I use the 17mm all the time now, and although I miss the 12-40mm I'm more than happy with this lens. It makes me think about my composition more. Thanks for watching and good luck if you get one 👍
It is a excellent lens it took me four attempts to get hold of this lens. I know that sounds weird but on on attempt I phoned a camera shop that was advertising it told them to hold it . Got to the shop he had the lens but when he went to get the box he phoned the lens was a promotion one on loan from Olympus so he wouldn't sell it to me.
@@RonaldBrown59 also the 12mm 17mm and 75mm are exceptional but the 25mm and the 45mm that are probably the most common focal lengths Olympus cheaper out
Nice to see primes in use. I rarely shoot zooms for my own stuff, although on commercial work time is money so efficiency is key. But when looking to be creative, primes open a lot of doors and I always recommend them when doing tuition sessions. Especially this 17mm. Totally agreed with all you had to say on it 😊👍🏻
Thanks a lot for watching and taking your time to comment. I admit I have been stuck in the zoom world since I've been using digital cameras and having these nice prime lenses has opened photography up even more. I also fully understand the need for zooms when doing paid work and you can't afford to be constantly changing lenses, even doing it quickly takes time! Cheers 👍👍
I've just bought the olympus 25mm 1.8 to pair with my OM5 and so far delighted with this my first prime lense. I'm not considering the 17mm lense, so finding your video has given me great insight and confidence to buy when I can. Thank you.
It's amazing how good those little lenses are and you probably have the perfect combination, the 25mm will be a great all-rounder, and I'm keen to get one too. Thanks for watching and for your comment 👍
I have the 17mm and the 45mm, my dynamic duo. The 17mm is my favorite lens, I used it mostly for street photography. For portraits, I used the 45mm and it is the sharpest of all of my mft lens.
Thanks a lot for watching and taking your time to comment. I'm pleased you have the same lenses as me and that you also the find the 45mm so sharp, that's awesome - thanks 👍👍
The 17mm f1.8 is one of my favorite lenses, and I think it is very underrated. However, at the 45-ish focal length, I think the Olympus 45mm is overrated, mostly because when it was introduced it was the best choice for that focal length. These days, both theLumix/Leica Noct, and the Oly Pro prime are very superior, but if prefering a small size, the Lumix 42.5mm f1.7 is a superior lens. It is just as sharp as the Oly, if not sharper, but the much closer focus distance is incredibly useful, and at closer distances, you can get a lot more blurry background than the Oly is capable of, and at normal distances, the backgrounf blur is just as beautiful as anything the Oly does. Lumix made a stellar lens when they designed the 42.5 f1.7. In my opinion the 17mm 1.8 Oly is a stand out choice, but the 45mm 1.8, while good, if you already have it, but I would never recommend it as a buying choice these days. It does, however, have a large aura of mythology around it due to its past, when it was, itself, also a stand out choice. We are very fortunate that Olympus and Panasonic put so much effort into trying to out-do each other. It means that whatever camera choice we prefer, our best lens choices are always a mix of Oly and Lumix. And at 17-ish mm, it is Olympus that is on top. I have never understood why Panasonic has never released its own 17mm. If it had semi-macro close focus, it would be a very interesting choice, but the manual focus clutch on the Oly 17 would probably keep it on top.
@artistjoh Thanks very much fir your detailed reply. I agree that the 17mm lens is very good and I use that lens for the majority of my photos, especially since my zoom has broken. I do think the 45mm sharpness is very good and I personally think it is better than the 17mm. I think I might do a test of the two lenses and try to compare their sharpness, though not sure how possible that will be. Once again thank you very much for your great comment and for watching the video 👍
I love my Olympus 17mm f1.8. It is not a replacement for a zoom. I use my Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 more, but for lightweight and super-discrete walk around, especially in a mix of lower light, the Oly is a superb choice. In addition, the manual focus clutch makes the Oly 1.8 a pure joy to use.
I've been seeing a lot of praise for this lens, which sounds impressive considering it's age. I also have a thing for pancake lenses, especially if I can pair them with my own E-PL5. _(Any_ lens seems too bulky and obtrusive on that thing! 😂) But I've already fallen to the hype of the Lumix 14 and 20mm lenses, and the more I watch, the more I think, do I really need another to fill that little gap? Then, on the other hand, is any piece of my camera gear really a 'need'? In any case, this was informative, especially the lens comparisons.
Another brilliant video, thank you! I picked up a 30mm f1.4 for my APS-C camera last spring and it's been really good fun to use, even though it was certainly challenging at first!
