with their rig.
The DG Nocticron doesn’t completely measure up to Leica’s reputation for slim and elegant designs. However, its simple retro styling is sure to look great on any camera body.
#2. Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.3 x 4.9 in.
- Weight: 1.6 lbs.
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 25/25
- Focus type: Manual and Automatic
- The good parts: Excellent optics, gorgeous bokeh and detail, precise exposure control, versatile design, durable lightweight build quality
- The not-so: Noisy operation, loud autofocus
This one is a 50mm equivalent boasting a range of simple, effective features. The 25mm delivers exceptional image quality without any fuss.
It’s both optically versatile and technically capable. It moves effortlessly from cozy portrait sessions to staggering panoramas to detailed cityscapes.
If you’re looking for an excellent all-in-one lens that meets every challenge and keeps up with anything you throw its way, then the 25mm f/1.4 might be your best bet. To top it all off, this lens can usually be obtained at a shockingly low price point. What’s not to love?
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers loved the 25mm’s sharp, clean optics and gorgeous color palette. Most designated it as their “go-to” lens in almost any situation, comparing it favorably to the much-adored Panasonic-Leica 20mm f/1.7.
The 25mm f/1,4 is a polarizing lens, probably because of its claim to endless adaptability. Some reviewers complained about build quality issues or autofocus troubles. However, multiple others praised its lightweight design and tack-sharp image output.
All in all, this lens makes an excellent stepping stone for the photographer who wants to explore the Micro Four Thirds system more fully, but also has the technical chops to keep pace with the most experienced pros.
What’s good?
With its compact design, simple operation, and striking image clarity, this lens makes the most of the Micro Four Thirds system’s many core advantages. It’s built from durable plastic. This helps it performs smoothly and reliably without weighing your camera down.
A single UHR element, combined with a Nano Surface Coating and twin aspherical elements, means you’ll also never need to worry about noise, ghosting, or lens flare. There’s no hazy boundary between foreground and background, just a smooth, rich blend field that makes any subject pop.
The brilliant f/1.4 maximum aperture offers precise control over focus and exposure, while a rounded seven-blade diaphragm gives a vibrant, pleasantly smooth bokeh. The 25mm delivers better center-to-edge sharpness than almost any competitor, even in sketchy shooting situations.
What could be better?
The 25mm f/1.4 is an excellent walkabout hobby lens. However, it might not be the best professional option. This is partially due to an unpleasant grinding noise when the lens slides into the correct f-stop.
That nasty sound might indicate some deeper build quality issues. This is especially since the 25mm is cased with cheap plastic instead of a more durable material.
Its autofocus is also a bit loud and clunky. It’s not ideal for situations where you would prefer to stay under the radar.
The 25mm f/1.4 is a fantastic one-size-fits-all choice for everyday shoots. However, it doesn’t shine in more delicate situations like weddings.
#3. Olympus M.ZUIKO 17mm f/1.8
- Dimensions: 1.42 x 2.28 x 2.28 in.
- Weight: 4.23 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: -/17
- Focus type: Micromotor
- The good parts: Almost silent autofocus, excellent build quality, beautiful design, handy manual focus clutch, great low-light performance
- The not-so: Lack of sharpness, no accessories, software bug that tampers with manual mode
If fast-paced street shoots are more your speed, you’ll probably want to consider this delightfully compact pancake prime from Olympus.
Its effective focal length of 34mm is absolutely perfect for capturing those small, meaningful moments. Its quiet operation and unobtrusive size let you blend into the background. This model strikes an excellent balance between soft bokeh and rich, granular detail.
This one is solidly built and impeccably designed. The M.ZUIKO 17mm’s bright f/1.8 maximum aperture soaks in the light and lets you shoot in any location and at any time of day. That makes it perfect for dimly lit interiors, nighttime street shots, and any other situation that requires a steady hand and a clear eye.
What do reviewers say about it?
