Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO Review

There are a myriad of choices and alternatives available in most systems, and the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) format is certainly no exception. Here, an already diminutive set of lenses now has an even more miniscule offering, the sacrifice being the reduction in maximum aperture from f/2.8 to f/4. The price is also lower than the alternative f/2.8 optic. So for those who want the most compact lens for travel and indeed many other applications may well be tempted by Olympus's new lens. This does, of course, depend also on how well it performs and whether it lives up to its PRO designation, so let's have a close look, using the 20MP Panasonic Lumix G9 body.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO Handling and Features

First impression is of a positive jewel of a lens, a modest 254g in weight, resplendent in its glossy black finish and with a precise attention to detail. It is a beautifully finished object in itself. There is a provided petal lens hood that bayonets firmly into position and shows no sign of being able to be accidentally dislodged. Within the bayonet fit we find a standard 58mm filter thread.

The manual focus ring is slim but affords a good grip. It is electronic in operation and as smooth as silk. Focusing is down to 0.12m (12cm) or 4.72 inches, giving a maximum magnification of 0.25x or 1:4. Whilst not actually a macro lens, this very close focusing is extremely useful, especially at the 45mm end of the zoom.

The zoom ring does actually change the physical length of the lens, but remains very slick in operation, albeit it not quite as silky as the focusing. There are clear and accurate focal length markings at 12mm, 14mm, 18mm, 25mm, 35mm and 45mm.

And that is it for the lens controls, there being no switches at all. The bayonet is of high-quality metal and includes the usual electronic contacts. The fit is very precise and smooth.

Optical construction is 12 elements in 9 groups, including 2 Aspherical, 2 HR (High Refractive Index), 1 Super HR, 1 DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 7 circular blades for improved bokeh.

The lens is weather-sealed and is described as dustproof, splash-proof and freeze-proof. This is encouraging for a lens with so much potential for being out in the elements. The focal length range is also ideal for a multi-purpose standard zoom, the 12-45mm on MFT format having a 35mm-format equivalent field of view of 24-90mm. This effectively covers a fairly wide-angle, that would at one time have been considered ultra-wide, all the way up to an ideal portrait short telephoto. Out in the field, this is very versatile and removes the need to be constantly changing lenses. Handling is very satisfactory as the lens has so little to operate. It focuses, it focuses swiftly and accurately and it is a splendid companion with no particular vices.