I have the "holy Trinity", 17, 25 and 45. The 17mm is the best every day carry lens as gives more options. On image quality the 45 is stunning though, I use the 25 less than the other 2.
The 45mm is very nice and sharp, though it is too tight for everyday use. I bought 17mm which works for 90% of my photography, and I only use ny 12-40 when I have to. I might buy 25mm next. Thanks a lot for watching and for commenting 👍
I think the focal length translating to the natural FOV of the human eye works out to be the measurement across the diagonal of the sensor. So in full frame terms it translates to 42mm if I recall correctly. Nifty fifty is a slight telephoto.
Thanks for a very informative and enjoyable assessment of the 17mm f1.8 lens. I have gradually built up my prime lens collection over the last 10 years to include the 12, 17, 25 and 45 mm. The conclusion I have come to is that the 17mm is not quite up to any of the other primes I own, in terms of sharpness towards the edges of the shot. For me this is a shame, because the 17mm actually provides the perfect angle for most of my photography. As you say, if you can overlook this fact, the lens is very good. But I cannot do this and end up using either my 12 or 25 as an alternative.
Thanks very much for taking the time to comment, and I agree. I have found that although I like it a lot, it is not as sharp as the 45mm I have, I will see when I get the 25mm eventually. Thanks for watching 👍 👀
Ah that's interesting, because I think the 45 is crystal and the 17 just dies feel quite so clear, maybe as I use it the lens will improve, or my eyesight will change. Thanks for taking the time to post your comment 👍👍
I generally prefer the Pansonic 20mm f1.7. I find this focal length more natural that 17mm, the lens has less distortion, and it is really sharp. However, it is slow and noisy focusing, but it is not a problem with my photography style. Also, with 16 megapixel Sony sensors, you can get nasty banding at high ISO (I have only experienced it about 3 times in 4 years).
Thanks a lot for watching and for your question. I don't know enough about the Lumix lens, and don't it would be worth trading, and sometimes I would like a slightly wider lens. 👍👍
I have an Olympus E-M10 mk II and then I have the two kinda mediocre kit zooms and then the collection of 17, 25, 45, and 75 1.8 primes. It's a great selection but with m4/3 being basically defunct now I've been contemplating moving to a full frame instead since full frame cameras these days are just as small as the E-M10 anyway.
Thanks for taking your time to comment, and for watching. I think you have some nice lenses and a cool camera, and I get your thoughts on M4/3, and really good luck with your Full Frame choice, whatever you go for it will be an awesome camera!! 👍👍
I've had many MFT lenses, incl. this one. I find it overpriced for a simple, non-sealed lens. Not the sharpest too. The positives are being small and the manual clutch to switch before AF and MF. I personally sold it and never missed it.
Thanks very much for watching and for taking your time to comment. I'm sure after a year I will form a more rounded view of the lens and not just over a month. I admit weather sealing would be nice. Thanks 👍👍
Thanks for your advice, sadly I sent it to Olympus in Portugal and they could not fix it for less than the price of a new lens. I'm going to buy a new lens 👍
@travisbrown2459 Thanks for commenting. It might be true that the photos are nothing special but I like them. It's a shame that a filter has been removed with the Internet and people are comfortable leaving comments that they would probably never say in person. Thanks for watching and for highlighting it 👍
@vermis8344 It happens quite often and you can fight fire with fire but it's better to use other methods. Thanks for watching and for taking your time to leave a comment 👍
Thanks for your thoughts on this lens. I have been considering picking one of these up.
I use the 17mm all the time now, and although I miss the 12-40mm I'm more than happy with this lens. It makes me think about my composition more. Thanks for watching and good luck if you get one 👍
It is a excellent lens it took me four attempts to get hold of this lens. I know that sounds weird but on on attempt I phoned a camera shop that was advertising it told them to hold it . Got to the shop he had the lens but when he went to get the box he phoned the lens was a promotion one on loan from Olympus so he wouldn't sell it to me.
@@RonaldBrown59 nice I also have the 12mm f2
@@RonaldBrown59 also the 12mm 17mm and 75mm are exceptional but the 25mm and the 45mm that are probably the most common focal lengths Olympus cheaper out
Nice to see primes in use. I rarely shoot zooms for my own stuff, although on commercial work time is money so efficiency is key. But when looking to be creative, primes open a lot of doors and I always recommend them when doing tuition sessions. Especially this 17mm. Totally agreed with all you had to say on it 😊👍🏻
Thanks a lot for watching and taking your time to comment.
I admit I have been stuck in the zoom world since I've been using digital cameras and having these nice prime lenses has opened photography up even more.
