Been using one for a year now after moving from Canon FF. It's one of the best lenses I've used. It produces really nice bokeh for an MFT zoom. No actually it has nice bokeh - period! The sharpness is excellent - and I've shot it wide open a lot. Yes, it sharpens up if you stop down one or two stops - worthwhile if you have good light and static subjects. The big surprise for me was its close focussing ability. It's not a macro, nor does it claim to be. But damn, for medium sized subjects it is often easier to focus (and to focus stack at f2.8) than the 60mm f.2.8 macro. And, did I mention it's sharp? It's sharp!
I have the MK 1, it is probably probably the best zoom lens for Micro cameras, I use it mainly on my Olympus OM-D E-M1X but also it works well on Lumix GX7, G7 and G9 cameras as well.
I use the 12-200, it far mores versatile, and it's funny that even with MFT, I still struggle with not having enough DoF most of the time. When I use my 1.8 lens on MFT, sure, it's bright and fast, but the DoF is too shallow - same problem with my Sony FF. In photography, there are trade-offs, and for someone like me who likes front-to-back focus, fast lenses are kind of meh.
I bought second hand 12-40 f2.8 for my GX8 to have an all purpose weather sealed lens. And I was so in love with it that had to buy E-M1.2. So it was more expensive than I thought xD
I’m thinking about getting the 12-40 to pare with my bmpcc4k I need a everyday zoom and I like this one because of the 2.8 and the color rendition and the focus markers. It’s either this or the sigma 18-35
I usually rate Olympus lenses higher the Panasonic/Panaleica because of MUCH better chromatic aberration control. You don't see it much on Panasonic bodies but it crash in your face when you use any Panasonic or Panaleica lens on an Olympus body. That's because Panasonic corrects CA in camera, but not having them in the first place is way better as you retain all the detail and resolution the lens is capable of at the edges rather then throw away 2/3 of that by getting rid of the halos. Another thing I appreciate of the 12/40 is that it's TAC sharp already at F2.8 while the equivalent 12/35 from Panasonic improves a lot from F4 on and loses 5mm at the long edge. The 12/40 is also as good as the 12mm F2.0 from Olympus (which I own), as, while losing 1 stop of light, it still is much sharper at 2.8. It is not untill it reaches F4.0 that the 12mm can get close to the same quality. I'm not a M43 main shooter anymore and I'm got rid of part of my stuff, but the 12/40 f2.8 will stay, as far as I'll have any M43 camera able to hold it!
I like to call this lens a bunch of primes in one barrel... Cause you get prime performance across the range which include popular focal points such as 25mm, 35mm, 50mm (in full frame terms), and with great focusing even up close (not macro close, but closer than most zoom and heck even prime lenses can). If you can only have ONE this is it. Its only weakness is it lacks telephoto range. So you might need another telephoto lens even the cheap ones (like the Panasonic 45-150mm for example) just for the reach.
I got the mark II. I originally bought the OM-1 and the 60mm macro lens because I mainly intended to do macro photography. However, I got the 12-40 f/2.8 II, because I could get it cheaper in a bundle with the OM-1. As a beginner, I'm very impressed with the image quality and versatility.
Understand your decision on selling the olympus 12-40mm and getting the wide angle 12mm f1.4. I wanted to get one years back but couldn't but luckily i was able to get the 9mm. f1.7 a month ago.
I purchased this lens along with the Olympus EM1 Mark II. The image quality has in my mind discouraged me from buying any other prime lenes in the focal length range.
Got myself a second hand Mk 1, put it in my OM-1 (the Oly version, recently acquired as those bodies were put on sale right after the OM System OM-1 Mk II came out, decided I would not use the added extras in the Mk II enough to justify an extra €700). So far, I’m very pleased with that combination. Walked about with my OM-1 and the Olympus 300mm F/4.0 IS PRO, similar pleasant experience, just at a very different focal length.
I had the Leica 12mm 1.4, but I saw no point on having it since I also own the Leica 12-60mm and the 12mm is not sharp at all at 1.4, so what is the point? And at 2.8 there is no difference. It's big and heavy. Loved the looks, though! Good video Grant!
