This lens was probably on the engineers' work bench at Olympus as a work-in-progress and hadn't been released because of all the green and purple fringing. And, then, the camera division gets sold and the new OM-Systems boss says, "who cares if it's flawed, we need new products with our name stamped on them, start making and selling this lens!" This is the only new product with "OM Systems" stamped on it that isn't just a minor update to an already-existing Olympus product. Thanks for this review, I was considering buying this but now I see that I should probably get a used 17/1.2 instead.
Yep mine has a lot of CA. even in mild lighting situations like under cloudy conditions. Brought it to a wedding (as a guest) and the bride and anyone wearing white was glowing purple. Shame cause I really like the feather bokeh
Very interesting review. I have had this lens for about 8 months. I choose it over the 17 1.2 for compacity and weight. It worked well as my travel lens on a gh5. I experienced chromatism on light sources at night at 1.4. However in most (99%) of cases, things were fine. Still i agree that with so many lenses and special glass, it is a bit strange (and for the price). Pb for me is again the 17 1.2 is too massive. So i am sticking to it. Cheers
I’m glad someone else had a less than stellar experience with this lens. I bought it when it was released and returned it as image quality was subpar. I think they have cut corners with this lens. Or at least it should not be a pro lens and price should come down. Also, no MF clutch? Hopefully that’s not an indication of future products quality from OMD.
You're right. LoCa is the problem. It is not as bad as Sigma 30mm 1.4, but not any better than Panasonic and oly 25mm. The only optically perfect wide lens without LoCa and Ca is the 17mm 1.2. I think it is worth pay some extra money for 17mm1.2, but it is wider and bigger.
You are absolutely right and spot-on in this review! I owned this lens and was disappointed. It's no good and doesn't live up to the "Pro" status. Strange distorted images at faster speeds (1.4 - 2.8), with low contrast and color shifts. I sold it after only using it for 2 days! I have all the other real Olympus Pro lenses, which are flawless and offer perfect image quality. It's a pity for this one because the angle of view and speed are perfect.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - really appreciated to get honest reviews and not just the euphemistic parts. I very much agree with your view, that a PRO lens shouldn’t have such a severe CA issue and it’s not always easy to remove in LR.
I’m hoping that this is not a step backwards with OM System lenses. I’ve come to love the manual focus clutch on Olympus lenses so I was disappointed that this ‘pro’ lens missed out on the clutch. I like the f1.4 smaller lens form factor compared to the f1.2 lenses coupled with the weather proofing which would make for a nice upgrade on the old Olympus premium f1.8 lenses if OM System chose to do so. Hopefully the optics in future don’t disappoint as per your example. Thanks for the video 👍
I wouldn't mind the lack of manual focus clutch if the optics were without issues. Strange that the tiny little 17mm f/1.8 has MF clutch but this does not, so it probably wouldn't be something to increase the size a lot. Unless the focusing mechanism is much more complex in this lens.
Hi Martin, thanks for your look at the 20mm. I must say, the presence of those colourful aberrations really puts a damper on any enthusiasm this lens might have generated. I own four Olympus M.Zuiko Pro lenses, and they are all excellent optics--well made, reliable, weather sealed, fast, and sharp edge to edge, with no real optical issues at all. Well, that's the case with three of them. The 7-14mm f/2.8, while quite good, exhibits obvious optical stretching (distortion) closer to the edges, and is prone to some pretty dramatic flaring from especially bright points of light. That said, it is a hugely wide lens, so you kind of expect that. The L-Fn button, and manual clutch exist on all of my lenses, and I appreciate those pro grade options. In the case of this 20mm that you've reviewed here, the lack of the manual clutch alone, is a little troubling. It leaves me wondering if the design was rushed out, or simply not subject to the same strict standards as previous Olympus branded Pro grade lenses. Toss in all those aberrations and I agree with your take--too much money for an imperfect design. Perhaps OMDS will see this feedback, and look into tweaking the design with a revised Version 2 that better reflects the high quality attributes of the Pro grade series. Thanks for doing this video, Martin. Much appreciated.
To some degree, bokeh fringing seems to be normal with fast lenses. Even the almost perfect M.Zuiko 45mm/1.2 has it in extreme situations (backlight at f/1.2) and I have already spent some time in fixing that manually. But the reflection highlights should really not be so colourful as in Matti's pictures. But even if that problem wasn't there, I still had no reason to trade-in my Lumix 20mm/1.7 which is also optically very good.
Well, I own this lens since a few weeks and I have nothing to say about the quality of the images I took with it, at various Fs. It is tack sharp and weather sealed, which is why I sold my former 17mm F1.8 and 24 mm F1.8. I do not regret my choice.
Compromises were made to keep the lens compact. For me the lens has a special rendering and 3D pop to it that other lenses don't have. I bought the lens for $380 used and am happy with its performance for this price. It is much, much better than the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 wide open.
