The Olympus 12mm F/2

Thank you.

Anders W wrote:

There are two native primes that are faster and as wide or wider:

SLR Magic 12/1.6

CV 10.5/0.95

If you count the Samyang 12/2 (an APS-C lens with MFT mount, like the Sigma MFT lenses), then there are three that are at least as fast and at least as wide. If rumors are right, there is additionally an Oly 8/1.8 fisheye in the works.

Also the Kowa 8mm 2.8

Roderick Balle wrote:

Anders W wrote:

There are two native primes that are faster and as wide or wider:

SLR Magic 12/1.6

CV 10.5/0.95

If you count the Samyang 12/2 (an APS-C lens with MFT mount, like the Sigma MFT lenses), then there are three that are at least as fast and at least as wide. If rumors are right, there is additionally an Oly 8/1.8 fisheye in the works.

Also the Kowa 8mm 2.8

Yes but this was not my point, none of these lenses are auto focus, the auto focus mechanism on this lens is one of its best features. Open it up and take some trick parlor shots as people walk by you in the street without even noticing you took their photo.

On a street level shooting from waist height you can go about completely unnoticed and with a waist level finder on a camera like an Olympus PEN or Panasonic GX7 you can go about your business completely unnoticed.

The AF speed on the Olympus 12 F/2 is simply one of the fastest out of any of the lenses in the system and while you might think its not important on a lens this wide, its assistance will surprise you as soon as you shoot with this lens.

M43 Dude wrote:

The AF speed on the Olympus 12 F/2 is simply one of the fastest out of any of the lenses in the system and while you might think its not important on a lens this wide, its assistance will surprise you as soon as you shoot with this lens.

One big difference between the SLR Magic and the Oly 12, is the very close focusing distance of the Magic - it behaves like a macro. Set it to infinity, and you can just walk around and shoot, without focusing being an issue. I think you're overstating the flare issue as well. Sure it's there in some situations, but it hasn't limited me whatsoever.

Other big pluses of the Magic, is the extra speed - a full stop faster, very nice all metal/glass build,  the very smooth clickless aperture ring located on the front of the barrel, which is invaluable when shooting video - something I do a lot. Less distortion than the Oly, which in video, where correction is more problematic, is also a big plus.

I also love the way this lens renders colours - difficult to quantify, but colours just look great. At almost half the price of the Oly, I think it's the bargain wide angle prime for m43, and a lens that I think you'd enjoy.

Now a "stale", but still interesting thread.  I've owned two m43 12mm f2 lenses, and I totally agree in that they are beautifully made-- and a favorite focal length of mine.  Originally I remember the 12mm f2 was supposed to be extremely flare resistant?  Not so in my experience as both the ones I had flared badly when the sun was in or near the frame.  I sold them both and am much happier with the Oly 12-40 or Pana 12-35.  I admit to preferring good zooms to primes even at the expense of greater size and weight.  The only primes I've kept are the Pana 8mm fish-eye, Oly 60mm macro, and Oly 17mm f1.8-- had several others and sold them too.

Your first seascape photo is beautiful.  Nice work.

JL

tkbslc wrote:

Marty4650 wrote:

I think the lens is judged harshly because of it's incredibly high price point. People expect a lot for $800, and being merely "very good" may not be enough.

If this was a $500 lens, then it would get 5 star ratings all around. And then it becomes a "must have" lens for M4/3 shooters.

Even when accounting for the better build quality, it just isn't a good value once you realize it costs TWICE as much as a 25mm f/1.8 lens. And that lens comes with a hood. Not a $45 option....

I bet most people would be happier with build like the 17, 25, 45 and a $500 price tag.

I guess there is the 14mm f2.5 for us cheapskates, though...

Yes there is; and in fact I just sold my 14mm in order to offset the cost of this lens, which I picked up for about $550 on Ebay.  I'm anxious to mess around with it.

My main reasons for buying it (beyond curiosity) were to get the extra 2mm of width, and to have a much better low-light lens for night shots.  I found the 14mm useful in the extreme but wanted to see if this lens was as bad as some say or as great as others do.  If I hate it, I know I can sell it for what I paid for it.