Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 mm F2.8 PRO Lens, Universal Zoom, Suitable for All MFT Cameras (Olympus OM-D & PEN Models, Panasonic G-Series), Black

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Perhaps the closest alternative to the Olympus is Panasonic's 12-35mm ƒ/2.8 lens. With it you get a similar, albeit slightly shorter focal length range and a constant ƒ/2.8 aperture. It also features built-in optical image stabilization, which might be a moot point for Olympus users as most of the company's cameras feature sensor shift IS. It's also a very sharp lens at all focal lengths and does well at controlling CA, but it shows more distortion and more vignetting than the Olympus -- and it's more expensive.

As I explained in my full review of the Lumix 12-35mm, the optical stabilisation is very good, delivering sharp results down to an average of 1.3s at 12mm and 1/10s at 35mm. When updated with the newest firmware and paired with the GX8’s Dual I.S. system, you can achieve even better results – specifically, an average of 1s at 12mm and 1/3s at 35mm. DMC-GX8, 1 sec, f/ 3,2, ISO 200 – Lumix 12-35mm It doesn't do 1:1 macro, but it does have better close focusing capability than your typical standard zoom. There's really not much to say about this zoomlens. It's a great performer at all apertures and at every focal length. If you pixel peep, you'll find that it's a tad softer in the corners when zoomed past 25mm, but that's about it. I can't imagine this to be a problem in real life. If it is a problem, just set the aperture to f/4 to get photos that are evenly sharp from corner to corner. CA and distortion are both very low and the bokeh is okay for this type of lens. Most of the time it's not creamy smooth, but it's not harsh either.Despite the larger size and weight, it feels great in the hand and balances nicely with both the larger Olympus E-M1 and smaller MFT cameras like our Panasonic GX1 test camera. The larger size makes it easier to hold, and helps keep smaller cameras more stable.

Distortion is well corrected in camera, but without corrections applied, Imatest detected 5.51% barrel distortion at 12mm being replaced with only 0.965% pincushion distortion at 40mm. The level of distortion at 12mm will be quite noticeable in images with lines parallel to the edge of the frame, although the distortion pattern is uniform across the frame throughout the zoom range, which should make applying corrections in image editing software afterwards, relatively straightforward. The Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 was the first of its Pro lineup of lenses, eventually going to be a set of four (7-14mm f/2.8, 12-40mm f/2.8, 40-150mm f/2.8, 300mm f/4). As such, it’s a high performance lens that’s been built at a high level of quality, as well. You can get really close with this lens. I think it's a very nice option to have and I can imagine that many photographers don't need an extra macro lens. This Olympus 12-40mm might very well be the only lens many people ever need. Especially when combined with the very efficient Olympus in body stabilization. It's a do it all kind of lens. And it does it well too. Zooming to 40mm results in a slight reduction in sharpness at maximum aperture, although performance is still very good in the centre of the frame and good towards the edges of the frame at f/2.8. Stopping down to between f/4 and f/5.6 results in outstanding sharpness across the frame at this focal length. Since the OM System branding is still new, it's worth pointing out that OM System lenses are fully compatible with Olympus cameras and vice versa. OM System lenses look exactly like previous Olympus lenses, save for the OM System name on the barrel and lens caps.First, stabilization. If you’re shooting on a Panasonic body, the Panasonic lens probably gets the nod simply because it has OIS and the Olympus does not. If you are about to spend this kind of money, you want to make sure that the lens delivers proper optical performance and one thing is for sure: the 12mm is sharp. Right from 1.4 it delivers excellent results which means it becomes an interesting option for low light events, weddings and astro-photography. Distortion and chromatic aberration are a non-issue.

The flower above actually looks overexposed. Not enough depth of field either. You'd need a smaller aperture.Make no mistake, this is one of the best kit lenses you’ll ever get your hands on. But if you do, you’ll desperately want to supplement it with OM System’s beautiful Pro-level prime lenses. You’ll also want to get more zoom lenses at the longer end because they’re just that great. The 62mm front element sits relatively vulnerable at the front of the lens, though Olympus supplies a reversible LH-86 petal-type hood that you can use to give some protection. As you zoom, the lens extends in length by a considerable amount, so don’t get deceived by the 3.3” (84mm) collapsed size; the lens will easily hit 5” with hood when zoomed. Focus does not rotate or move the front element. Image Quality – Through the lens E-M1, 1/100, f/10, ISO 200 – M.Zuiko 12-40mm at 28mm GX8, 1/160, f/11, ISO 200 – Lumix 12-35mm at 33mm Focal Range Conclusion E-M1, 1/640, f/8, ISO 200 – M.Zuiko 12-40mm at 40mm GX8, 1/1250, f/8, ISO 200 – Lumix 12-35mm at 30mm During my testing, dual sync IS between the GH5 and 12-35mm ii made no noticeable improvement in the image stabilisation and didn’t allow me to handhold shots for any longer than when using the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 on the GH5.