I’ve been using happily a 25mm F0.95 Voightlaender Nokton for astrophotography as well as nature still life photography. The bokeh amazes me on close ups of flowers.
I own this lens. I hunted down an original, made-in-Japan, grey version back when they weren't packaged with a lens hood. I think to want and use this lens, You have to be looking for a small quality prime rather than a bigger zoom first. You might be trying to downside your gear so a small prime and a smaller camera body is a way to go. You also have to be partial to wide angle and the 12mm focal length. For me 12mm is usually the focal length I use the most in standard zooms so I knew I would like it. But if it's not you, you're probably better off with a zoom lens or another focal length for a prime. A kit zoom might do, but if you want maximal image quality, a pro zoom is better; The Olympus/OM 12-40 f2.8 is actually sharper (at 12mm) than the 12mm f2 prime. It's true that f/2 is fairly fast, but there are other lenses on m43 that are wide-ish and are faster too. To be honest, if you're looking to obliterate backgrounds, wide angle and m43 are not ideal for this. Though this is a channel with emphasis on Olympus/OM System products, the Panasonic Leica Summilux 15mm f1.7 is a strong rival. A bit tighter with the FoV and slightly faster as well. I also own it. I tend to use the Summilux for people and the 12mm for travel and unknown locales.
You're absolutely right in your positive comments. The focus clutch is particularly useful when the lens is used as a walk around, because you can pre-focus to around 3 metres, choose f/4 or f/5.6 and just forget about it. The only negative is rather uneven distortion and you have to be particularly careful that your horizon is flat enough on seascapes. My original 'limited edition black' version was weak in this area, but my current silver model seems better.
When I got my first OM-1, back in 1978, one of the first lenses I got was the Zuiko 24 mm F/2.8. It travelled the world with me, and I still have and occasionally use it now. When I switched to Olympus M4/3, one of the first lenses I bought was the 12 mm f/2, along with the 25 mm f/1.8 and 45 mm f/1.8. I wanted fast primes, without the size, weight and price of the pro versions, for shooting live music in small venues where the lighting was not good, but I could be close to the bands. All three were perfect for the job. I later added the Leica 9 mm f/1.7, which I mostly use now, along with the 25 mm, but the 12 mm is still always in my bag. In fact, the primes get more use than the f/2.8 Pro zooms, which rarely seem to leave home at the moment.
Thank you to share about your experience with this lens ! This is my favorite for years, I use it to forest photowalk and when I need t travel light. Have a nice day ! 🌻
Thanks for making this review! I had almost forgotten about that lens! Part of the reason is that, to me, 12mm just looks like a cell phone pic in many circumstances. It is usable for astrophotography, although I would prefer something wider for that such as the Panasonic/Leica 9mm f/1.7. Currently, I'm using a Pana/Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for astrophotography, and I can't complain. However, I would like to have a small, moderate wide angle prime lens to replace my Panasonic 14mm f/2.5, and this one is worth considering for that, although I think I would prefer the Pana/Leica 15mm f/1.7 since the focal length is longer, making the photos look less like they were taken with a cell phone. I suppose the same effect could be accomplished through cropping though, and this lens is slightly more affordable, at least on the used market, so considering it could also be used for astrophotography, perhaps it is worth considering. I'm sure it's the perfect lens for someone, although I am not yet convinced that that someone is me.
My first lens with m43. I loved it, but the purple smudges when theres bright lights really caused issues for it, so I sold it. I regret selling it, and may rebuy. My sister who bought it said I could buy it back - but refuses to now. The Panny 12MM f1.7 is a good replacement - with no purple splotches. But I miss the mz12
I just received the 12-40mm f2.8 pro. It's fantastic. This and my 17mm will be my wide and fast lenses for a while. I think the 60mm macro may be next. Thanks for the video.