I have to agree. I wouldn't expect that problem at 699 euros. Also, given there's already a Panasonic 20mm (lighter, smaller, less elements, slower AF), would you choose it over the Olympus?
Apparently the Oly in camera jpg engine and RAW software will correct the purple fringing, this is what I have been told OM System, if it was 35mm equiv I would have bought it...Forgot to mention there is also firmware upgrade for the reduce the purple fringing...
Great honest review about this hyped lens. I liked how did you reveal that LOCA. Nice! I think this lens is compromised since bigger oly pro primes have delivered from wide open and this ”rule” of (PRO)quality branding will now tail off. But this is what you get.
I can’t believe OM Systems would release a lens with chromatic aberration and charge pro price. I hope this isn’t going to be typical for the rest of their lenses.
Further to the discussion with regard to the aberration the way modern optics is designed is done by computer software. The engineers should be able to predict the performance and eliminate any flaws by incorporating extra elements. I have looked at least two other reviews and none have been concerned by the aberration as much as you. I suspect the flaw maybe due to its manufacturing rather than the design. Where was it made? I will be surprised if it came from Japan.
The LoCa has been mentioned in other reviews too, but maybe some reviewers don’t think it is a serious problem. LoCa does not come from manufacturing. It comes from the design, because of the nature of the phenomenon. Manufacturing flaws are typically uneven sharpness or softness wide open etc. The lens I tested was very sharp and good sample in every way. If I remember correctly the lens is made in Japan.
This is exactly why I simply couldn't justify getting this lens...Definitely agree if the price was closer to $300 than it would be worth it. But as it stands not impressed.
I hate LoCa. Few people talk about this problem, and most of the bright ff primes have a big problem with it. You should buy a used 17mm 1.2. In my opinion, the best m43 lens, along with the 300mm f4. Zero Ca, zero LoCa, superfast autofocus, much more precise than sigma 16mm 1.4, especially in low light and with om-1.
Thank you for these insights! I would like to have such a lens, but optically constructed correctly and at a lower price... Is there stabilization built into the lens?
I see that your review of this lens was made a year ago. I now wonder if OM-System has improved anything on this problem of Longitude chromatic aberration? See also that this lens is not a sales breaker! Would like to buy this lens if that problem was solved and the price (?) would have been reduced a bit (699€ here)
Yeah, it's actually about 18 months since I made the video. I think it's hard to improve the LoCA problem unless they release a version of the lens with improved optics.
@@mattisulanto I use a Lumix G9 and mostly Leica lenses, but I also own a Sony A6600. I would love to be able to use some of the Leica lenses on the Sony just to see the results. I only have the Sony for low light situations. I don’t mind using manual focus.
UPDATE: I've found out in a video (don't know which one, because I searched a lot to clarify what's happening with this lens) that sometime OM System might have made a firmware change. Also this theory is strengthened by the sticker with the date code inside the box and a mysterous text in the manual of the lens about source code, firmware, open-platform and intellectual property (which I've never ever seen with any of my other lenses). 🤔 Even more interesting there is no Firmware update link or Downloadable instruction manual on the website of the lens!?!?! ALL the other lenses have, like the 17, 25, 12-45, 45 1.2 PRO. And because I mostly shoot in JPEG would also explain why I don't see that CA. RAW could be different, but I don't know. My findings are also in line with customer reviews on webshops and amazon, that 37 out of 40 reviewers rated the lens to 5 out of 5 stars. So my take on the lens what could happened: - First OM or Olympus or whatever company released a batch or more of this lens with a first firmware, then the sales got hit by the negative reviews on the obvious LoCA problem. - In the meanwhile they updated the firmware in the newer, most recent batches, but didn't released it for downloading or updating previous owners due to the firmware intellectual property blattering in the manual. - And considering the high price tag, I guess not a alot of people wanted to risk there money. If you look there are only just a few available on eBay, so the lens is becoming quite rare now. Although I think this is a shame, because this is one of those situations when an otherwise IMPRESSIVE product got hit by first sales and support problems. -------------------------------------- I have to say this video has confused me and I was really-really afraid to purchase this lens... But thankfully the review is true only for maybe an older firmware version or sample variation affected lens. My one is really IMPRESSIVE in all aspects. It does even outresolves my Pana GX8 with it's 20MP sensor! I can clearly distinguish very small hairline cracks (!) in a wall of a house photographed from the other side of the street (at least 15 meters) at f1.4. Now that's AMAZING! And also I can't see any real signs of chromatic aberrations you speak of. Maybe you just got an older version of the lens or simply a defective or uncoated one. Or maybe my one is a later series. (Made 2022. 06., as a small sticker says with a date code in the box) Don't know, but truly there is no chromatic aberrations to speak of with this lens. This is the perfect lens, if you want a Pana 20 1.7 maximized in all areas! After I've purchased this I've sold my PanaLeica 25 1.4 version II, Olympus 17 1.8 and Pana 20 1.7 version II. Absolutely no regrets. This lens does it all, and better in all the way!