I also fully understand the need for zooms when doing paid work and you can't afford to be constantly changing lenses, even doing it quickly takes time! Cheers 👍👍
Beautiful footage from this Olympus 17mm f/1.8 Lens. Thanks for sharing. A big LIKE from Singapore.👍👍
Thank you very much indeed 😊
I've just bought the olympus 25mm 1.8 to pair with my OM5 and so far delighted with this my first prime lense. I'm not considering the 17mm lense, so finding your video has given me great insight and confidence to buy when I can. Thank you.
It's amazing how good those little lenses are and you probably have the perfect combination, the 25mm will be a great all-rounder, and I'm keen to get one too.
Thanks for watching and for your comment 👍
I have the 17mm and the 45mm, my dynamic duo. The 17mm is my favorite lens, I used it mostly for street photography. For portraits, I used the 45mm and it is the sharpest of all of my mft lens.
Thanks a lot for watching and taking your time to comment. I'm pleased you have the same lenses as me and that you also the find the 45mm so sharp, that's awesome - thanks 👍👍
The 17mm f1.8 is one of my favorite lenses, and I think it is very underrated. However, at the 45-ish focal length, I think the Olympus 45mm is overrated, mostly because when it was introduced it was the best choice for that focal length. These days, both theLumix/Leica Noct, and the Oly Pro prime are very superior, but if prefering a small size, the Lumix 42.5mm f1.7 is a superior lens. It is just as sharp as the Oly, if not sharper, but the much closer focus distance is incredibly useful, and at closer distances, you can get a lot more blurry background than the Oly is capable of, and at normal distances, the backgrounf blur is just as beautiful as anything the Oly does. Lumix made a stellar lens when they designed the 42.5 f1.7.
In my opinion the 17mm 1.8 Oly is a stand out choice, but the 45mm 1.8, while good, if you already have it, but I would never recommend it as a buying choice these days. It does, however, have a large aura of mythology around it due to its past, when it was, itself, also a stand out choice.
We are very fortunate that Olympus and Panasonic put so much effort into trying to out-do each other. It means that whatever camera choice we prefer, our best lens choices are always a mix of Oly and Lumix. And at 17-ish mm, it is Olympus that is on top. I have never understood why Panasonic has never released its own 17mm. If it had semi-macro close focus, it would be a very interesting choice, but the manual focus clutch on the Oly 17 would probably keep it on top.
@artistjoh Thanks very much fir your detailed reply. I agree that the 17mm lens is very good and I use that lens for the majority of my photos, especially since my zoom has broken. I do think the 45mm sharpness is very good and I personally think it is better than the 17mm.
I think I might do a test of the two lenses and try to compare their sharpness, though not sure how possible that will be.
Once again thank you very much for your great comment and for watching the video 👍
I love my Olympus 17mm f1.8. It is not a replacement for a zoom. I use my Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 more, but for lightweight and super-discrete walk around, especially in a mix of lower light, the Oly is a superb choice. In addition, the manual focus clutch makes the Oly 1.8 a pure joy to use.
Thanks a lot for your excellent message, and I agree the manual clutch is so good. Thanks again 👍
I've been seeing a lot of praise for this lens, which sounds impressive considering it's age. I also have a thing for pancake lenses, especially if I can pair them with my own E-PL5. _(Any_ lens seems too bulky and obtrusive on that thing! 😂) But I've already fallen to the hype of the Lumix 14 and 20mm lenses, and the more I watch, the more I think, do I really need another to fill that little gap? Then, on the other hand, is any piece of my camera gear really a 'need'?
In any case, this was informative, especially the lens comparisons.
Thanks a lot for watching and for your comment. Maybe if you already have similar lenses you probably don't need this lens 👍
Another brilliant video, thank you! I picked up a 30mm f1.4 for my APS-C camera last spring and it's been really good fun to use, even though it was certainly challenging at first!
That's awesome, thanks a lot for your positive feedback and for watching 👀 👍
I have the "holy Trinity", 17, 25 and 45. The 17mm is the best every day carry lens as gives more options. On image quality the 45 is stunning though, I use the 25 less than the other 2.
Thanks a lot for taking your time to comment, and I have the same thoughts as you both for quality of 45 and use of 25. Thanks for watching 👍 👀
I only have the 45mm, the rest are all zoom lenses. I want to start using primes, but I never decide what to get, 17, 20, 14, 15...
The 45mm is very nice and sharp, though it is too tight for everyday use. I bought 17mm which works for 90% of my photography, and I only use ny 12-40 when I have to.
