It is stunning lens! In general all 3 F/1.2 PRO primes are optical masterpieces. They are primary reasons why I switched to m43. Robin, thanks a lot for review!
The 17mm f1.2 is the only PRO f1.2 lens I own. I chose it against the others because I think the "35mm equivalent" field of view is very versatile, and the "bokeh difference" over the f1.8 version is more significant and essential on this lens than with the 25mm (I also have the 17mm f1.8 and 25mm f1.8). I must say that the images taken with the 17mm f1.2 are really different and special. So this lens is really crazy. I should want to shoot only with this lens. However, the 17mm f1.8 on a PEN-F is so convenient to use that it is a deal breaker to choose between this combo and E-M1 /17mm f1.2. And sometimes, especially on travel, a zoom is just the right thing to have, at least to save time and shoot more efficiently. That's the strength of interchangeable lens camera : we can choose the best lens according to the moment and our mood.
Hey Robin, I haven't watched your videos for a couple of months and almost forgot how positive is everything on your channel. 35mm EQ is my favorite focal length and 17mm 1/2 is my go to work for my professional work, events, environmental portrait, even for some interiors. I own 17 f/1.8 and I love it, it's very compact and stellar, perfect for carry around and street, but f/1.2 PRO is completely different lens and it's not the sharpness or the bokeh itself, there is a 3D pop, that is making the subjects more pleasing to the eye.
I agree with your views. The focal length and light gathering solve many indoor needs for me. Also to see you are still connected to Olympus &JIP in your Ambassador or Visionary role. Enjoy your videos!
I have this lens, it is absolutely fantastic. The sharpness is amazing, without doubt one of the best. The bokhe is exceptional. The lens is lighter than you think. I sometimes use it on a Pen-f with a grip, and that's fine. Excellent video, Robin, as always.
Thanks so much, Robin for an excellent objective video. I so enjoy your enthusiasm and your love for photography and for the Olympus system. It inspires me "to go out and make more photos".
First of all, thank you for your always positive and knowledgeable videos. You are truly a great teacher. I am very happy to own the 17mm pro version as well as the 1,8 for my Pen F. I want to thank you for your incredible work in order to help amateur photographers take better pictures. You have helped me so much in my efforts to capture the motives I have dreamed of capturing. I bow in admiration. From Finn Wang in Norway.
I started with the 17/1.8 and it is a very good lens to have with you at all times. After a long, long consideration, I got the 17/1.2. It's more than sharpness and bokeh that make this lens. It has a more analogue look without their drawbacks. It is mild in the image, yet crisp. A gamechanger. The price is irrelevant because it is more than justified. The only remaining disadvantage is the size. Getting this optical performance into a lens requires space. If you want to save that too, you have to pay three times the price with Leica.
I've just ordered this lens with this in mind. My only worry is that it won't be wide enough. I've been using the 7-14mm 2.8 and have felt held back by the speed so excited to give this a go
Excellent video as always. As a non pro i will stick to my oly 17mm f1.8. Also the oly 17mm f1.2 is out of my budget but also to big and heavy for me.Keep going Robin.
Robin you give the best reviews we my partner and I love your presentations you know your products and have a talent for best presentations that we watch 100/100 we have been watching you for years and will keep following you you on the top knowledge for Olympus thank you for your effort it’s not easy we just started to watch another one Olympus lasted. 2 min all he did was talk about his model nothing about the Camers said it was a great camera and lens end of that review 0/10😅🎉❤ and I’ve appreciate you Jan and Charlie from Darwin Australia
I switch to the 17mm f/1.2 lens from from the f/1.8 and I have no regrets. It's a fantastic lens and the bokey wide open is really beautiful. Actually, I was never pleased with the 17mm f/1.8. Perhaps I had a bad copy, but it was to soft even compared to the pro zoom lenses.
I think you had a bad copy of the Olympus 17mm f1.8 because mine is nice and sharp wide open. The problem I have with it is the overall rendering - it's quite digital and edgy if that makes sense. The f1.2 Pro version has a more organic rendering, not to mention offering more shallow depth of field.