I'm happy to hear you like the lens. I only shared what I saw with photos to prove that. If you don't see the same, good for you and I can't dispute that. My friend Robin Wong came to the same conclusion though. Please see his video here: ua-cam.com/video/fuxJQZIFOjc/v-deo.html
@@mattisulanto Don't get me wrong, I really love the reviews you do! Honest, stylish and a pleasure to watch. So that's why I was hesitant purchasing this lens, because I give a lot to your opinion. And also that's why I think, there has to be some huge sample variations with this 20 1.4. It wouldn't be the first time in history, isn't it? :D Anyway keep up the excellent work, I'm a huge fan of your channel! ;)
@@mattisulanto UPDATE: I've found out in a video (don't know which one, because I searched a lot to clarify what's happening with this lens) that sometime OM System might have made a firmware change. Also this theory is strengthened by the sticker with the date code inside the box and a mysterous text in the manual of the lens about source code, firmware, open-platform and intellectual property (which I've never ever seen with any of my other lenses). 🤔 Even more interesting there is no Firmware update link or Downloadable instruction manual on the website of the lens!?!?! All the other lenses have, like the 17, 25 and 45 1.2 PRO. And because I mostly shoot in JPEG would also explain why I don't see that CA. I guess RAW could be different.
I thought about replacing my 17mm f/1.8 with this 20mm f/1.4 Pro. But after looking at your review of this lens, I think I'll keep my 17mm f/1.8 a bit longer. Don't understand after there are so many elements in this lens, there is still so much aberration visible at f/1.4 Don't know if OM System can change that software-wise? Or a new version with improvements made Moreover, the price for this lens is rather high. I hope this is not going to be a disappointment for OM System for the sale of this lens. As a company, you don't want to stay on site and make progress!
No comparison to the elderly Lumix 20mm found at the bottom of everyone's camera bag? You know the 20mm is not wide angle. The 4/3 sensor is 17.3x13.0mm making the diagonal, the image circle, 21.7mm. The 20 is closer to a standard lens on MFT than a 25 is. The full frame 135 diagonal is 43.3mm, making the crop factor actually 43.3 / 21.7 = 1.995 😉 I've been using my pair of pancake Lumix 20mm f/1.7 for years. They are an older Leica design with 7 elements in 5 groups (2 asph). Maybe a little slower to focus. I would not call them pro but they surely must be compared. And the Leica 25mm f/1.4 (gone) which was sharp wide open - I regret parting with it now but it was the right deal at the time. I do have an adaptable PK fast Chinon 50mm f/1.4 but that is rubbish wide open and the next click is f/2, and weighs in like a block of lead. The Oly 45 beats it out of town. It was cheap used old lens though and does work well on the film SLR.
@@mattisulanto the AF is the camera, the speed of AF is the lens focus motor. It's not instant beep-click perhaps but still quick and rarely fails to lock focus. My (cof) test for focussing is to AF on clouds. A few like the 14-140 will struggle, this seems to be down to the iris size (they focus wide open).
@@mattisulanto I sold my Panny 20mm f/1.7 (original model) because of its slow and NOISY autofocus! I'm eyeing the OMD 20mm. I hope you just got a bad copy!
Hello Matti end everybody else reading this :) I recently bought the lens and the longitudinal CA are really pronounced at f1.4. I wanted to ask if you think that the CA on the PL 25mm f1.4 are as comparrable as this lens when shooting wide open? That would be a really good alternative if it is much better in this regard. Thank you for your answers!
The Leica 25mm is a much older design and it also has some LoCA, but not quite as bad. The Leica is also not as sharp wide open, but it has a very nice character.
@@mattisulanto Hey, I just wanted to add my experience to this. As I also had the 25 1.4 II, which had some CA, but really not bad. But with my 20 1.4, I can't see any signs of it! And I'm doing a lot of wedding photography. So now I think there has to be some huge sample veriations with this lens. Maybe you just got a beta version of the lens or simply a defective or uncoated one. Or maybe my one is a later series. (Made 2022. 06., as the date code says on it) Don't know, but truly there is no chromatic aberrations to speak of with this lens.
Hello, How to be sure this issue has now been fixed....(or not...) I want to buy a 20mm focal length for my emd-om1 mk ii but clearly hesitate between this omds 20mm f1.4 and lumix 20mm f1.7 for street photography...does omds give some answers to this LoCA issue ?