I recently bought this 12mm f/2 to go with my OM5. Just this weekend, in the middle of the night, loud and unusual sounds woke me up. What was going on outside? I wanted to be ready to record some nighttime drama, whatever it was. So, I selected this fast wide angle prime, and stepped out onto the balcony. A car was on fire, policemen and firemen were all over the place. I took many photos, both from the balcony and from the ground. Afterwards, I reviewed the photos on my 4k TV, and was thrilled with the results. The colors were fantastic, and the wide field of view took in the entire scene.
The 12 F2.0 is a staple in my Pen F bag. Love that square lens hood too. Olympus has a nice selection of fast small non pro primes, 17, 25, 45 and the 75 are all great. Good video.
By the way. It's time for OM System to make a water resistant version, little higher price than the basic version of course, but it will be a hit, especially for astro photographers and those living bad weather. Some get basic, and some invest in ip53 version. And OM System makes money. And just to understand, sell both versions with different price. The basic one, in cheaper materials, without the clutch and cheaper than the present one, and the weather resistant in better material, higher price and maybe updated optics/coatings. Ok, I know the used marked would be full of the older lenses for sale, but OMDS will still sell many new ones of both versions. It's all about owning the market, and being visible as a trustworthy manufacturer for entry and demanding consumers My 12 mm lens is black version by the way 😊
I have had that lens forever, but don't seem to use it as much as I thought I would. I find that I prefer the (even brighter) 17mm f/1.8 as a walking around lens.
If you only have one lens, the most useful single lens is 35 mm angle of view in 35 mm film format, which is what the 17 mm f/1.8 covers. It's the lens I use for street photography. I like to drop the LCD panel horizontal and shoot from the waist on the EM-10 III or Panasonic GX-85.
I wouldn't mind having it with my Pany 9mm 1.7, Oly 45 1.8, and 75 1.8 for some light outdoor action. I like experimenting with different angles of view for snakes.
Another great video showing how wonderful Olympus is. The 25mm f 2.0 and the 17mm, 25mm and the 75mm f1.8 primes are always with me and the Pen F. Thinking of getting the 45mm f1.8 to complete the set. If the Pen F and the small primes were to be weather sealed, that would be a game changer. Once again thank you Emilie for everything you do.📸
Bonjour, madame Emilie! This 12mm/2.0 and the 75mm/1.8 are my two favorite lenses. I bought this lens back in 2013 when I switched to M43s and bought the original E-M5 kit. I have used it for social events where I want to get everyone in the photo in a small room, I have used it for close up cat photos with the background blurred out, I have used it for landscape, cities, architecture, photos inside beautiful cathedrals, and I use it when I use the OM-1 as webcam. Now I use it on my the PEN-F that I bought a week ago. The silver lens looks great on the silver PEN-F, and it is also a practical light camera and lens combo when the weather is nice. Thank you for making inspiring videos!
Based on your UA-cam I found a like new Pen F. Along with the leather half case it has an engraved Script F on the front. Only one I have seen with that. Special order at the time?? Added a 14-42 EZ little zoom, and it's the nicest little pocket camera I have ever had. Thanks. Still torn on the 12 f/2 or the 17 f/1.8 to go with it. If you want to see something really silly, put your MZ 150-400 f/4.5 on a Pen F. Keep the YTs coming, I never miss one.
I have 'downgraded' my collection of lenses (at least what I carry with me on trips) to include an 8-25mm and a 40-150mm f:4.0, as well as a 45mm and 75mm both f:1.8 both for on-location portraits in low light. I'm really happy with the 'set' and don't really miss the 25 to 40 mm range. Mostly I'm into landscapes and cityscapes. Although I am considering trying astrophotography - now that I have starry-sky in my OM-1. So it will be obvious with the 12mm.
I don't have the 12 but I do have the similar Oly 17mm f1.8. These are great lenses, they are also true m43 lenses because they are small and light. I wish OM and Pany could go back to their roots and make more of these small lenses.
I wish they would make a true moderate wide angle pancake lens, like the inverse retrofocus 35 mm f/2.8 on the Olympus XA film camera. That would make for a truly pocketable camera a la Olympus EPM2.