The 17mm is a big hit among working photographers like photojournalists and pro street photographers. It earns points for its clean, rapid autofocus system and reliably crisp imaging capabilities. Reviewers reported that it produced images with less banding, fringing, or noise than comparable models.
Some were disappointed that the 17mm forgoes fancy accessory kits or more advanced features like optical stabilization. Others relished its simple appearance and “plain jane” functionality. In short, it’s a perfect lens when you’re working hard, shooting fast, and packing light.
Reviewers also appreciated the 17mm’s durable, elegant metal housing, which keeps its mechanisms protected while looking classy on any camera body.
What’s good?
The 17mm f/1.8’s most clever feature by far is its innovative focus clutch. Rather than straining your wrist to dial the depth of field back and forth, you just pull the clutch back or forth to bring your subject into view. It’s punchy, satisfying, and fast—and absolutely perfect for those moments when you need to focus your shot quickly and accurately.
A nifty combination of dual super aspherical and high refractive index glass elements keep your images clear of any spherical or chromatic aberrations, while Olympus’ cutting-edge, nearly silent Movie & Still Compatible autofocus system nearly eliminates camera shake and blur.
What could be better?
In some shooting situations, the 17mm lacks sharpness compared to similarly priced competitors. It still delivers marvelous image and video quality, but you can get crisper resolution with a more expensive lens.
There’s also a frequently reported software bug that throws a wrench into manual shooting. If you toggle to manual mode with the focus clutch mechanism, the manual focus assist system doesn’t engage. That all but eliminates the convenience of the focus clutch, especially if you use manual mode often.
To top it all off, the 17mm is also missing some of the accessories that you might expect to come standard, particularly a sturdy lens hood.
#4. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.8 x 2.8 in.
- Weight: 13.4 oz.
- Lens Type: Zoom
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 40/12
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Quiet and fast autofocus, user-friendly design, weather- and waterproof elements, incredibly high resolution
- The not-so: Heavy and bulky, softness at the far reaches of the focal range
If you love packing a light bag—and hate spending hours crouched in front of the computer editing your photos—then you should seriously consider adding this optical powerhouse from Olympus to your lens kit. Wide in its focal reach yet endless in its versatility, this 35mm equivalent perfectly complements any camera.
An exceptional lens and the first in its class, the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO truly lives up to its name. This is exactly what many photographers long for when they abandon their DSLR for a simpler mirrorless camera: a zoom lens that truly lives up to that coveted “all-in-one” label.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers loved the 12-40mm’s incredible adaptability, praising its ability to transition smoothly between intimate macro mode and wide-angle landscape shots. Designed to suit the average photographer’s every need, it accommodated various workflows, styles, and shooting situations with ease.
They reported that it brought out the best in any Micro Four Thirds body, coaxing lush images even from older and less advanced cameras. Several reviewers even asserted that this was the lens that drew them away from full-frame DSLRs and into the Micro Four Thirds system.
Some reviewers took issue with the 12-40mm’s subpar lens hood, and a few objected to its heavy build, but overall they appreciated its durable, high-quality design.
What’s good?
A speedy maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, paired with the same focus clutch that you’ll find in the 17mm lens, makes it easy to find the sweet spot in every shot.
The 12-40mm is crafted to withstand the most demanding of conditions: its durable metallic construction is dust-proof, splash-proof, and even freeze-proof. And the inside is just as polished, with dual spherical, high refractive, and ED lens elements in nine groups to ensure smooth, crisp resolution.
Olympus’ MSC autofocus lens drive system works quickly and quietly in the background to keep your shots clean, even while shooting HD video, while a seven-bladed circular aperture yields a delicate, pleasing bokeh.
What could be better?
Weighing in at almost 15 ounces, the 12-40mm is a little heavier and clumsier than one might hope for such a versatile model. It’s not the best lens to tote around all day, nor is it easy to squeeze into a tightly packed camera bag, so keep that in mind before you buy.