Oh that longitudinal chromatic aberration is really a deal breaker. No way I woud pay nearly 700e for this lens. Maybe 350e would be a better price and then I would consider buying it. Just have to wait for the mk2 version. Also I kinda wanted it to have that af/mf switch focus ring... Maybe OM systems get it right next time.
I can't get excited about this lens. I have the Oly 17mm f1.8, it has a clutch, it is metal, it is much smaller. Also, the size of this 20mm, why not go for the 12-45mm f4? That lens is about the same size. If you take photos at f4 anyway, it could be a better choice perhaps?
Just stick with the 17mm 1.8, the 1.2 is too big and while the 1.8 is not supposed to be sharp I have never had any real world issues and it's an absolute pleasure to use, and it has a manual focus clutch and zone focusing
OM System is very worst name. The name is meaningless. Also didn't like that they lied on start , where's their "wow" camera? I hope they succeed and they release a truly wow camera. And I thought I had a lot of pink aberrations on the Leica 25 1.4...) here they are noticeably more
Nice and honest review, as always. I was considering to get this one, but I think that 25 mm f/1.2 is much better, and focal length is not a big deal (upon my needs) By the way - on what camera and lens did you film this review - it looks so crispy :)
If you're new to m43 and really like the 20mm focal length, then the M Zuiko 20mm f1.4 might be for you. But I vastly prefer the f1.2 Pro primes, particularly the 17mm. It has everything you'd want in a prime... except for an aperture ring. This Zuiko 20mm stands out by the Pro features missing (focus clutch, FN button). And I already own the classic Lumix 20mm f1.7. Not the fastest AF lens, but very small and IQ quite good. So like many other m43 owners, I already have my 20mm lens. OM System/Olympus is over a decade late. But with all that said, nice to have choices.
Olympus Stil exists, but not for Cameras. I think that they will bring new primes f1.4 weather sealed and they will also bring constant aperture zoom lenses f4. Both options will substitute the f1.8 primes and the old zoom lenses. Based on your last reviews from OM / Olympus products I was pretty sure that you will bring negative opinions about it. I understand this lens as a very unique option for m43 Cameras. Of course it is not perfect. Like the Sonys: they are good but have terrible colors!! And are expensive!! :)
![OM System M.Zuiko 20mm f1.4 Pro - [Hands On!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2kTdbHR_sh4/mqdefault.jpg)
This lens was probably on the engineers' work bench at Olympus as a work-in-progress and hadn't been released because of all the green and purple fringing. And, then, the camera division gets sold and the new OM-Systems boss says, "who cares if it's flawed, we need new products with our name stamped on them, start making and selling this lens!" This is the only new product with "OM Systems" stamped on it that isn't just a minor update to an already-existing Olympus product. Thanks for this review, I was considering buying this but now I see that I should probably get a used 17/1.2 instead.
Thanks. What you say might be the case. Maybe this lens was a casualty of the transitional period.
Yep mine has a lot of CA. even in mild lighting situations like under cloudy conditions. Brought it to a wedding (as a guest) and the bride and anyone wearing white was glowing purple. Shame cause I really like the feather bokeh
THANK YOU for being honest here! Happy to stick with my 17mm 1.2!
Thanks for watching.
Very interesting review. I have had this lens for about 8 months. I choose it over the 17 1.2 for compacity and weight. It worked well as my travel lens on a gh5. I experienced chromatism on light sources at night at 1.4. However in most (99%) of cases, things were fine. Still i agree that with so many lenses and special glass, it is a bit strange (and for the price). Pb for me is again the 17 1.2 is too massive. So i am sticking to it. Cheers
Thanks for sharing. Good to hear you are happy with the lens.
I’m glad someone else had a less than stellar experience with this lens. I bought it when it was released and returned it as image quality was subpar. I think they have cut corners with this lens. Or at least it should not be a pro lens and price should come down. Also, no MF clutch? Hopefully that’s not an indication of future products quality from OMD.
Thanks for sharing.
You're right. LoCa is the problem. It is not as bad as Sigma 30mm 1.4, but not any better than Panasonic and oly 25mm. The only optically perfect wide lens without LoCa and Ca is the 17mm 1.2. I think it is worth pay some extra money for 17mm1.2, but it is wider and bigger.
You are absolutely right and spot-on in this review! I owned this lens and was disappointed. It's no good and doesn't live up to the "Pro" status. Strange distorted images at faster speeds (1.4 - 2.8), with low contrast and color shifts. I sold it after only using it for 2 days! I have all the other real Olympus Pro lenses, which are flawless and offer perfect image quality. It's a pity for this one because the angle of view and speed are perfect.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts - really appreciated to get honest reviews and not just the euphemistic parts. I very much agree with your view, that a PRO lens shouldn’t have such a severe CA issue and it’s not always easy to remove in LR.
Thanks for watching!
