I bought this lens as a step of from my kit lens ( the 14-42 EZ ) because It's a bit shorter and longer while staying just as fast. The zoom function is really interesting as it's fly-by-wire instead of mechanical. This is both good and bad, mostly good. In "manual" mode it emulates a traditional lens zoom, with almost a nearly imperceptible delay. It may bother some people but I stopped noticing it very quickly. The other mode is basically a 'video camera zoom" mode, which makes this lens one of the best available for video recording with a MFT camera. Another great feature is the macro mode. While not as good as a true macro lens, it's great to be able to take impromptu macro shots without needing to change lenses. I consider it a bonus feature rather than something I based my purchasing decision on.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this for the power zoom and the nice focal range. Unfortunately, it’s a bit softer than my other Leica and M. Zuiko lenses. I had to double the sharpening to get a pleasing result. I probably won’t be using this lens on a regular basis as I use my photo gear to make a living. I may have gotten a “soft copy” and you may get better results. My 14-150 Oly version 2 is extremely sharp.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased this lens used for my Olympus E-P3. I own the Olympus Micro 14-42 but wanted to sell it with an E-PL1. After reading many reviews I decided to purchase it. I expected it to preform as it does and am very satisfied with the lens build, a very well made lens. The macro function is delightful although the lens is slow at f:6. It focuses fast enough and accurate. I do like the dual zoom functions: manual for photography and motorized for video, a nice feature. Is this lens sharp? Not as sharp as my primes. But for shooting outdoors it is fine for general photography. When I go indoors I put it away and put on one of my faster prime lenses. I do especially like that it is a 12mm wide lens, and pretty good at f:3.5, so I do use it indoors if I want something wider than 14mm. Overall I am happy with this purchase and would recommend this lens. I probably wouldn't purchase it new though as I think it is overpriced somewhat. It is somewhat smaller than the photos make it appear. It is long and thin on the camera and fairly light too. I purchased an after market lens hood from Hong Kong for about $15 that is well made and an asset. Make sure you get a lens hood if you purchase this lens for flare and protection. On a recent trip to the beach my photos showed great color, great focus and close-ups were sharp. It preformed well on the E-P3 and this lens is the one that stays on the camera most of the time.Read full review
Olympus M. Zuiko, 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 Micro Four Thirds lens review. I read, and watched so many "so-so" reviews about this lens, that I almost didn't get it. I eventually found a good deal - although I did have to order from Japan. It took only 7 days to arrive, Japan to Tucson, AZ, USA. The lens looks good, and feels good on my Panasonic Lumix G6. It even has a window. The motor driven zoom is quiet and smooth, for videos, and it has manual zoom also. The macro is just OK. I have seen it compared to the Olympus 14-42mm f3.5-5.6, not even in the same ball park as far as image quality. I don't make posters from my photos, but I do make enlargements up to 9”x11”. I'm not a professional, but the quality seems to me to be as good as with my Panasonic Leica 15mm 1.7, impossible, I know, but there it is. Of course it doesn't do as well in the dark as the 1.7 or my Samyang 1.4, but it will do night sky’s with a tripod. I originally thought of this lens as a stepping stone to the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 X lens. I'm not sure that the Lumix X lens can offer me much more. My needs are fairly basic, and the Oly 12-50mm is able to fill them all, at this time anyway.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
I purchased this as my primary walk around lens for my OM-D E-M5. While I own a Pan Lumix 14-42 (which is lighter and smaller) I wanted the weather seal the Oly provides along with the additional reach. This lens appears to fit my needs and I find the little extra boost it provides on both the short and long end useful. Before I list the drawbacks I want to say these were no surprise as most reviews clearly identify these shortcomings. The 3 negatives are: 1) weights and size. Although nothing like my Nikon or Sony lenses. 2) Slight vignetting below 18mm when any filters are on the lens (I always keep a protective UV on my lenses), so at 12-18mm I have to apply post shooting corrections. If I add additional filters the vignetting moves further out. 3) Relativity slow lens (not focusing just shutter speed if I want to keep a low ISO). The positives are: 1) The additional width and range this allows over the 14-42, 2) Weather sealing, 3) Micro feature (although I have not have yet worked with that much). This lens is a positive addition to my glass collection and I find the picture quality very comparable to the Lumix and it will fully replace the Lumix once I am fully comfortable its use.Read full review
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