There’s also a bit of softness in some focal fields, particularly near the top of its range, but the 12-40mm still compares quite favorably to lenses at the same price point and configuration. If you’re looking for a lens that can adapt nimbly to different situations, then look no further.
#5. Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.1 x 3.1 in.
- Weight: 1.94 lbs.
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 150/40
- Focus type: Stepper Motor
- The good parts: Versatile focal range, exceptional image quality, solid build quality, beautiful bokeh
- The not-so: Heavy, no internal image stabilization, bulky
Plenty of people believed that the Micro Four Thirds system would never deliver a long telephoto lens on par with the behemoths from Leica, Canon, and Nikon—but this elegant zoom lens from Olympus easily proved them wrong.
With this powerful lens, Olympus stepped up their previously lackluster telephoto game and delivered an astonishingly powerful, sensitive tool to enhance any kit.
Roughly equivalent to an 80-300mm focal range on a standard full-frame, the 40-150mm’s constant f/2.8 aperture is ideal for framing anything you come across in your adventures: shy wildlife, flighty birds, vast landscapes, and faraway landmarks.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were head over heels for the 40-150mm’s swift autofocus and excellent optics, which make it a home run for birding, sports photography, and even certain types of portraiture. In reviews, testers emphasized that this lens isn’t for the faint of heart or uncommitted. It’s a piece of highly advanced, beautifully engineered equipment whose craftsmanship all professionals will appreciate.
Such a wide focal range often results in softness or distortion somewhere along the line. Buyers praised the 40-150mm’s overall consistency, although some noted that it struggled to maintain clear subject isolation near the top of its range. However, its excellent build quality and sharp, consistent optical performance still earned serious acclaim.
What’s good?
It’s consistently sharp and vibrant throughout its wide focal range, delivering beautifully defined subjects and delightfully blurred backgrounds no matter the composition. Colors are accurate, contrast is clear, and gradations are subtle and delicate.
Add to that the fact that the autofocus is sharp and precise, and that the manual focus ring features handy engravings to mark the most common focal lengths, and this is one of the most user-friendly lenses you’ll ever find.
Its build quality is fantastically sturdy as well. The metal barrel is rugged without being uncomfortable, while the focus ring slides smoothly without any play or stiffness to speak of.
What could be better?
Since Olympus builds optical stabilization systems into its camera bodies rather than its lenses, the 40-150mm is missing this core feature. This only becomes an issue if your camera doesn’t have a solid stabilization system, but can ruin any long-distance shots.
Like any decent telephoto, this lens is heavy, large, and expensive. If you need one for the type of photography you prefer, then you know that’s exactly what you should expect. This heavy-duty lens might be overkill for someone whose skill set that doesn’t precisely demand it. For those who do need it, however, it’s the best of the best.
#6. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye PRO
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.4 x 2.4 in.
- Weight: 11 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 22/1.8
- Focus type: Stepper Motor Focus
- The good parts: Fantastic build quality, nimble autofocus, excellent optics and image quality, tactile fixtures, lightweight design
- The not-so: Expensive, bulky
If you’re craving a fresh, groovy perspective on your surroundings, there’s no better choice than this funky fisheye lens from Olympus. At f/1.8, it’s ludicrously bright and quick when compared to its close relatives. It nimbly adjusts to tricky lighting situations, accommodates a wide range of subjects, and genuinely hits its stride when you’re working in close quarters.
With an ultra-short focusing distance and staggeringly clear optics, the 8mm produces insanely beautiful images. It’s rare to find a lens that so harmoniously unites features, function, and finish. Perfectly suited to portraiture, landscapes and cityscapes, and nighttime photography, the 8mm does things you’d never expect from a fisheye lens.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were unanimous in their admiration for the 8mm’s build quality and performance, appreciating that they could take it anywhere without worrying about moisture, dust, or temperature. It’s lightweight despite its rugged design, perfect for long hours on the road or in the studio.