Bonjour Emilie le 17 mm et encore plus petit et très bon optiquement une petite merveille d'ingénierie .Un jour prenez le temps de l'essayer vous vous demanderez si il est toujours sur l'appareil .Il est si petit et si Leger que vous ne le sentez pas sur l'appareil..
J’ai juste appris qu’il est petit, lumineux et ne quitte pas votre sac, plusieurs fois dans cette vidéo. Dommage, pas d’exemples de photos avec cet objectif pour ceux qui ne le connaissent pas ou qui découvrent l’univers OM System 😘
I’ve been using happily a 25mm F0.95 Voightlaender Nokton for astrophotography as well as nature still life photography. The bokeh amazes me on close ups of flowers.
I own this lens. I hunted down an original, made-in-Japan, grey version back when they weren't packaged with a lens hood.
I think to want and use this lens, You have to be looking for a small quality prime rather than a bigger zoom first. You might be trying to downside your gear so a small prime and a smaller camera body is a way to go.
You also have to be partial to wide angle and the 12mm focal length. For me 12mm is usually the focal length I use the most in standard zooms so I knew I would like it. But if it's not you, you're probably better off with a zoom lens or another focal length for a prime. A kit zoom might do, but if you want maximal image quality, a pro zoom is better; The Olympus/OM 12-40 f2.8 is actually sharper (at 12mm) than the 12mm f2 prime.
It's true that f/2 is fairly fast, but there are other lenses on m43 that are wide-ish and are faster too. To be honest, if you're looking to obliterate backgrounds, wide angle and m43 are not ideal for this.
Though this is a channel with emphasis on Olympus/OM System products, the Panasonic Leica Summilux 15mm f1.7 is a strong rival. A bit tighter with the FoV and slightly faster as well. I also own it. I tend to use the Summilux for people and the 12mm for travel and unknown locales.
I typically cover inside events with the 24mm f/2 paired with the 75mm f /1.8. The combination offers great perspectives.
You're absolutely right in your positive comments. The focus clutch is particularly useful when the lens is used as a walk around, because you can pre-focus to around 3 metres, choose f/4 or f/5.6 and just forget about it. The only negative is rather uneven distortion and you have to be particularly careful that your horizon is flat enough on seascapes. My original 'limited edition black' version was weak in this area, but my current silver model seems better.
When I got my first OM-1, back in 1978, one of the first lenses I got was the Zuiko 24 mm F/2.8. It travelled the world with me, and I still have and occasionally use it now. When I switched to Olympus M4/3, one of the first lenses I bought was the 12 mm f/2, along with the 25 mm f/1.8 and 45 mm f/1.8. I wanted fast primes, without the size, weight and price of the pro versions, for shooting live music in small venues where the lighting was not good, but I could be close to the bands. All three were perfect for the job. I later added the Leica 9 mm f/1.7, which I mostly use now, along with the 25 mm, but the 12 mm is still always in my bag. In fact, the primes get more use than the f/2.8 Pro zooms, which rarely seem to leave home at the moment.
Thank you for sharing! Those lenses are definitely very durable!
Thank you to share about your experience with this lens ! This is my favorite for years, I use it to forest photowalk and when I need t travel light. Have a nice day ! 🌻
My pleasure! Have a great day too!
Thanks for making this review! I had almost forgotten about that lens! Part of the reason is that, to me, 12mm just looks like a cell phone pic in many circumstances. It is usable for astrophotography, although I would prefer something wider for that such as the Panasonic/Leica 9mm f/1.7. Currently, I'm using a Pana/Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 for astrophotography, and I can't complain. However, I would like to have a small, moderate wide angle prime lens to replace my Panasonic 14mm f/2.5, and this one is worth considering for that, although I think I would prefer the Pana/Leica 15mm f/1.7 since the focal length is longer, making the photos look less like they were taken with a cell phone. I suppose the same effect could be accomplished through cropping though, and this lens is slightly more affordable, at least on the used market, so considering it could also be used for astrophotography, perhaps it is worth considering. I'm sure it's the perfect lens for someone, although I am not yet convinced that that someone is me.