I guess the real question is this: the price ratio of the f1.2 vs f1.8 lenses are approximately 3:1, so would you say the faster lens is objectively 3x better than the f1.8? I pretty much use this argument whenever I question whether or not I should buy something significantly more expensive.
Hi Robin, thank you for your great videos. Can you also make a video on how you edit your pictures? The colors are just so vibrant, have you used some in-camera modes for JPEGS or do you process RAWs into these beautiful colors? Thank you.
I got this lens on my Omd. marks three and sometimes on my Panasonic g9 it is a fantastic lens that is highest recommended buy me, which means nothing but Robin he likes it to, maybe that means more to you, it should.:-)
Hi Robin, thanks for this video. I consider to buy this lens. for me it would be important, if it would be a good joice for making videos. Do you have experiences with this lens? Or, what lens would you recommend for videos. My body is the OM 1. Best wishes, Roberto
Picked up mine with a promotion that Olympus was doing here in the UK (free with an EM1-ii) - I love the sharpness and the bokeh - but I think I'm falling out of love with the 35mm focal length a bit similar to Robin's experience. I keep reaching for my 12-40 Pro lens to be honest or for my Panasonic 25mm F1.7 even though it's not as sharp. I think if I had the option again, I would probably go for the 25mm F1.2 or maybe 45 instead. They're definitely too expensive for me to think about buying outright for now
I got my copy a few weeks ago. Comparing it to the 25mm and 45mm, I find this one is noticably WARMER (yellow color shift). Have you found the same, or do I have a bad copy?
You make a great case for the F1.2 but I can't imagine using it on my Pen f or EM5 ii simply because of the size. Well the price also would be a factor. As an aside, whilst camera/lens prices continue to rocket (at least in the UK), its good to realise you can still get a terrific setup from Olympus, say the EM10 iii + kit lens and a couple of primes, for sensible money and get terrific quality results.
I have both and from portraiture prospective it all depends. 17/1.2 is excellent when you want to emphasize not only subject but include environment around it. For example room, street where your subject in. 25/1.2 would give you ability to concentrate more on subject. Not a lot but more. This is why I personally prefer to have both 45/1.2 and 17/1.2 on shot. 17/1.2 will give me ability to say “where” person “is” and 45/1.2 will let me to say “what” my person is. 25/1.2 is sort of in the middle. Compromise. Not in the bad sense but still a compromise - optimal one. So answering on your question - only you can decide :) But in general 25/1.2 is good starting point.
@@zanisgardening123- nice good to hear that since 40-150mm is much heavier than 12-100mm, i actually had factory metal grip installed on my em5ii. Feel much more nicer to hold than bare bone. Did you let your lens hanging or you hold the lens when you are moving about not shooting? I know letting the lens float face down hanging is not good idea.
coming from full frame, I laugh anytime someone says these MFT 1.2s aren't small lenses. lol. try any full frame 1.4 or esp 1.2...these things are the size of a FF 1.8
A very good lens for sure, but somewhat expensive and bulky. In my opinion , the picture of the cat is an example where the depth of field is really too shallow. Alternatives: Panasonic Leica 15/1.7, which is optically very good and has a nice out-of-focus rendering. For cases where more background separation is needed, I got the Mitakon 17/0.95, which may be not as sharp as the MZuiko, but isn’t bad either. I heard that the Sigma 16/1.4 is also a very good choice, but bulky too.
I too own the Panny 15/1.7 but the 17mm 1.2 from Olympus (which I also own) is IMO worth the extra cash and is better than the Panasonic. Luckily I purchased the 17mm 1.2 before Olympus raised all their prices a little while back. A superb lense.
My First and only MFT lens. I use it for almost everything but Birding. It's basically stuck on the camera. Low light capability and rendering is great. Thanks Robin. christienbunting.smugmug.com/For-a-Friend christienbunting.smugmug.com/Projects/Robinson-Foltz-Wedding/i-PpNhMN9/A
Shout out to the amazing Carmen Hong!
IG: instagram.com/itscarmenhong/
blog: www.carmenhong.com
It is stunning lens! In general all 3 F/1.2 PRO primes are optical masterpieces. They are primary reasons why I switched to m43. Robin, thanks a lot for review!