They also loved the 8mm for its pleasurable, accessible user experience. Its tactile physical features, easily navigable controls, and perfectly weighted barrel make it a joy to hold, focus, and carry. Although many reviewers hesitated to invest in a fisheye lens—since they’re so often inflexible in purpose—almost everyone loved this lens.
What’s good?
The 8mm doesn’t quit or mess around. A staggeringly robust 17-element, 15-group lens architecture ensures clean images with no aberration or distortion.
The edge-to-edge sharpness and image clarity are stellar, mostly due to the combination of three distinct super ED lenses and two normal ED lenses. In brightly lit situations, the innovative Zuiko Extra-Low Reflective Optical (Z.E.R.O) lens coating wipes away flare and ghosting.
Autofocusing with a fisheye is too often a nightmare. With the Olympus 8mm, it’s easy as pie. You’ll never lose a shot because of softness, you’ll never miss a moment because of slow autofocus, and you’ll never lack the technical bandwidth to capture a striking composition.
What could be better?
The 8mm doesn’t have many downsides—aside from its cost. The price rivals much more versatile lenses, while still being decently specialized, so it probably isn’t the best introduction to the Micro Four Thirds system. Invest in this lens if you’re looking to invigorate your existing photography practice, not if you want to explore the capabilities of your brand-new camera.
Although it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a jam-packed piece of equipment, this lens is long and large. It might be a little too much for a smaller and lighter camera body to handle.
#7. Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 Aspherical Lens
- Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.6 x 4.5 in.
- Weight: 14.4 oz.
- Lens Type: Fixed Focus
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 52/0.95
- Focus type: Manual Focus
- The good parts: Exquisite optics, intuitive user controls, excellent image quality, beautiful design, very durable build quality
- The not-so: Weak lens cap, solely manual focus
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the vast array of Micro Four Thirds lenses available
Unfortunately, some truly stunning lenses get lost in the chaos. This Voigtlander lens—along with its close 17mm and 45mm relatives—is often overlooked in favor of newer, flashier alternatives, but it’s still one of the best pieces of glass ever manufactured for this camera system.
Nimble, quiet, and sleekly elegant, the Voigtlander is a true connoisseur’s lens. It’s best to think of it as a throwback to an earlier era, when photography was a rare vocation, subjects were exotic, and cameras were exquisite marriages of form and function.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were unanimous in their awe of the Voigtlander’s incredible image clarity, vibrancy, and luminosity. They were amazed to find that the images it produced looked perfect straight out of the camera, even before touch-ups.
Its “nifty fifty” equivalent focal length proved ideal for any shooting situation, from portraits and landscapes to more complex street shots. The manual focus controls are so intuitive and effortless that reviewers found themselves using them without thinking, even if they were used to using autofocus. While some buyers still missed that feature, they were also charmed by its easy operation and seamless user interface.
What’s good?
Although the 25mm only offers manual focus, its action is dreamily smooth and satisfyingly solid. You’ll never struggle to pinpoint your subject. Ten diaphragm blades and eleven distinct aspherical elements lend a crisp, vivid tone to every image.
Plus, the aperture ring clicks in and out of focus, offering tactile feedback and allowing you to adjust seamlessly even when shooting HD video.
Save for some of the Zeiss/Leica lenses on this list, the Voigtlander offers some of the most durable build quality you’ll find in a Micro Four Thirds lens. It locks onto your body with a comfortable click and feels reassuringly solid in your palm.
What could be better?
The Voigtlander’s lens cap is the weak spot in an otherwise perfect package. It constantly falls off, loses tension, and exposes the valuable glass beneath to dust and moisture. That’s a huge disappointment in such a pricey and durable lens, especially if you’re planning to take it into more sensitive conditions like a rainy day or a windy beach.
Aside from that minor flaw, there isn’t much to complain about. Balancing intuitive controls with astonishing optics and features, this is simply the perfect lens for the dedicated professional or the serious hobbyist.
#8. Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 G X VARIO LENS
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.7 x 2.7 in.
- Weight: 9.6 oz.