I own a gx9 with the oly 12-40 f2.8 pro. Perfect for me, I love street photography, it works very well for that. Only one drawback, a bit heavy. I'm looking at a Lumix 20mm f1.7 for a lighter setup to always have in my backpack when I don't want to carry the oly.
I bought a Lumix GH5 in a pawn shop for $275 total. Everything works well, when I do my part. It came with this Olympus lens. But what is the L-Fn button all about?
Mark 1 here, next to that the 40-150 f2.8, the 60 f2,8 macro, the 300 f4 and the 1.4x and 2x TC combined with OM1 and recently the G9II (no Lumix lenses here)
I have it and use it on my EM1 II and it’s just amazing. I can shoot just about anything with that combo. It’s relatively lightweight and I got the combo used for 1350 euro. Tell me where do you get a better deal than this for this quality?
I was thinking of replacing my panny 12-32 kit lens with the 12-35, but I might go for this one instead. Wary of losing dual IS, but I keep hearing nothing but high praise for the Oly 12-40, and I'm not shooting video anyway. First version, though! Still not over the sticker shock of the price difference between Lumix and Olympus lenses.
I bought into the MFT system for this lens and Oly OM-5 camera. In my experience (starting with IBIS in the camera) there is no better lens in MFT. I have an Sony 16-55 f2.8 for APS (which is excellent) and a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 for Sony FF. These are all excellent set-ups, each is the best or practically as good as anything in their system. The camera/lens set-up is proportionally bigger and more expensive as the sensor grows. Coming back to the Oly 12-40 - it's an exceptional lens and one to anchor a system (especially if your camera has IBIS). It just doesn't let you down.
This is also at the top of my want to get lenses. It's currently being sold as a kit lens with the Olympus OM1 on Amazon UK, a camera I'd love to own, but I'm holding off due to the rumours of an imminent Lumix G9ii.
I have a good selection of glass for my different cameras, the 12-40 f2.8 Olympus lens is one of my favorite lens for a one lens on camera setup when im just outside walking around and I don't need a super fast prime, it does make for the base for a good travel setup pairing it with two fast prime lenses and it's still a more compact set up than a full frame or APSC CAMERA for travel and street photography , it's easier to get someone's photo when you're not sticking a big camera in their face.
I'm new to Olympus and MFT and I've got 3 of the 'pro' range lenses, the 12-40 f/2.8, 40-150 f/4 and the 8-25 f/4 and I have to say the image quality is fantastic for all of them. The thing I'm not convinced about however is the build quality; everyone seems to go on about how well constructed they are but on all 3 of my lenses the extending barrel has a significant amount of wobble when extended and if you touch the end of the barrel when looking through the viewfinder, for example when adjusting a polarising filter, the image can actually shift a little. I've read various reports saying this is normal and within Olympus' tolerances but coming from other systems where I've never had this issue with zoom lenses, even cheap kit lenses, I can't help but think it's just an excuse for sloppy construction. I'm trying not to let it bother me and just enjoy the image quality but it's really disappointing that so called 'pro' lenses at this price point have so much play in the barrel and I do wonder if it affects the weather sealing. Anyone else bothered by this?
Hi Grant. Did you find it sharper than the pana Leica 12-60 that you use? I had the Leica zoom but found it too much of a compromise in IQ. I am very interested in reviews of the latest OM systems 12-40 mark II also would love to know what people think.
I got one for $400 USD and couldn't believe I was able to get away with it lol. It really added another dimension to my shooting. It's just wide enough for landscape and street and I use it for trippy snake photos.
As a OM-1 shooter I do not use this lens. For landscape photography I use the 8-25/4 PRO and the 40-150/4 PRO. For reportage with people also the 8-25mm (outside) or the 20/1.4 PRO indoor, for example in churches. For portraits I take the 45/1.2 PRO. In many situations I often encounter the 12-40/2.8 is either not long enough (as the 12-100/4), or not fast enough (as the outstanding F1.2 lenses) - it's a compromis-lens in every respect - a Jack for everything and master for nothing- lens. If I would need a universal zoom lens I would get either the new 12-45/4 PRO (much lighter than the 12-40/2.8, with excellent bokeh for a F/4 lens) or the 12-100/4 PRO (extremely versatile outdoors, especially for landscape).
