"Overpriced hipster food" lol! I'm glad you said what I was thinking when I looked at your shots! But seriously - I bought the EM5 MK2 with the 12-40mm and... it's never left the camera. Even now, when I'm eager to get more equipment for more serious work - I can't bring myself to trade in either of them. They are just a perfect combo for exactly the uses you specify. In one compact shoulder pouch, I can get the body and lens, some filters and the kit flash if needed, a spare battery and card - exactly what I need in one excellent package for casual shooting, or for a quick alternative back-up camera grab-bag. The magic's in the glass above all.
Hello Robin , I'm very envious of the superb lenses you have use of , but after seeing your pictures of food , I think I've discovered the secret of your happy smile ! Keep it going !
0:52 I love the combination of the 12-40mm f/2.8 pro and the 75mm f/1.8 on separate cameras. I used these two for gig photography and they were ideal. I would have liked to have gone beyond 75mm but the ease of use and relative compactness of those two lenses both on EM10 Mk ii cameras meant I needed nothing else and carroed them with me the whole time with no bag. The bag was left elsewhere with all the other stuff that I took with me and never used!🤣😅😂 I didn't have to change lenses at all, which was a BIG plus.
Probably it's more versatile than my 12-45 F4 PRO, but at the moment I'm shooting in outdoor environment practically 100% of the time, so at the moment I'm in love with this lens! 😍
@@joeltunnah I like so much the 12-45, it's a small, light, weatherproof and it renders good quality images. But, I would like to shoot with a 12-40 some days, just to see the difference.
Totally agree Robin. 12-40 is my most used lens over the last years. Specially during hiking it's the lens mounted to my EM5II. In addition the 7-14mm in the backpack. Your 12-40 is obviously used a lot 👍😁.
I have owned this lens for a long time as well, this lens lives on OMD EM1 mkii , and I also use it in my underwater housing , for a couple of reasons, first it is really well suited for macro with it's close focussing, and the wide end 12MM is also well suited for wide angle close focussing shots , especially underwater.
This is my go to lens. Such a big step up from the 12-50mm kit lens. Another point worth mentioning is that the better quality glass also gives less noise over kit lenses in low light and higher ISO. It also isn`t too unbalanced on my old E-PL1. Great all round and high quality lens, should be on most people`s upgrade list. It was like I`d bought a new camera when I got this lens. Thank you again Robin for anther great video.
I bought this lens last year and love the build quality and images. It is as sharp as prime lenses and perfect all the way thru the zoom range. No soft corners anywhere. Im using it on the original 16mp Em-1 and the focus is fast. I just can not say enough good things about this lens. It is much better than my Fuji kit 18-55 lens. I have to use the fuji prime lenses to get the same image quality. Its minimum focus distance make it extra versatile too. Thanks for the video Robin.
Thank you, Robin, for uploading this video. I had the same thought about this lens. To be honest, I purchased this lens twice and sold twice. Then I bought it for the third time 2 weeks ago. This time with an oath of allegiance to keep it for life.
I got this lens with my EM1 Mkii. It's the only Olympus lens I have and I love it. Amazing lack of chromatic aberration in difficult shots. It's my best lens.
Bought this in January 2020 and I used A LOT, also in weddings and events. Fantastic image quality and build construction. It also worked very fine for night music shooting just by raising the ISO on my m1.2
It is a special lens. Every bit as sharp as the primes. But then I need to go back to the primes because then I find myself just not moving around my subjects as much.
The one reason I've never bought it or the 12-45mm is exactly what you said. I just get lazy and don't move around as much with a zoom. I work faster but not better. I do have the tiny Panasonic 12-32mm lens though. I don't shoot at 12mm often enough to warrant buying the 12mm prime but I do need 12mm from time to time. Its so small and light you don't notice it tucked away in your bag.
Thanks for the video Robin. The 12-40mm is a real workhorse and the lens I use the most. When I travel, it's the only lens I take with me. It is also primarily used for my professional jobs.
@@andreika6681 Your comment piqued my curiosity and now I took another look at which aperture I used the most on my 12-40 f2.8 Pro. And I was amazed that it really is f / 2.8. Then comes aperture 5.6, because I often use this for application photos in the studio. Then I looked at which pictures I actually took with f / 2.8. To a large extent it was also outdoor portraits, night shots or indoor shots in museums, churches or concerts.
Back in 2015, I went to Australia for working holiday, so I decided to buy a decent lens for my e-m5, for all those years I only use kit lens since my first Olympus camera e-500, but after bought the 12-40 2.8. I was so regret, regret not to buy this amazing lens earlier, the performance, IQ is way better than the em5’s kit lens 12-50, and it’s great for product photography as well due to its macro performance, suck an all round lens. I remember this lens selling for over 1k when I it release and now it just around $500, a must have lens for all m43 user.
its 2024 and so many high tech APS C and fulframe to chose from, But after considering pro and contra I have decided to stay with MFTand just ordered a used EM1 III. As the last "original" Olympus I am really excited and do believe this will be collecters piece very soon - and your videos are my go to for tips and advice on the camera. Love your enthusiasm and down to earth reviews ! Greetings from Germany !