- Lens Type: Zoom Lens
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 2.8/22
- Focus type: Manual and Automatic
- The good parts: Fully weatherproofed design, exceptional optics, fantastic build quality, quiet autofocus, powerful image stabilization engine
- The not-so: Heavy, cheap-feeling materials
With its combination of breathtaking optics, advanced technical features, and whisper-quiet operation, this Panasonic lens has become the dependable “workhorse” of the Micro Four Thirds system. Long admired by videographers who have jumped ship to the mirrorless system, the 12-35mm has since started to catch the attention of photographers everywhere.
This gorgeous 35mm equivalent lens routinely blows testers away with its delicate balance of sensitivity, ruggedness, and power. If you’re in the market for a lens that covers all the sweet spots, then you might want to take this one out for a spin—or just take it straight home.
What do reviewers say about it?
Citing its overall performance and durability, many reviewers recommended this lens as the best all-in-one zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system. They raved about its compact frame, indestructible build quality, and extraordinary video capabilities. They were particularly impressed by its internal image stabilization system, which compensates for shakes and stumbles that would easily trip up lesser lenses.
Although this lens shows a small increase in price over its closest competitors, nearly every buyer insisted that their purchase was a smart one. For a lens that can deliver in any situation and handle almost anything you ask of it, the price isn’t even that steep.
What’s good?
The bottom line: this lens’ reputation rests on its incredible optical design. Four aspherical elements, one ultra extra-low dispersion element, and a single high refractive index element combine for a clear, sharp, vibrantly colorful image. Each individual element has Nano Surface Coating to neutralize color aberrations and lens flare, while a POWER Optical Image Stabilizer almost completely eliminates the appearance of camera shake.
Since this lens is part of Panasonic’s premium X Series, it’s dustproof, splashproof, freezeproof, and doggedly resistant to the worst conditions. Inside, a rounded seven-blade diaphragm produces soft, delicate bokeh that’s sure to impress even a hardened, seasoned professional.
What could be better?
Nothing is perfect, sadly, and even exceptional lenses like this one usually fall short in some ways. For one, the 12-35mm doesn’t strike a fantastic balance between build quality and usability It’s comparatively quite heavy, which is sure to come as a disappointment to the many Micro Four Thirds shooters that prioritize portability and comfort.
For all that weight, however, its construction still feels a little cheap and flimsy. It doesn’t have the heft of some of the pricier lenses on this list. While that’s certainly not a deal-breaker for most, it is regrettable in a lens that’s otherwise simply wonderful.
#9. Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f/1.8 Lens
- Dimensions: 2.7 x 2.5 x 2.5 in.
- Weight: 10.7 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 75/75
- Focus type: Micromotor
- The good parts: Fast autofocus, astonishing image quality, lightweight and portable design, affordable price, quiet operation, tactile fixtures
- The not-so: Focus issues, no weatherproofing
Experts agree: this beautiful prime from Olympus is one of the sharpest lenses ever built for any system, not only the Micro Four Thirds. It truly has the whole package: stunning image quality, lightning-fast operation, a host of sophisticated features, and a classic build with rugged materials.
Although it’s billed primarily as a portrait lens, this razor-sharp beauty is equally at home shooting at the park or on the street. It’s lightweight enough to slip easily into a pocket, yet sturdy enough to stand up to long days of shooting—and powerful enough to deliver exceptional optics in any lighting. No matter where you travel or what you shoot, this lens makes anyone look good.
What do reviewers say about it?
It’s rare to find anyone who gives the 75mm less than a perfect five-star rating. That’s no surprise when you consider its insanely fast autofocus, breathtaking image quality, and dependable build quality—all features that testers praised over and over again.
One unique feature that buyers praised was the 75mm’s unobtrusive size and whisper-quiet autofocus engineering. They said these qualities made it easy to capture priceless candid moments when subjects aren’t paying attention to the photographer. It can be hard to find a lens that delivers astonishing images without detracting from the situation. For that reason alone, this lens seems to be a keeper for thousands of professionals and hobbyists.