First real review, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I’m hoping that this is not a step backwards with OM System lenses. I’ve come to love the manual focus clutch on Olympus lenses so I was disappointed that this ‘pro’ lens missed out on the clutch. I like the f1.4 smaller lens form factor compared to the f1.2 lenses coupled with the weather proofing which would make for a nice upgrade on the old Olympus premium f1.8 lenses if OM System chose to do so. Hopefully the optics in future don’t disappoint as per your example. Thanks for the video 👍
Thanks for watching.
I wouldn't mind the lack of manual focus clutch if the optics were without issues. Strange that the tiny little 17mm f/1.8 has MF clutch but this does not, so it probably wouldn't be something to increase the size a lot. Unless the focusing mechanism is much more complex in this lens.
I purchased the OM 20mm lens. I liked the design and fast focus, but images were softer wide open than my Lumix 20, so I returned it,
Wow (
Thanks for sharing. The Lumix 20mm is very good optically, but the AF is on the slow side.
Lumix 20 is poor of details at 1.7 compared to 25 1.4. It is the best (for me). Analogica look of the images and a lot of contrast and micro contrast
Think you might have received a bad copy. My Lumix 20mm is very sharp but my OM 20mm is much sharper still. Maybe worth another try
Hi Martin, thanks for your look at the 20mm. I must say, the presence of those colourful aberrations really puts a damper on any enthusiasm this lens might have generated. I own four Olympus M.Zuiko Pro lenses, and they are all excellent optics--well made, reliable, weather sealed, fast, and sharp edge to edge, with no real optical issues at all. Well, that's the case with three of them. The 7-14mm f/2.8, while quite good, exhibits obvious optical stretching (distortion) closer to the edges, and is prone to some pretty dramatic flaring from especially bright points of light. That said, it is a hugely wide lens, so you kind of expect that. The L-Fn button, and manual clutch exist on all of my lenses, and I appreciate those pro grade options. In the case of this 20mm that you've reviewed here, the lack of the manual clutch alone, is a little troubling. It leaves me wondering if the design was rushed out, or simply not subject to the same strict standards as previous Olympus branded Pro grade lenses. Toss in all those aberrations and I agree with your take--too much money for an imperfect design. Perhaps OMDS will see this feedback, and look into tweaking the design with a revised Version 2 that better reflects the high quality attributes of the Pro grade series. Thanks for doing this video, Martin. Much appreciated.
Thanks for watching!
To some degree, bokeh fringing seems to be normal with fast lenses. Even the almost perfect M.Zuiko 45mm/1.2 has it in extreme situations (backlight at f/1.2) and I have already spent some time in fixing that manually. But the reflection highlights should really not be so colourful as in Matti's pictures. But even if that problem wasn't there, I still had no reason to trade-in my Lumix 20mm/1.7 which is also optically very good.
That little Lumix 20mm is fantastic, if you can live with the AF😀
Interesting video and great to see your opinion of the lens. I picked one up around five or six months ago and have actually been very happy with it 🙂
Thanks and good to hear you are happy with your lens.
Guess I’ll wait for the II version of this lens. I love the fov. Will wait until they get it right.
Well, I own this lens since a few weeks and I have nothing to say about the quality of the images I took with it, at various Fs. It is tack sharp and weather sealed, which is why I sold my former 17mm F1.8 and 24 mm F1.8. I do not regret my choice.
Good to hear you are happy with your new lens😀
thank you for your review. But why buy a 1.4 if you can't use it at 1.4? nuts!
Compromises were made to keep the lens compact. For me the lens has a special rendering and 3D pop to it that other lenses don't have. I bought the lens for $380 used and am happy with its performance for this price. It is much, much better than the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 wide open.
I have to agree. I wouldn't expect that problem at 699 euros. Also, given there's already a Panasonic 20mm (lighter, smaller, less elements, slower AF), would you choose it over the Olympus?
I have the Lumix 20mm and I think it’s fantastic, if you can live with the AF, which has never been a problem for me.
Is that the f /1.7? Given the price comparison, it sounds like a no brainer.
Apparently the Oly in camera jpg engine and RAW software will correct the purple fringing, this is what I have been told OM System, if it was 35mm equiv I would have bought it...Forgot to mention there is also firmware upgrade for the reduce the purple fringing...
Great honest review about this hyped lens. I liked how did you reveal that LOCA. Nice! I think this lens is compromised since bigger oly pro primes have delivered from wide open and this ”rule” of (PRO)quality branding will now tail off. But this is what you get.
Thanks for watching.
I can’t believe OM Systems would release a lens with chromatic aberration and charge pro price. I hope this isn’t going to be typical for the rest of their lenses.
