Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 Lens for E Series DSLR Cameras Review

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 is a high-grade, all-metal, fast wide-angle lens for the Micro Four Thirds system.

It has a beautiful full-metal body and a snap ring that enables photographers to pan focus with a distance indicator.

Boasting a similar angle of view as a 24mm lens in a 35mm system, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 features an enhanced multi-layer lens coating which, according to Olympus, halves the effects of ghosting and flaring compared to conventional comparable coatings.

It is optically amazing and fast. The autofocus is ultra silent and quick. The feel of this lens is magnificent. When you pull back the ring to manual focus, it has hard stops and the focus speed is variable depending on how fast you turn the ring. While not up to the quality of Leica (what is?), this lens is a true gem. There are currently only 2 m43 lenses that go this wide (7-14 and 9-18) and they are bigger, heavier, and 2 stops slower. I am not sure why the m43 bunch is caught up on the 28mm length but this lens is a welcome step in the right direction.

So if this lens is so nice, then what is the dilemma?

The answer to that would be the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5. The 14mm is not in the same league as the 12mm for build quality. However, it is much smaller and cheaper. (Not that the 12mm f/2 is that big in fact it is tiny for what it is, the 14mm f/2.5 is just tiny.) If you don't need the extra Field of View (FOV) of the 12mm then the 14mm is a very good alternative. I just got back from shooting at two automotive museums and the 14mm performed admirably. It was rare I needed a wider FOV.

However, for tight location shooting this thing is an absolute gem and now offers a m43 shooter a real professional alternative to a Nikon or Canon equivalent. Now it would be possible to tote the D7000 w/ 70-200mm f/2.8 and a G3 w 12mm f/2. Much lighter than another Nikon DX body with 14-24 f/2.8 or FX body with 24mm f/1.4.

Please be aware the lens does not come with the hood. That must be purchased separately.

Overall, if you don't know why you would need this lens over the Pani 14mm f/2.5, then you don't. However, if you need the 9 deg extra FOV or you merely want to use a world class lens then you will be very happy with 12mm f/2. Bravo Olympus. Now please make a 35-100mm f/2 for m43.