The 17mm f1.2 is the only PRO f1.2 lens I own. I chose it against the others because I think the "35mm equivalent" field of view is very versatile, and the "bokeh difference" over the f1.8 version is more significant and essential on this lens than with the 25mm (I also have the 17mm f1.8 and 25mm f1.8).
I must say that the images taken with the 17mm f1.2 are really different and special. So this lens is really crazy. I should want to shoot only with this lens.
However, the 17mm f1.8 on a PEN-F is so convenient to use that it is a deal breaker to choose between this combo and E-M1 /17mm f1.2.
And sometimes, especially on travel, a zoom is just the right thing to have, at least to save time and shoot more efficiently. That's the strength of interchangeable lens camera : we can choose the best lens according to the moment and our mood.
Good to see your beautiful model back. I’m impressed how well the portraits turned out with such a short focal length.
Hey Robin, I haven't watched your videos for a couple of months and almost forgot how positive is everything on your channel.
35mm EQ is my favorite focal length and 17mm 1/2 is my go to work for my professional work, events, environmental portrait, even for some interiors. I own 17 f/1.8 and I love it, it's very compact and stellar, perfect for carry around and street, but f/1.2 PRO is completely different lens and it's not the sharpness or the bokeh itself, there is a 3D pop, that is making the subjects more pleasing to the eye.
Salivating over this lens. I want it, don’t need it and can’t afford it.
Fantastic photo’s, Robin.
I agree with your views. The focal length and light gathering solve many indoor needs for me. Also to see you are still connected to Olympus &JIP in your Ambassador or Visionary role. Enjoy your videos!
I have this lens, it is absolutely fantastic. The sharpness is amazing, without doubt one of the best. The bokhe is exceptional. The lens is lighter than you think. I sometimes use it on a Pen-f with a grip, and that's fine. Excellent video, Robin, as always.
Thanks so much, Robin for an excellent objective video. I so enjoy your enthusiasm and your love for photography and for the Olympus system. It inspires me "to go out and make more photos".
First of all, thank you for your always positive and knowledgeable videos. You are truly a great teacher. I am very happy to own the 17mm pro version as well as the 1,8 for my Pen F. I want to thank you for your incredible work in order to help amateur photographers take better pictures. You have helped me so much in my efforts to capture the motives I have dreamed of capturing. I bow in admiration.
From Finn Wang in Norway.
I started with the 17/1.8 and it is a very good lens to have with you at all times. After a long, long consideration, I got the 17/1.2. It's more than sharpness and bokeh that make this lens. It has a more analogue look without their drawbacks. It is mild in the image, yet crisp. A gamechanger. The price is irrelevant because it is more than justified. The only remaining disadvantage is the size. Getting this optical performance into a lens requires space. If you want to save that too, you have to pay three times the price with Leica.
I have one and it’s two f/1.2 brothers...It’s worth every penny!..the rest of the trinity ain't too shabby, either!
Nice shots Robin!
I have now taken the F1.2 25 hopefully it works as well as this !! great review
Beautiful pictures Robin. :D
The 17mm F1.2 is excellent for astrophotography!
I've just ordered this lens with this in mind. My only worry is that it won't be wide enough. I've been using the 7-14mm 2.8 and have felt held back by the speed so excited to give this a go
The Zuiko 17mm / 1.2 pro is sensational in quality and creative possibilities!
Lovely images.
Thanks Robin nice review. I would have loved to see side by side shots of the same scene taken with the f1.2 vs f1.8, Rich.
Lovely lens Robin. Thanks for the review. Take care 🙂
Excellent video as always. As a non pro i will stick to my oly 17mm f1.8. Also the oly 17mm f1.2 is out of my budget but also to big and heavy for me.Keep going Robin.