Further to the discussion with regard to the aberration the way modern optics is designed is done by computer software. The engineers should be able to predict the performance and eliminate any flaws by incorporating extra elements. I have looked at least two other reviews and none have been concerned by the aberration as much as you. I suspect the flaw maybe due to its manufacturing rather than the design. Where was it made? I will be surprised if it came from Japan.
The LoCa has been mentioned in other reviews too, but maybe some reviewers don’t think it is a serious problem. LoCa does not come from manufacturing. It comes from the design, because of the nature of the phenomenon. Manufacturing flaws are typically uneven sharpness or softness wide open etc. The lens I tested was very sharp and good sample in every way. If I remember correctly the lens is made in Japan.
This is exactly why I simply couldn't justify getting this lens...Definitely agree if the price was closer to $300 than it would be worth it. But as it stands not impressed.
Thanks.
I hate LoCa. Few people talk about this problem, and most of the bright ff primes have a big problem with it. You should buy a used 17mm 1.2. In my opinion, the best m43 lens, along with the 300mm f4. Zero Ca, zero LoCa, superfast autofocus, much more precise than sigma 16mm 1.4, especially in low light and with om-1.
Seems like the lighter, smaller $200 Canon EF 40mm pancake is just as good, but with no LoCA problems and whole lot more Total Light transmission.
Thanks. Probably the Canon is as good and so is the Sony 40mm F2.5 G.
Hi Matt. Thanks for sharing. What do you think about Leica 25 1.4 compared to this Lens? Thanks
They are two quite different lenses. The Leica renders more old school way and the Zuiko has more modern look.
Thank you for these insights! I would like to have such a lens, but optically constructed correctly and at a lower price...
Is there stabilization built into the lens?
Thanks for watching. No stabilizer in this lens.
I see that your review of this lens was made a year ago. I now wonder if OM-System has improved anything on this problem of Longitude chromatic aberration? See also that this lens is not a sales breaker! Would like to buy this lens if that problem was solved and the price (?) would have been reduced a bit (699€ here)
Yeah, it's actually about 18 months since I made the video. I think it's hard to improve the LoCA problem unless they release a version of the lens with improved optics.
I think I'm going to wait. I hope they will release an improved version one day knowing that this has to be better
It would be interesting to see a video about using M4/3 lenses on a Sony crop sensor camera.
That would require a very thin 1,25mm adapter and I don't know if such adapter exists. Why do think it would be interesting?
@@mattisulanto I use a Lumix G9 and mostly Leica lenses, but I also own a Sony A6600. I would love to be able to use some of the Leica lenses on the Sony just to see the results. I only have the Sony for low light situations.
I don’t mind using manual focus.
UPDATE:
I've found out in a video (don't know which one, because I searched a lot to clarify what's happening with this lens) that sometime OM System might have made a firmware change.
Also this theory is strengthened by the sticker with the date code inside the box and a mysterous text in the manual of the lens about source code, firmware, open-platform and intellectual property (which I've never ever seen with any of my other lenses). 🤔
Even more interesting there is no Firmware update link or Downloadable instruction manual on the website of the lens!?!?! ALL the other lenses have, like the 17, 25, 12-45, 45 1.2 PRO.
And because I mostly shoot in JPEG would also explain why I don't see that CA. RAW could be different, but I don't know.
My findings are also in line with customer reviews on webshops and amazon, that 37 out of 40 reviewers rated the lens to 5 out of 5 stars.
So my take on the lens what could happened:
- First OM or Olympus or whatever company released a batch or more of this lens with a first firmware, then the sales got hit by the negative reviews on the obvious LoCA problem.
- In the meanwhile they updated the firmware in the newer, most recent batches, but didn't released it for downloading or updating previous owners due to the firmware intellectual property blattering in the manual.
- And considering the high price tag, I guess not a alot of people wanted to risk there money. If you look there are only just a few available on eBay, so the lens is becoming quite rare now.
Although I think this is a shame, because this is one of those situations when an otherwise IMPRESSIVE product got hit by first sales and support problems.
--------------------------------------
I have to say this video has confused me and I was really-really afraid to purchase this lens...
But thankfully the review is true only for maybe an older firmware version or sample variation affected lens. My one is really IMPRESSIVE in all aspects.
It does even outresolves my Pana GX8 with it's 20MP sensor! I can clearly distinguish very small hairline cracks (!) in a wall of a house photographed from the other side of the street (at least 15 meters) at f1.4. Now that's AMAZING!
And also I can't see any real signs of chromatic aberrations you speak of. Maybe you just got an older version of the lens or simply a defective or uncoated one. Or maybe my one is a later series. (Made 2022. 06., as a small sticker says with a date code in the box) Don't know, but truly there is no chromatic aberrations to speak of with this lens.