Never seen a bad review of this lens. Now 9 yrs old? Fixed f2.8 is the deal breaker compared to Lumix/Lieca 12-60, can,t be having variable aperture at that price, only one winner.
I have PL12-60mm, i am considering to trade the lens for Olympus 12-40mm. Reasons, love its focus clutch and f2.8 all the way. I do mainly video with my GH5ii. What i’m worried a bit is Olympus stabilisation as the lens has none. What do you think? PS: I don’t like to keep many lenses, that is way i prefer to trade it.
I also love this lens, paired with my GX8…90% of the time i’m done with this combo. In a few situations i add my Panasonic 35-100 f2.8… That’s my travel setup since 2 years. The Olympus i use since my beginning with photography…
Probably not technically the best Olympus lens this one has taken the most "keepers" of any lens I have ever used. Add to that its small and has pleasent seperation, something about olympuses pro grade lenss are jusy a step above
My most favorite lens of all times across all platforms. Build like a tank and produces wonderful pictures! 🙏
Been using one for a year now after moving from Canon FF. It's one of the best lenses I've used. It produces really nice bokeh for an MFT zoom. No actually it has nice bokeh - period! The sharpness is excellent - and I've shot it wide open a lot. Yes, it sharpens up if you stop down one or two stops - worthwhile if you have good light and static subjects. The big surprise for me was its close focussing ability. It's not a macro, nor does it claim to be. But damn, for medium sized subjects it is often easier to focus (and to focus stack at f2.8) than the 60mm f.2.8 macro. And, did I mention it's sharp? It's sharp!
I have the MK 1, it is probably probably the best zoom lens for Micro cameras, I use it mainly on my Olympus OM-D E-M1X but also it works well on Lumix GX7, G7 and G9 cameras as well.
I agree with all. Got this lens 8 years already. Best choice ever for me and .. for my camera 🥰👍👍
I use the 12-200, it far mores versatile, and it's funny that even with MFT, I still struggle with not having enough DoF most of the time. When I use my 1.8 lens on MFT, sure, it's bright and fast, but the DoF is too shallow - same problem with my Sony FF. In photography, there are trade-offs, and for someone like me who likes front-to-back focus, fast lenses are kind of meh.
I bought second hand 12-40 f2.8 for my GX8 to have an all purpose weather sealed lens. And I was so in love with it that had to buy E-M1.2. So it was more expensive than I thought xD
I love this lens! I have it and the 40-150 F2.8 Pro.
I’m thinking about getting the 12-40 to pare with my bmpcc4k I need a everyday zoom and I like this one because of the 2.8 and the color rendition and the focus markers. It’s either this or the sigma 18-35
I usually rate Olympus lenses higher the Panasonic/Panaleica because of MUCH better chromatic aberration control.
You don't see it much on Panasonic bodies but it crash in your face when you use any Panasonic or Panaleica lens on an Olympus body. That's because Panasonic corrects CA in camera, but not having them in the first place is way better as you retain all the detail and resolution the lens is capable of at the edges rather then throw away 2/3 of that by getting rid of the halos.
Another thing I appreciate of the 12/40 is that it's TAC sharp already at F2.8 while the equivalent 12/35 from Panasonic improves a lot from F4 on and loses 5mm at the long edge.
The 12/40 is also as good as the 12mm F2.0 from Olympus (which I own), as, while losing 1 stop of light, it still is much sharper at 2.8. It is not untill it reaches F4.0 that the 12mm can get close to the same quality.
I'm not a M43 main shooter anymore and I'm got rid of part of my stuff, but the 12/40 f2.8 will stay, as far as I'll have any M43 camera able to hold it!
I love the minimum focusing distance (o.2m) for close up.
I like to call this lens a bunch of primes in one barrel... Cause you get prime performance across the range which include popular focal points such as 25mm, 35mm, 50mm (in full frame terms), and with great focusing even up close (not macro close, but closer than most zoom and heck even prime lenses can). If you can only have ONE this is it. Its only weakness is it lacks telephoto range. So you might need another telephoto lens even the cheap ones (like the Panasonic 45-150mm for example) just for the reach.