My first lens with m43. I loved it, but the purple smudges when theres bright lights really caused issues for it, so I sold it. I regret selling it, and may rebuy. My sister who bought it said I could buy it back - but refuses to now. The Panny 12MM f1.7 is a good replacement - with no purple splotches. But I miss the mz12
I just received the 12-40mm f2.8 pro. It's fantastic. This and my 17mm will be my wide and fast lenses for a while. I think the 60mm macro may be next. Thanks for the video.
I highly recommend the 60mm macro. Another amazing lens for macro but also portrait.
I recently bought this 12mm f/2 to go with my OM5. Just this weekend, in the middle of the night, loud and unusual sounds woke me up. What was going on outside? I wanted to be ready to record some nighttime drama, whatever it was. So, I selected this fast wide angle prime, and stepped out onto the balcony. A car was on fire, policemen and firemen were all over the place. I took many photos, both from the balcony and from the ground. Afterwards, I reviewed the photos on my 4k TV, and was thrilled with the results. The colors were fantastic, and the wide field of view took in the entire scene.
WOW that is so scary! I hope nobody was injured.
17mm f/1.8 and 45mm f/1.8 are always with me!
I use Panasonic 12mm f1.4 (bought it used) with my OM-5. Works well 🙂
The 12 F2.0 is a staple in my Pen F bag. Love that square lens hood too. Olympus has a nice selection of fast small non pro primes, 17, 25, 45 and the 75 are all great. Good video.
Yes they do!
❤ I bought it few months ago after I saw it in a camera store. I love it.
By the way. It's time for OM System to make a water resistant version, little higher price than the basic version of course, but it will be a hit, especially for astro photographers and those living bad weather. Some get basic, and some invest in ip53 version. And OM System makes money. And just to understand, sell both versions with different price. The basic one, in cheaper materials, without the clutch and cheaper than the present one, and the weather resistant in better material, higher price and maybe updated optics/coatings.
Ok, I know the used marked would be full of the older lenses for sale, but OMDS will still sell many new ones of both versions. It's all about owning the market, and being visible as a trustworthy manufacturer for entry and demanding consumers
My 12 mm lens is black version by the way 😊
Definitely a lens to consider. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Love my copy of this lens. My goto lens for Astro photography along with the 35mm f1.2
It is truly a great astro lens!
I have had that lens forever, but don't seem to use it as much as I thought I would. I find that I prefer the (even brighter) 17mm f/1.8 as a walking around lens.
If you only have one lens, the most useful single lens is 35 mm angle of view in 35 mm film format, which is what the 17 mm f/1.8 covers. It's the lens I use for street photography. I like to drop the LCD panel horizontal and shoot from the waist on the EM-10 III or Panasonic GX-85.
I wouldn't mind having it with my Pany 9mm 1.7, Oly 45 1.8, and 75 1.8 for some light outdoor action. I like experimenting with different angles of view for snakes.
Another great video showing how wonderful Olympus is. The 25mm f 2.0 and the 17mm, 25mm and the 75mm f1.8 primes are always with me and the Pen F. Thinking of getting the 45mm f1.8 to complete the set. If the Pen F and the small primes were to be weather sealed, that would be a game changer. Once again thank you Emilie for everything you do.📸
Thank you so much for your kind words!
@@EmilieT 🥰
Bonjour, madame Emilie! This 12mm/2.0 and the 75mm/1.8 are my two favorite lenses. I bought this lens back in 2013 when I switched to M43s and bought the original E-M5 kit. I have used it for social events where I want to get everyone in the photo in a small room, I have used it for close up cat photos with the background blurred out, I have used it for landscape, cities, architecture, photos inside beautiful cathedrals, and I use it when I use the OM-1 as webcam. Now I use it on my the PEN-F that I bought a week ago. The silver lens looks great on the silver PEN-F, and it is also a practical light camera and lens combo when the weather is nice. Thank you for making inspiring videos!