I might buy 25mm next.
Thanks a lot for watching and for commenting 👍
More food for thought. Many thanks
Thanks a lot for watching, and for posting your comment 👍👍
Lens nicely presented
Thanks very much for your watching and for your comment 👍
I think the focal length translating to the natural FOV of the human eye works out to be the measurement across the diagonal of the sensor. So in full frame terms it translates to 42mm if I recall correctly. Nifty fifty is a slight telephoto.
Thanks for watching and for your knowledgeable comment 👍👍
Thanks for a very informative and enjoyable assessment of the 17mm f1.8 lens. I have gradually built up my prime lens collection over the last 10 years to include the 12, 17, 25 and 45 mm. The conclusion I have come to is that the 17mm is not quite up to any of the other primes I own, in terms of sharpness towards the edges of the shot. For me this is a shame, because the 17mm actually provides the perfect angle for most of my photography. As you say, if you can overlook this fact, the lens is very good. But I cannot do this and end up using either my 12 or 25 as an alternative.
Thanks very much for taking the time to comment, and I agree. I have found that although I like it a lot, it is not as sharp as the 45mm I have, I will see when I get the 25mm eventually. Thanks for watching 👍 👀
My 17 is as sharp as my 45, which is excellent. My 25 isn’t bad, but it’s definitely softer than the other two, especially wide open.
Ah that's interesting, because I think the 45 is crystal and the 17 just dies feel quite so clear, maybe as I use it the lens will improve, or my eyesight will change. Thanks for taking the time to post your comment 👍👍
Some sharper alternatives to the 17mm might be the panny 15mm or the sigma 16mm. But the sigma is massive.
Thanks for your suggestion 👍
I generally prefer the Pansonic 20mm f1.7. I find this focal length more natural that 17mm, the lens has less distortion, and it is really sharp. However, it is slow and noisy focusing, but it is not a problem with my photography style. Also, with 16 megapixel Sony sensors, you can get nasty banding at high ISO (I have only experienced it about 3 times in 4 years).
Thanks for your comment, yeah I had considered the 20mm being the ideal focal length but wanted to keep the lenses similar. Thanks for watching 👍 👀
This is my favorite lens. Stays on my camera.
Thanks a lot for your comment, snap my lens is stuck on my camera too. Thanks for watching 👍 👀
I have the LUMIX 14mm f2.5, but really like the focal length of 17mm. Do you think the diff in these lenses worth the trade?
Thanks a lot for watching and for your question. I don't know enough about the Lumix lens, and don't it would be worth trading, and sometimes I would like a slightly wider lens. 👍👍
I can not understand why nobody has tested this lens on the new OM1mII !?!??!
I'm sure someone will eventually, and sadly I don't have an OM1 otherwise I would share my thoughts. Thanks a lot for watching 👍
I have an Olympus E-M10 mk II and then I have the two kinda mediocre kit zooms and then the collection of 17, 25, 45, and 75 1.8 primes. It's a great selection but with m4/3 being basically defunct now I've been contemplating moving to a full frame instead since full frame cameras these days are just as small as the E-M10 anyway.
Thanks for taking your time to comment, and for watching. I think you have some nice lenses and a cool camera, and I get your thoughts on M4/3, and really good luck with your Full Frame choice, whatever you go for it will be an awesome camera!! 👍👍
I've had many MFT lenses, incl. this one. I find it overpriced for a simple, non-sealed lens. Not the sharpest too. The positives are being small and the manual clutch to switch before AF and MF. I personally sold it and never missed it.
Thanks very much for watching and for taking your time to comment. I'm sure after a year I will form a more rounded view of the lens and not just over a month. I admit weather sealing would be nice. Thanks 👍👍
So what's your alternative?
Get your 12-40 pro f2.8 repaired..
Thanks for your advice, sadly I sent it to Olympus in Portugal and they could not fix it for less than the price of a new lens. I'm going to buy a new lens 👍
There is truly absolutely nothing special about these photos.
@ET-cj8jo Thank you very much for watching the video and for your kind words. 😊
Oh no! The random nonentities in youtube comments have spoken! 🤪😂
Wow, it’s so nice how caring and respectful people are on RUclips.
@travisbrown2459 Thanks for commenting. It might be true that the photos are nothing special but I like them. It's a shame that a filter has been removed with the Internet and people are comfortable leaving comments that they would probably never say in person. Thanks for watching and for highlighting it 👍
@vermis8344 It happens quite often and you can fight fire with fire but it's better to use other methods. Thanks for watching and for taking your time to leave a comment 👍