This is the perfect lens, if you want a Pana 20 1.7 maximized in all areas! After I've purchased this I've sold my PanaLeica 25 1.4 version II, Olympus 17 1.8 and Pana 20 1.7 version II. Absolutely no regrets. This lens does it all, and better in all the way!
I'm happy to hear you like the lens. I only shared what I saw with photos to prove that. If you don't see the same, good for you and I can't dispute that. My friend Robin Wong came to the same conclusion though. Please see his video here: ua-cam.com/video/fuxJQZIFOjc/v-deo.html
@@mattisulanto Don't get me wrong, I really love the reviews you do! Honest, stylish and a pleasure to watch. So that's why I was hesitant purchasing this lens, because I give a lot to your opinion. And also that's why I think, there has to be some huge sample variations with this 20 1.4. It wouldn't be the first time in history, isn't it? :D
Anyway keep up the excellent work, I'm a huge fan of your channel! ;)
@@mattisulanto UPDATE:
I've found out in a video (don't know which one, because I searched a lot to clarify what's happening with this lens) that sometime OM System might have made a firmware change.
Also this theory is strengthened by the sticker with the date code inside the box and a mysterous text in the manual of the lens about source code, firmware, open-platform and intellectual property (which I've never ever seen with any of my other lenses). 🤔
Even more interesting there is no Firmware update link or Downloadable instruction manual on the website of the lens!?!?! All the other lenses have, like the 17, 25 and 45 1.2 PRO.
And because I mostly shoot in JPEG would also explain why I don't see that CA. I guess RAW could be different.
I thought about replacing my 17mm f/1.8 with this 20mm f/1.4 Pro. But after looking at your review of this lens, I think I'll keep my 17mm f/1.8 a bit longer.
Don't understand after there are so many elements in this lens, there is still so much aberration visible at f/1.4
Don't know if OM System can change that software-wise?
Or a new version with improvements made
Moreover, the price for this lens is rather high.
I hope this is not going to be a disappointment for OM System for the sale of this lens. As a company, you don't want to stay on site and make progress!
Thanks. I know people who are happy users of this lens, but my opinion is what it is. Too much bokeh fringing for a pro grade lens and for this price.
@@mattisulanto This is also my opinion. The 20mm f/1.4 Pro will still serve and will not replace my 17mm f/1.8
No comparison to the elderly Lumix 20mm found at the bottom of everyone's camera bag?
You know the 20mm is not wide angle. The 4/3 sensor is 17.3x13.0mm making the diagonal, the image circle, 21.7mm. The 20 is closer to a standard lens on MFT than a 25 is.
The full frame 135 diagonal is 43.3mm, making the crop factor actually 43.3 / 21.7 = 1.995 😉
I've been using my pair of pancake Lumix 20mm f/1.7 for years. They are an older Leica design with 7 elements in 5 groups (2 asph). Maybe a little slower to focus. I would not call them pro but they surely must be compared. And the Leica 25mm f/1.4 (gone) which was sharp wide open - I regret parting with it now but it was the right deal at the time.
I do have an adaptable PK fast Chinon 50mm f/1.4 but that is rubbish wide open and the next click is f/2, and weighs in like a block of lead. The Oly 45 beats it out of town. It was cheap used old lens though and does work well on the film SLR.
Thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I did not have time to do a comparison. That little Lumix is fantastic if you can make do with the AF.
@@mattisulanto the AF is the camera, the speed of AF is the lens focus motor. It's not instant beep-click perhaps but still quick and rarely fails to lock focus.
My (cof) test for focussing is to AF on clouds. A few like the 14-140 will struggle, this seems to be down to the iris size (they focus wide open).
I have the Lumix 20mm and I love it. I have no problems with the AF, but many seem to complain😀
@@mattisulanto I sold my Panny 20mm f/1.7 (original model) because of its slow and NOISY autofocus! I'm eyeing the OMD 20mm. I hope you just got a bad copy!
I don’t believe it was a bad copy. LoCa is not a bad copy symptom. Bad copies have uneven sharpness, softness wide open etc.
Matti, do you see the same chromatic issues on your Panasonic bodies?
I acatally did not try, but it’s an optical issue and it will be there.
Hello Matti end everybody else reading this :)
I recently bought the lens and the longitudinal CA are really pronounced at f1.4.
I wanted to ask if you think that the CA on the PL 25mm f1.4 are as comparrable as this lens when shooting wide open?
That would be a really good alternative if it is much better in this regard.
Thank you for your answers!
The Leica 25mm is a much older design and it also has some LoCA, but not quite as bad. The Leica is also not as sharp wide open, but it has a very nice character.
Thank you very much for your answer! Have a nice weekend.
@@angeldulevski3358 Anytime. I'd like add that the Leica is one of my favorite MFT lenses, because of its character.