1:14 The ability to zoom is so useful when people are moving around or you have to be ready for a different shot at any live type of event. I found this out recently while using prime lenses!🙄 However, when under less pressure I was using 17/1.8 and 45/1.8 for the extra light gathering power and gorgeous background contrast, especially on the 45 of course. I hope to take delivery of a 12-40 f/2.8 (first version) in around 12 hours' time!
Thank you, Robin! I haven't had a chance to watch in a few weeks but, it was like being 'home' again to watch this today. Love your energy, the way you deliver the great information. Keep it up, stay healthy and safe!
Hi Robin Nice clip about versatility of 12 - 40mm lens. Since I already have Panasonic 12 - 35mm lens (the first lens I ever bought) I am already covered. And yes this lens is always with me and used on both my OMD EM1 ii and G9 cameras. I agree 100% that this focal range is a must have!! Just bought the EM1X primarily due to very good price and the new Bird recognition and tracking software. Camera delivered yesterday but weather here is cold, dark, grey and raining so will not be going out today!! But I can test on bird feeders in my garden with 300mm lens and X1.4 TC through window. Keep on posting great clips.
Totally agree. It is my favourite lens together with the 60 mm macro lens. It is the ideal working horse and handles everything you throw at it. I bought it as a second hand lens and it never let me down. Maybe a suggestion for a future video: the do's and dont's or the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a second hand lens...
3:33 The trouble with changing lenses is that it's extra stressful especially if you're already under time pressire and get shaky hands and it's easy to miss really crucial shots. Doing a friend's wedding as a favour, I was shaking and literally sweating changing lenses and really wish I had the 12-40mm f/2.8 then, as I do now. With 2 bodies I could have had the 17mm on for some video on the tripod and then perhaps after that popped the 45mm on for a few ling shots at f/1.8 as I did at the party.
As always,appreciate your enthusiasm & your working firsthand knowledge. I still love & use the old 12-60,14-54ll,&14-35 lenses with the Oly adapters. Do it all gear!
After replacing the 12-50 prime lens that came with my E-M5 with the "premium" primes from 17 to 45mm, I got the 12-40 on special offer. Immediately I stopped using the other lenses... Meanwhile, I have a new primes lineup for special purposes, but you won't find these usually in my bag, the 12-40 does it all. Have you mentioned the close-up capability? I have successfully used it with focus stacking, so the focus breathing can't be too bad. My only complaint is that it is a bit too bulky for the Pen-F. But that's probably due to the 2.8 constant aperture -- which I find essential, I will not switch to the 12-45.
Robin, thanks for another great video. I agree with you about this lens, but I sold mine after acquiring the 12-100mm because of the need for a little longer reach outdoors. Inside I tend to rely on a prime.
This single video has helped me decide if I have 'kit madness' or do need a better 'one fit for all' circumstances alongside the 25mm and 45mm lenses. I have been looking for something 'better; for the kit 14-42mm, although I have found I have that set at 17mm! So maybe I should just get the Olympic or Panasonic 17mm. Tough decision for a 'flim' hobbyist re-learning photography.
It just occurred to me that as a hobby photographer maybe just replacing the kit 14-42mm with this PRO lens is a better solution than buying the 17mm, 25mm and 45mm primes. Is that a valid approach in you mind?
Yeah even many professional photographers focus on camera bodies, and 75% of online chatter is about bodies. It’s the lenses that really matter! Sony/Canon/Nikon has nothing that compares to the Olympus lens lineup in terms of image quality, focal length choices, features, and price.
My opinion on the 12-45 F4 pro versus 12-40 F2.8 pro. Go with the 12-40 F2.8 if it balances well on your camera. My Olympus E-M1 MK II and the Zuiko 12-40 F2.8 PRO pair really well and can be hand-carried for hours. Like Robin said in the video, this combo fits nicely in a daypack with all your non-photo gear. The F2.8 aperture is wide enough for most social photo situations. The 12-45 F4 pro is probably not fast enough for indoor shooting without a flash. The only drawback is that the 12-40 pro bulk or length make me stand out when wearing the system on my neck. The 12-45 pro while lighter is still too bulky for creating a casual photographer appearance. So neither PRO zoom is small enough for those situations. Of course there are many small MFT prime lens available to make the camera look less intimidating or to wear on the neck for long periods o time.
