The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens lives up to its moniker, delivering professional results when paired with a Micro Four Thirds camera.

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  Maximum f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range. Very sharp from edge to edge. Focus clutch system. Protected from dust, splashes, and cold temperatures. Minimal distortion.

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  Expensive. Lacks optical image stabilization.

This standard zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system cameras provides an angle of view equivalent to a 24-80mm lens used on a 35mm format camera and sports a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range.

Those looking for a professional specified standard lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera are now spoilt for choice with offerings from Panasonic, and this lens from Olympus. This lens delivers outstanding sharpness through much of the zoom range at maximum aperture and sports a robust, dust and...

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  Outstanding sharpness from maximum aperture, Compact and lightweight, Robust build, Dust and splash proof, Quick access for manual focus, Good value

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  Manual focus control easily nudged when changing lenses, Heavily affected by diffraction at small aperture settings

The Panasonic G X VARIO 12–35 mm f/2.8 ASPH. P.O.I.S set the standards pretty high in this category but the Olympus company managed to meet them without any problem. First of all they produced a bit cheaper lens with a wider focal range.

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  solid casing, mostly made of metal,, excellent image quality in the frame centre,, very good image quality on the edge of the frame,, very good correction of chromatic aberration,, moderate astigmatism,, splendid, fast and silent autofocus,, sensible performance against bright light.

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  huge distortion at the wide angle of view,, distinct coma at the maximum focal length,, noticeable vignetting at the shortest focal length.

The 12-40mm f/2.8 lens is an impressive performer, delivering quality that rivals that of many DSLR+fast zoom pairings that target serious enthusiast photographers. But its great advantage is being able to do this in a more compact, lighter-weight unit.

Summary (read on for the gory blathering)* I have several years experience with Canon L glass* I have two other consumer/prosumer grade Micro 4/3 zooms in the same focal length range* This lens meets my every expectation of a (Canon L) pro grade lens* And I'm getting significantly better results...

I sold several Olympus primes and cheaper zooms to afford this lens, and I honestly don't miss any of them except the 60mm macro. It's sharp. Of course it's sharp. But the contrast is honestly better than the Olympus 45mm f/1.8. I always felt the other lenses had a bit of a hazy look.

I have been a long-time Nikon user and fan. I purchased this sense in conjunction with the OMD-EM1. I would put this up against anything on the market in thfull-frame arena! It is that good. I shot a number of photos where I would traditionally use a flash.

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  Quality buildWeather resistantImage qualityPro quality at a fair price

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  None

It is extremely sharp. Great for portraits, nature, and product photography. It feels very solid just like all Olympus pro lenses. A must have lens!

First rate in every respect; optically, mechanically, and handling. But don't be fooled by the movable focusing ring! If you can afford it, this lens is a no-brainer for any m4/3 shooter.

Relatively light and tack sharp, this lens is a must have.

The Olympus 12-40 Pro zoom is an outstanding lens. It's very well made, produces high quality images, and has a useful zoom range. While the lens is compact, it is heavy and may not balance well on smaller bodies.

This is my first PRO m4/3 lens and it's nothing short of amazing. I'm a long time Canon shooter who's used to high quality L-series lenses, and I can confidently say that this lens can hang with any L I've ever used.

I am experiencing amazingly new ways to push the envelope with the range of my new M. Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm Pro camera lens.

Should have bought this lens before. Sharp and great zoom range. Very high quality build.