What’s good?
Delectable bokeh, razor-sharp detail, and gorgeous colors are par for the course when you have the 75mm on your hip. This lens acquires focus in the blink of an eye, then delivers astonishingly crisp detail, making it equally well suited for intimate portraits and action-packed sports shots.
And considering that this powerhouse routinely turns out images measuring up to the output of primes that cost thousands of dollars, even the price is a steal.
Thankfully, the outside is nearly as beautiful as the inside. A sleek all-metal finish with etched engravings and a smooth, tactile focus ring are guaranteed to make the 75mm one of the most comfortable, enjoyable lenses you’ve ever used.
What could be better?
Although the 75mm’s autofocus is fast and precise, it’s sometimes too flighty for its own good. Multiple reviewers have noted that this lens struggles with continuous focus, constantly hunting for subjects and refusing to hold focus for longer than a few seconds.
This issue seems to only appear in low-lit or backlit situations, but it’s an unavoidable flaw that might singlehandedly cripple a shoot.
It’s also not fully weather-sealed, which most photographers would likely expect at this price point. If you need a companion for a rugged, all-weather camera body, then the 75mm likely isn’t the best choice for your kit.
#10. Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 45mm f/1.8 Lens
- Dimensions: 1.8 x 2.2 x 2.2 in.
- Weight: 4.09 oz.
- Lens Type: Prime
- Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 45/45
- Focus type: Micromotor
- The good parts: Quiet autofocus, excellent image quality, affordable price, beautiful detail and rich bokeh
- The not-so: No onboard image stabilization, plastic body, bad continuous autofocus tracking
Designed primarily with portrait photographers in mind, this beautiful 45mm lens still passes every test with flying colors. Nimble, sharp, and compact, it’s everything that a Micro Four Thirds lens should be. Whether you love it for its fast autofocus system, its tough-as-nails build quality, or its astonishing image output, this is one lens purchase that you’ll never regret.
This classic, versatile focal length is perfect for almost anything, making this lens perfect as a walkabout, all-in-one piece of equipment. If you haven’t yet filled that sweet spot in your kit, then you should give this miniature marvel some serious consideration.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers were thrilled with the 45mm’s staggering image quality, quiet autofocus mechanism, and relatively affordable price. Many referred to it as their “go-to” lens in any conditions, or even as the lens that cemented their switch to the Micro Four Thirds system. While the autofocus is quick and accurate, several reviewers praised the satisfyingly tactile feeling of dialing the manual focus ring.
Although most didn’t recommend this lens as a first foray into the world of Micro Four Thirds lenses—mostly due to its constraining prime focal length—it has also earned uniform praise as a professional-grade imaging tool.
What’s good?
With its bright f/1.8 aperture and comparatively shallow depth of field, the 45mm excels at shooting intimate, lush portraiture. A rounded, seven-bladed diaphragm gives a vibrant yet soft bokeh, while a pinpoint autofocus system, running on the Movie & Still Compatible linear drive motor, makes it easy to compose the perfect image.
Like the Olympus 8mm described above, the 45mm also features Olympus’ cutting-edge Z.E.R.O. coating to eliminate lens flare, ghosting, and any other aberrations that threaten to ruin your carefully planned shots. It puts on a great show in low lighting, too, thanks to that wide-open aperture.
What could be better?
When considering the 45mm, it’s useful to remember that Olympus designs lenses to fit their camera bodies, which always incorporate body stabilization. There’s no onboard image stabilizer in this lens, so if you shoot with a body from another brand, you could be left with shaky shots and subpar exposure.
The lens body is primarily plastic, so this isn’t the most elegant lens in the world—but it still holds up fantastically well. As some videographers have aptly noted, the 45mm’s continuous autofocus isn’t designed to track a moving subject. If you’re looking for a capable HD video lens for your Micro Four Thirds camera, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.
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