Yes a little more reach - would be good - I agree :)
I have the OM-1 and among other lenses, I have this 12-40 2.8 PRO Version 2 . I totally agree with you.. That lens is amazing :)
I got the mark II. I originally bought the OM-1 and the 60mm macro lens because I mainly intended to do macro photography. However, I got the 12-40 f/2.8 II, because I could get it cheaper in a bundle with the OM-1.
As a beginner, I'm very impressed with the image quality and versatility.
Understand your decision on selling the olympus 12-40mm and getting the wide angle 12mm f1.4. I wanted to get one years back but couldn't but luckily i was able to get the 9mm. f1.7 a month ago.
I purchased this lens along with the Olympus EM1 Mark II. The image quality has in my mind discouraged me from buying any other prime lenes in the focal length range.
Got myself a second hand Mk 1, put it in my OM-1 (the Oly version, recently acquired as those bodies were put on sale right after the OM System OM-1 Mk II came out, decided I would not use the added extras in the Mk II enough to justify an extra €700). So far, I’m very pleased with that combination. Walked about with my OM-1 and the Olympus 300mm F/4.0 IS PRO, similar pleasant experience, just at a very different focal length.
I had the Leica 12mm 1.4, but I saw no point on having it since I also own the Leica 12-60mm and the 12mm is not sharp at all at 1.4, so what is the point? And at 2.8 there is no difference. It's big and heavy. Loved the looks, though! Good video Grant!
I own a gx9 with the oly 12-40 f2.8 pro. Perfect for me, I love street photography, it works very well for that. Only one drawback, a bit heavy. I'm looking at a Lumix 20mm f1.7 for a lighter setup to always have in my backpack when I don't want to carry the oly.
I bought a Lumix GH5 in a pawn shop for $275 total. Everything works well, when I do my part. It came with this Olympus lens. But what is the L-Fn button all about?
Mark 1 here, next to that the 40-150 f2.8, the 60 f2,8 macro, the 300 f4 and the 1.4x and 2x TC combined with OM1 and recently the G9II (no Lumix lenses here)
Perhaps you should try the Oly 12-45mm f4. Very good lens and pic quality.
I have it and use it on my EM1 II and it’s just amazing. I can shoot just about anything with that combo. It’s relatively lightweight and I got the combo used for 1350 euro. Tell me where do you get a better deal than this for this quality?
Fantastic review and beautiful images. I just picked this up used and can’t wait to try it out on my M1X. Cheers.
Awesome, thank you!
The only lens you'll ever need.
I was thinking of replacing my panny 12-32 kit lens with the 12-35, but I might go for this one instead. Wary of losing dual IS, but I keep hearing nothing but high praise for the Oly 12-40, and I'm not shooting video anyway.
First version, though! Still not over the sticker shock of the price difference between Lumix and Olympus lenses.
I bought into the MFT system for this lens and Oly OM-5 camera. In my experience (starting with IBIS in the camera) there is no better lens in MFT. I have an Sony 16-55 f2.8 for APS (which is excellent) and a Sigma 24-70 f2.8 for Sony FF. These are all excellent set-ups, each is the best or practically as good as anything in their system. The camera/lens set-up is proportionally bigger and more expensive as the sensor grows.
Coming back to the Oly 12-40 - it's an exceptional lens and one to anchor a system (especially if your camera has IBIS). It just doesn't let you down.
Yeah - Just a great lens :)
This is also at the top of my want to get lenses. It's currently being sold as a kit lens with the Olympus OM1 on Amazon UK, a camera I'd love to own, but I'm holding off due to the rumours of an imminent Lumix G9ii.
This lens is on the top of my list. Definitely an all around beast of a lens.
Yeah man, I gotta get another one soon :)
I have a good selection of glass for my different cameras, the 12-40 f2.8 Olympus lens is one of my favorite lens for a one lens on camera setup when im just outside walking around and I don't need a super fast prime, it does make for the base for a good travel setup pairing it with two fast prime lenses and it's still a more compact set up than a full frame or APSC CAMERA for travel and street photography , it's easier to get someone's photo when you're not sticking a big camera in their face.