@@mattisulanto Hey, I just wanted to add my experience to this. As I also had the 25 1.4 II, which had some CA, but really not bad. But with my 20 1.4, I can't see any signs of it! And I'm doing a lot of wedding photography.
So now I think there has to be some huge sample veriations with this lens. Maybe you just got a beta version of the lens or simply a defective or uncoated one. Or maybe my one is a later series. (Made 2022. 06., as the date code says on it) Don't know, but truly there is no chromatic aberrations to speak of with this lens.
Hello,
How to be sure this issue has now been fixed....(or not...)
I want to buy a 20mm focal length for my emd-om1 mk ii but clearly hesitate between this omds 20mm f1.4 and lumix 20mm f1.7 for street photography...does omds give some answers to this LoCA issue ?
Oh that longitudinal chromatic aberration is really a deal breaker. No way I woud pay nearly 700e for this lens. Maybe 350e would be a better price and then I would consider buying it. Just have to wait for the mk2 version. Also I kinda wanted it to have that af/mf switch focus ring... Maybe OM systems get it right next time.
I would not hold my breathe for that MkII version😀
@@mattisulanto yeah I'm not 😄
I can't get excited about this lens. I have the Oly 17mm f1.8, it has a clutch, it is metal, it is much smaller.
Also, the size of this 20mm, why not go for the 12-45mm f4? That lens is about the same size. If you take photos at f4 anyway, it could be a better choice perhaps?
Thanks. Sure, if you don’t shoot at F1.4 you might as well choose another lens.
This is sad news... hopefully it's not a sign of what to expect from OM Systems in future lenses. They should not have signed off on this one.
Great, you just took away any inclination of buying it. Too expensive but now I won’t even consider a used copy.
Thanks for watching.
Scathing bro.. rightly so...unacceptable for the trust we've put in their pro line
Thanks for watching.
And unfortunately I don't think the loca problem can be fixed with firmware.
Litle bit yes or maybe in post?
Difficult to fix.
@@mattisulanto It's really a shame. It could have been a fantastic and possibly even a classic lens.
I suppose if you were exclusively a black and white shooter, then it would be fine but that is a niche within a niche!
@@mattisulanto in video is the same unusable purple aberrations?
Just stick with the 17mm 1.8, the 1.2 is too big and while the 1.8 is not supposed to be sharp I have never had any real world issues and it's an absolute pleasure to use, and it has a manual focus clutch and zone focusing
The 17mm F1.8 is a really nice and way under appreciated lens.
enjoy your hat
Thanks. At least there was something for you in the video😀
@@mattisulanto ironically, but you videos deserve for appreciation not for just the hat
@@andriichovhan9823 Thanks.
OM System is very worst name. The name is meaningless. Also didn't like that they lied on start , where's their "wow" camera? I hope they succeed and they release a truly wow camera.
And I thought I had a lot of pink aberrations on the Leica 25 1.4...) here they are noticeably more
I agree on the name 100%. It’s could be a logistics company😀
Olympus 17mm f 1.2 Pro is much better option optically (although more expensive)
Nice and honest review, as always. I was considering to get this one, but I think that 25 mm f/1.2 is much better, and focal length is not a big deal (upon my needs) By the way - on what camera and lens did you film this review - it looks so crispy :)
Thanks! I used the Sony A7C camera and the Sony 24mm F2.8 G lens.
If you're new to m43 and really like the 20mm focal length, then the M Zuiko 20mm f1.4 might be for you.
But I vastly prefer the f1.2 Pro primes, particularly the 17mm. It has everything you'd want in a prime... except for an aperture ring. This Zuiko 20mm stands out by the Pro features missing (focus clutch, FN button).
And I already own the classic Lumix 20mm f1.7. Not the fastest AF lens, but very small and IQ quite good. So like many other m43 owners, I already have my 20mm lens. OM System/Olympus is over a decade late.
But with all that said, nice to have choices.
Thanks for sharing. I own the Lumix 20mm and like it a lot. I don’t have any problems with AF either and the IQ, as you said, is quite good.
I bought and returned this lens.. Does NOT perform like a $800 lens
Olympus Stil exists, but not for Cameras. I think that they will bring new primes f1.4 weather sealed and they will also bring constant aperture zoom lenses f4. Both options will substitute the f1.8 primes and the old zoom lenses. Based on your last reviews from OM / Olympus products I was pretty sure that you will bring negative opinions about it. I understand this lens as a very unique option for m43 Cameras. Of course it is not perfect. Like the Sonys: they are good but have terrible colors!! And are expensive!! :)
Well, I was obviously talking about cameras😀 Did you say Sony colors are terrible? How can you say like that?😅
A disappointing review for a pro lens. I'll stick with my Pana 20 mm/1.7 or my 25/1.4
Thanks. The Lumix 20mm is great if you can deal with the AF😀
yes, that is horrible!