@@estraume Bonjour! 100% agree. This lens is so flexible. I actually just got the 75mm and can’t wait to put it to the test too
I use 12 mm f2.0 Samyang lens instead. It's manual. Nice lens too. A little bigger than M.Zuiko.
Bonjour, j'utilise le Pana 20 1.7 pancake et l'oly 75 1.8 ❤
Merci pour le partage
Based on your UA-cam I found a like new Pen F. Along with the leather half case it has an engraved Script F on the front. Only one I have seen with that. Special order at the time?? Added a 14-42 EZ little zoom, and it's the nicest little pocket camera I have ever had. Thanks. Still torn on the 12 f/2 or the 17 f/1.8 to go with it. If you want to see something really silly, put your MZ 150-400 f/4.5 on a Pen F. Keep the YTs coming, I never miss one.
Congrats ion your new PenF. So I must confess...I did put the 150-400mm on my PenF and even took photos! :)
My best lens for vediographie
17,25,45mm 8mmfisheye
Used for astro and general photography
i have it too.. its great..
I have this and the 9mm Panasonic. I’m considering the 12mm f1.4 Panasonic Leica.
I also have the Leica/Lumix/Panasonic 9mm f 1.7. It's a fast and sharp lens, good for landscapes and astrophotography.
I have the lens in the special Black edition. Because it's kind of uncommon to find, I don't think I'll be taking it out too often
I have 'downgraded' my collection of lenses (at least what I carry with me on trips) to include an 8-25mm and a 40-150mm f:4.0, as well as a 45mm and 75mm both f:1.8 both for on-location portraits in low light. I'm really happy with the 'set' and don't really miss the 25 to 40 mm range.
Mostly I'm into landscapes and cityscapes. Although I am considering trying astrophotography - now that I have starry-sky in my OM-1. So it will be obvious with the 12mm.
I don't have the 12 but I do have the similar Oly 17mm f1.8. These are great lenses, they are also true m43 lenses because they are small and light. I wish OM and Pany could go back to their roots and make more of these small lenses.
I wish they would make a true moderate wide angle pancake lens, like the inverse retrofocus 35 mm f/2.8 on the Olympus XA film camera. That would make for a truly pocketable camera a la Olympus EPM2.
How about the Olympus 17mm f/2.8?
It's a good lens, small and well made. I wish it was weather sealed - it is not.
Bonjour Emilie le 17 mm et encore plus petit et très bon optiquement une petite merveille d'ingénierie .Un jour prenez le temps de l'essayer vous vous demanderez si il est toujours sur l'appareil .Il est si petit et si Leger que vous ne le sentez pas sur l'appareil..
Bonjour Christian. Merci pour votre commentaire. Je vais essayer de l'emprunter dans le future.
As are the 45mm and 75mm .. fast and small.
When is OM System going to make a 10mm f/1.4 Pro to go head to head with the Panasonic/Leica 9mm f/1.7?
I have 7,5 mm F2 Laowa rectilinear. It's better or 12 mm Panaleica f 1.4. Laowa is a masterpiece for astrophotography
Emilie Hi,
somewhere someone on youtube said that OM System will release one more new camera before the end of the year. Is it true?
Only OM SYSTEM knows.
@@EmilieT I understand. I will buy an Om-1 for Christmas.
It will be a big step up from my Panasonic gx9.
Thank you Emilie for your reply.
J’ai juste appris qu’il est petit, lumineux et ne quitte pas votre sac, plusieurs fois dans cette vidéo. Dommage, pas d’exemples de photos avec cet objectif pour ceux qui ne le connaissent pas ou qui découvrent l’univers OM System 😘
Oh non vous n'avez pas aimé mes photos de nuit et aussi les example videos?
The lens is not super small. It is not even small. Sheesh....