Robin you give the best reviews we my partner and I love your presentations you know your products and have a talent for best presentations that we watch 100/100 we have been watching you for years and will keep following you you on the top knowledge for Olympus thank you for your effort it’s not easy we just started to watch another one Olympus lasted. 2 min all he did was talk about his model nothing about the Camers said it was a great camera and lens end of that review 0/10😅🎉❤ and I’ve appreciate you Jan and Charlie from Darwin Australia
Thanks for the review!
perfect review as always - thanx and greatings from lake constace
used it for a weekend via Olympus WOW. Exceptional lens indeed, IMHO the best one of holy trinity.
I switch to the 17mm f/1.2 lens from from the f/1.8 and I have no regrets. It's a fantastic lens and the bokey wide open is really beautiful. Actually, I was never pleased with the 17mm f/1.8. Perhaps I had a bad copy, but it was to soft even compared to the pro zoom lenses.
I think you had a bad copy of the Olympus 17mm f1.8 because mine is nice and sharp wide open. The problem I have with it is the overall rendering - it's quite digital and edgy if that makes sense. The f1.2 Pro version has a more organic rendering, not to mention offering more shallow depth of field.
Great lens with a very expensive price tag.
Brilliant, I need one.
I guess the real question is this: the price ratio of the f1.2 vs f1.8 lenses are approximately 3:1, so would you say the faster lens is objectively 3x better than the f1.8? I pretty much use this argument whenever I question whether or not I should buy something significantly more expensive.
Hi Robin, thank you for your great videos. Can you also make a video on how you edit your pictures? The colors are just so vibrant, have you used some in-camera modes for JPEGS or do you process RAWs into these beautiful colors? Thank you.
Good video. Cool lens!
Thank you 👍👏👏👏
I got this lens on my Omd. marks three and sometimes on my Panasonic g9 it is a fantastic lens that is highest recommended buy me, which means nothing but Robin he likes it to, maybe that means more to you, it should.:-)
Did I misunderstand? At the end I thought he said he wasn't a fan of this 35mm equivalent 10:51 - I wish he'd gone on to say why....
Hi Robin, thanks for this video. I consider to buy this lens. for me it would be important, if it would be a good joice for making videos. Do you have experiences with this lens? Or, what lens would you recommend for videos. My body is the OM 1. Best wishes, Roberto
I chose to go with the 15mm 1.7 panny instead. Works better for my needs.
I also have the 17mm 1.2.. I'm continuing to find (& learn) better ways to use it..
Picked up mine with a promotion that Olympus was doing here in the UK (free with an EM1-ii) - I love the sharpness and the bokeh - but I think I'm falling out of love with the 35mm focal length a bit similar to Robin's experience. I keep reaching for my 12-40 Pro lens to be honest or for my Panasonic 25mm F1.7 even though it's not as sharp. I think if I had the option again, I would probably go for the 25mm F1.2 or maybe 45 instead. They're definitely too expensive for me to think about buying outright for now
@@des4719 Fancy a swap? 😝
Lol - message me on Instagram if you're keen! @lifeisartislife
What makes you not a fan of 35mm mate? Just curious.
I got my copy a few weeks ago. Comparing it to the 25mm and 45mm, I find this one is noticably WARMER (yellow color shift). Have you found the same, or do I have a bad copy?
@ 5.01 is it a typo? it says 1/20000 Sutter speed?
You make a great case for the F1.2 but I can't imagine using it on my Pen f or EM5 ii simply because of the size. Well the price also would be a factor. As an aside, whilst camera/lens prices continue to rocket (at least in the UK), its good to realise you can still get a terrific setup from Olympus, say the EM10 iii + kit lens and a couple of primes, for sensible money and get terrific quality results.
I use my 1.2 on my Pen F quite often.
@@maiabrittany It wouldn't suit me - too front heavy - but each to their own. Also smaller = stealth for me.
@@nlanca1 Try Panasonic Leica 15/1.7 - exceptional lens. Love it. It doesn’t replace my 17/1.2 but still worth every cent.
@@mfreider Thanks. I have been thinking about one from time to time. Maybe the time of year for a present to myself!
I think 20mm f1.4 pro and 45mm 1.8 covers 85 percent use cases for travel photography needs ... and maybe 75mm 1.8 as well.
