Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 Pro Lens, for Micro Four Thirds Cameras

July 8 2019 updateAfter two years of using it, I have not changed my impression of the lens. I have since added an Oly 12-40 f/2.8. I found that I do need f/2.8 sometimes. But for travel, the 12-100 is still the best option.Original review:I am a dual system user. My m4/3 system was originally aimed at travel and my primary system is a APS-C based DSLR.Past experiences showed me that zooms with large zoom ratios were compromises at best, so I would only consider zooms with ratios typically =<3. In the recent years, I relaxed this constrain to =<5 as optical design has significantly improved. The down side is that decent zooms with larger ratios are typically large and heavy and require large filter. It kind of negates the benefit of using zoom. My APS-C system has reached a point that I no longer want to bring it for trips especially overseas trips.This was the reason for building a m4/3 system. I started out with a e-pm1 and soon replaced with a e-pm2 and now added a GX85. The kit zoom are OK but limited in zoom range. I hate to change lens when traveling. I replaced the kit zoom with a 12-60, which was a big improvement. I especially like the 12mm on the short end. However, I found out that I also used focal length between 60mm and 100mm on a 40-150 zoom. This was the reason for looking at this 12-100.This lens has a zoom ratio of 8+ which should be outside my range for consideration. The fact that so many people like it and reviews are great, it cannot be too bad and so I gave it a try. I think the smaller m4/3 form factor makes it possible to design high quality zooms with larger zoom ratios. This lens is big for m4/3 platform. I can live with it because I now have a one-lens travel solution.This lens is extremely well built, heavy and substantial. The lens mount is not as smooth as I am used to and neither is the zoom ring. The focus ring is very smooth (no resistance) when using the focus by wire and relatively stiff using the mechanical linkage. These are the not so great aspects of this lens. AF is fast and accurate on both e-pm2 and GX85. Close focus distance is excellent and can almost be a macro lens. Optical performance is the best strength of this lens. My limited experience confirms reviews findings. Even though it is a heavy lens, I don't find it unbalanced even when using it on e-pm2.This is now my go to travel lens. Highly recommended.

The 12-100 replaces my long beloved 12-40 F/2.8 pro to go with my M1-2. I sometimes miss losing a stop of light, but for still shots, you get it back with the extra stability. How much extra? The M1-2 IBIS already boasts 5.5 stops of stability, and I really didn't think the extra stop you get with the lens would be noticeable, until I toggled it off by accident and was wondering why I was getting blurry long exposure shots. It absolutely makes a difference in trying to get 2-4 second (or longer!) hand held exposures, and the extra reach going all the way to 100mm (200mm, FF equivalent), is so handy to have for a travel lens. I pair this with the 25mm F/1.2 for when I really need a super fast beast, usually for indoor, low light shooting. This is also my to-go lens for any sort of video, but I've started to use it more for portrait shoots as well when I have my own lighting and backdrop (and stop being so much of a bokeh freak).Is it expensive? Yes. Big for a M43 lens? Sure, but look at what you're replacing! A 24-70mm and a 70-200mm lens, all in one, and smaller than either for a full frame system. And for a similar price of a single 70-200mm F/4. Sharpness? It's very good. It's not mind-numbing, but very respectable for a zoom lens, and it's already more or less at its sweet spot wide open at F/4. If you don't have a body that works with the lens stability, it may not be worth the price. Then again, it's still a stunning lens that gives you incredible flexibility at a relatively reasonable size.

Great lens much better than I was expecting. Easy to use, I feel that I may hardly ever remove it from the camera.Unfortunately it had a defect there was an intermittent electronic fault inside the lens which made any camera believe it was not connected. After some time it failed all together, I had to return the lens. For some reason I got most of what I paid but Amazon didn't refund the tax.It was a nice lens I would have kept it even though I have other lenses that covered the same range. This would be a good lens for anyone who doesn't want to carry much gear but still cover most of the common focal lengths. Not a lemon just a production fault could happen to any lens.Instead I decided to buy the Panasonic 100-400 mm lens which so far appears to be excellent. With the the OMD EM1 mk2 I can hand hold shots of birds at 400mm ( 800mm 35mm) and pin sharp.Tried to get hand held shots of moon, that was a no go, I guess I was pushing it too far.

I expected more from this lens. I wanted a zoom lens and I was looking at both 12-40mm pro , and this lens. The fact that this lens has great reviews and new dual IS sync, I bought it despite the hefty price closed to $1420 including tax(in California). I tried this lens and dual IS sync is really good and it's almost like it on a gimbal. However, widest at F4, it is not good for indoor and bokeh is weak unless you stretch it out at 100mm and have a portrait shot.I really would have kept it since it still has really sharp images outdoor daylights but when you can get Olympus 12-40mm pro for $647 new (no tax on this one in California), I returned it and ordered 12-40mm instead. I think it is a 4 and a half star quality if not counted the price. But at $1450 with tax, I opted for 12-40mm which is less than half the price. I might get Olympus M. 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 if I need a zoom for $124.My review is closely relative to price and value for your money.The picture is 20 sec hand held leaning on fence! Dual IS is truly amazing.