Hey Grant, I bought that one about three months ago and so far, I'm very impressed with it.
Yeah - Great Lens :)
I'm new to Olympus and MFT and I've got 3 of the 'pro' range lenses, the 12-40 f/2.8, 40-150 f/4 and the 8-25 f/4 and I have to say the image quality is fantastic for all of them.
The thing I'm not convinced about however is the build quality; everyone seems to go on about how well constructed they are but on all 3 of my lenses the extending barrel has a significant amount of wobble when extended and if you touch the end of the barrel when looking through the viewfinder, for example when adjusting a polarising filter, the image can actually shift a little.
I've read various reports saying this is normal and within Olympus' tolerances but coming from other systems where I've never had this issue with zoom lenses, even cheap kit lenses, I can't help but think it's just an excuse for sloppy construction.
I'm trying not to let it bother me and just enjoy the image quality but it's really disappointing that so called 'pro' lenses at this price point have so much play in the barrel and I do wonder if it affects the weather sealing.
Anyone else bothered by this?
I’ve never actually noticed
как он на панасонике работает с фазовыми датчиками ?
Лучший это 75 1.8 а универсальный 12-200 4
Ага особенно бленда и Крышка очень качественные )))) рассыпаются со временем
Eeeenteresting. I didn't even know this lens existed. Nice review.
Hi Grant. Did you find it sharper than the pana Leica 12-60 that you use? I had the Leica zoom but found it too much of a compromise in IQ. I am very interested in reviews of the latest OM systems 12-40 mark II also would love to know what people think.
Yeah maybe a touch sharper :)
I got one for $400 USD and couldn't believe I was able to get away with it lol. It really added another dimension to my shooting. It's just wide enough for landscape and street and I use it for trippy snake photos.
As a OM-1 shooter I do not use this lens. For landscape photography I use the 8-25/4 PRO and the 40-150/4 PRO. For reportage with people also the 8-25mm (outside) or the 20/1.4 PRO indoor, for example in churches. For portraits I take the 45/1.2 PRO.
In many situations I often encounter the 12-40/2.8 is either not long enough (as the 12-100/4), or not fast enough (as the outstanding F1.2 lenses) - it's a compromis-lens in every respect - a Jack for everything and master for nothing- lens.
If I would need a universal zoom lens I would get either the new 12-45/4 PRO (much lighter than the 12-40/2.8, with excellent bokeh for a F/4 lens) or the 12-100/4 PRO (extremely versatile outdoors, especially for landscape).
👍
Never seen a bad review of this lens. Now 9 yrs old? Fixed f2.8 is the deal breaker compared to Lumix/Lieca 12-60, can,t be having variable aperture at that price, only one winner.
I have PL12-60mm, i am considering to trade the lens for Olympus 12-40mm. Reasons, love its focus clutch and f2.8 all the way. I do mainly video with my GH5ii. What i’m worried a bit is Olympus stabilisation as the lens has none. What do you think? PS: I don’t like to keep many lenses, that is way i prefer to trade it.
I guess you have to decide what suits your needs best :)
I also love this lens, paired with my GX8…90% of the time i’m done with this combo. In a few situations i add my Panasonic 35-100 f2.8…
That’s my travel setup since 2 years. The Olympus i use since my beginning with photography…
I find it’s to heavy for om5 mk3
Yes it’s heavy
Find a grip for the camera
Amazon is currently selling this lens for US $1000. But prime customers can pay interest free for five $200 installments.
I’ve often wondered why there isn’t some sort of adapter to mount M 4/3 lenses to APS-C or Full Frame. I think it’s a physics issue.
In my country.. Olympus not famous.. I get this lens 370$ secondhand. Like new. 😂
OLYMPUS Medical microscope Know How in Optics science ................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Probably not technically the best Olympus lens this one has taken the most "keepers" of any lens I have ever used. Add to that its small and has pleasent seperation, something about olympuses pro grade lenss are jusy a step above