Its a wonderfull beast
lens for all cases✅
I own an old EM10 seldom use it I use Sony A7RII much better. 17mm f1.2 costs twice the price of the f1.8?
Instead of 1 cup, I bought 2cups.
For portraits would u recommend 25mm 1.2 in comparison 17mm 1.2?
I have both and from portraiture prospective it all depends. 17/1.2 is excellent when you want to emphasize not only subject but include environment around it. For example room, street where your subject in. 25/1.2 would give you ability to concentrate more on subject. Not a lot but more. This is why I personally prefer to have both 45/1.2 and 17/1.2 on shot. 17/1.2 will give me ability to say “where” person “is” and 45/1.2 will let me to say “what” my person is. 25/1.2 is sort of in the middle. Compromise. Not in the bad sense but still a compromise - optimal one. So answering on your question - only you can decide :) But in general 25/1.2 is good starting point.
I tried before these prime pro lens on my em5ii, wonder if the lens mount on em5ii will be able to handle the weight of the lens in the long run >.
I use a 40_,150 f2.8 pro don't worry dude there made to be compatible :) Holds up great with heavy lenses although a grip is a must
@@zanisgardening123- nice good to hear that since 40-150mm is much heavier than 12-100mm, i actually had factory metal grip installed on my em5ii. Feel much more nicer to hold than bare bone.
Did you let your lens hanging or you hold the lens when you are moving about not shooting? I know letting the lens float face down hanging is not good idea.
@@hamtairo I just hold it as I zoom the contact is meant to take the weight trust me lol its all metal and good quality attachments
For me, it's too bad this pro lens is as expensive as it is. I'm really hoping for a 17mm f/1.4 from Olympus in the near future!
These can be found at 50-60% of retail price on the secondhand market.
Sigma 16mm f1.4 a great alternative
Regarding the manual focus clutch on Olympus lenses (mainly thinking about the 17mm 1.8); does this work on a Panasonic camera?
Yes, definitely. I use the Olympus manual focus clutch on my Panasonic cameras all the time.
Should I still get an Olympus camera now? I'm based in the U.S.
Yes
Why not? I just placed an order for the EM1X. Woohoo!
And I just bought an E-M1 mark iii
@@tizio54 Congratulations! Love this one!
You bet......
Can you explain further are you not a fan 25mm or the 25mm pro?
It seems Robin is not a fan of 35mm eqiv. (17mm MFT) lenses, but rather prefers 50mm equiv (25mm MFT)
coming from full frame, I laugh anytime someone says these MFT 1.2s aren't small lenses. lol. try any full frame 1.4 or esp 1.2...these things are the size of a FF 1.8
Can I use zuiko 50mm f2 macro on em1 mark 2 ?
I think old 4/3 lens can be mounted on m4/3 using adapter
A very good lens for sure, but somewhat expensive and bulky. In my opinion , the picture of the cat is an example where the depth of field is really too shallow. Alternatives: Panasonic Leica 15/1.7, which is optically very good and has a nice out-of-focus rendering. For cases where more background separation is needed, I got the Mitakon 17/0.95, which may be not as sharp as the MZuiko, but isn’t bad either. I heard that the Sigma 16/1.4 is also a very good choice, but bulky too.
I too own the Panny 15/1.7 but the 17mm 1.2 from Olympus (which I also own) is IMO worth the extra cash and is better than the Panasonic. Luckily I purchased the 17mm 1.2 before Olympus raised all their prices a little while back. A superb lense.
👍👍👍
please review 150-400！
I don't have the lens.
My First and only MFT lens. I use it for almost everything but Birding. It's basically stuck on the camera. Low light capability and rendering is great. Thanks Robin.
christienbunting.smugmug.com/For-a-Friend
christienbunting.smugmug.com/Projects/Robinson-Foltz-Wedding/i-PpNhMN9/A
Is the manual focus physical? My 14-42 ez stopped focusing on all focal lengths, and I'm wishing I could manual focus this.
all m.zuiko lens are focus by wire, there is no mechanical focus involved unlike the canon EF series.
@@mikechan31 😥
The pro lenses get a lot of flak, shame they are good lens.