Wow, your lens looks pretty well used for "sitting in your camera bag" mostly! You probably used it more than you thought! :-D But I fully agree: I use my 12-40 for 90% of my shots, even though I have over a dozen different lenses.
My only Pro lens and use it a lot. By the way yes exif is important I realized that your shoots were at very low speed and I think I can do the same with my E-M5 M2 and decrease the ISO ;)
The olnly thing I don't like, it's for focus stacking and that nasty barrel distorion on the blur. You must keep all in focus to work. Beside that, it's an excellent lens for macro or portrait, nice bokeh.
The newer iPhones have like four lenses. I'm a bit irritated that my girlfriend's iPhone takes such good photos indoors and low light, because the sensor is so small.
It's a lovely little lens. I don't use 12mm often enough to warrant buying the 12mm prime but I was missing that focal length when I did need it. The 12-32mm has filled that spot nicely. So small you forget you're carrying it and cheap to buy too.
Before I moved to Sony the 12-40 lived on my EM1 mkii around 80% of the time and the other 20% was the 40-150. I’ve been recently thinking of moving back ...
@@AngelikuS_ I loved the feel of the Olympus system and after using the Sony I don’t believe there’s a lot of difference in the image quality in the images I take.
@@AngelikuS_ I only have the a7iii with the Sigma 24-70 2.8 and if I do stay with Sony I’ll be looking at the not yet released 70-200 2.8. The only thing I’ve truly noticed between both systems is how you can push the Sony over 12,800 iso.
@@richarddutchholland4780 so is. the a7III has a great iso and face and eye focus (this all sonys). Otherwise, I have plenty of Olympus but I will try sony sooner or later.
I've been scared to buy this this lens, because I love my suite of primes (the 12 f2, 20 f1.7 Panasonic, 45 f1.8, and 75 f1.8) that have served me so well, and I don't want to obsolete them at a stroke. But one thing I don't have is a weathersealed lens for my E-M1 II, and that 12-40 keeps beckoning, beckoning. Here in Seattle it's not only rainy but dark, so the f4 one won't do. But once I put the 12-40 on, will I ever use my primes again? This video isn't helping!
Hi robin, greeting from Indonesia. I'm a big fan of your video content. Is the 12-40 f 2.8 is decent for interior photography such as hotel interior? Or its better to get 7-14 lumix or 8-25 olympus?
Nice shots, Robin! And excellent video as usual! Very energetic and positive! Wish you all the best and and more clients, you are really gifted photographer!
For all around photography and especially on walking photography and travel this lens cant be beat. But if you are doing portraits or like what i do, shoot video the 45 1.8 is better. I also have the 25mm 1.8. They each have their own uses, but for 80% of the time the lens that is on there is the 12-40
have you tried prime lens ? 12-40 is my first lens, the main reason i stop using it, because it's like throwing the dice, 50% chance it produce soft images, it simply not sharp enough, 60mm f2.8 have better results, so aperture is not the case. The picture looks good in camera, but looks soft in the computer screen. in comparison, I got 99.99% pin sharp images with prime lens all the time. I trade versality by having a secondary camera and move my legs, and considering to have the third camera... believe it or not, having 2 cameras is still lighter compare to have 1 camera with this zoom lens.
@@earifin I don't agree with any hype--my copy beats any Canon L lens I owned and there were 3 of them. Usually a great prime will be sharper than a zoom--it's all in what works for you, me, and everyone else.
Fantastic! This lens quickly became my most used lens after I got it last year. It's sharper than all my primes other than my 75mm f1.8 and maybe my 45mm f1.8 and its versatility can't be beat. I'm finding it to be a great combination with the 75mm f1.8 for shooting small events, functions and also as a compact higher end general purpose kit.
Hi Robin. Your video made me hungry. I have a question you may be able to answer now that you are not an Olympus ambassador. Do Panasonic lenses work properly on an Olympus camera body. I have a friend who wants to sell quite a few of them and I am interested. What would your advice be? Thanksfor your answer it is much appreciated.
Thanks Robin for your wonderful videos, which I am following with interest. I wanted to ask your opinion to know if you advise me to buy the 12-40f2.8 or the 12-100 f4. I tell you: go from the OMD10 to the OMD1 MIII, having the basic zooms 14-42 and 40-150, apart from the 9_18 and the fixed 45 f1.8, 60 macro and 20 mm from Panasonic. But I wanted a better quality pro zoom lens and I doubt between the 12-40 f2.8 or the 12-100 f4, which would cover a larger focal range, but heavier. As a hobbyist, I value the size and weight of the Olympus system, I use it mostly for nature walks, travel, city, family. If I buy the 12-40 I would keep the 40-150. And with the 12-100 it would come out with a fixed focal length. What would be your choice. Thank you.
Hi Robin, I'm Ivan from Italy. I've purchased an Olympus om-d e-m1 mark ii with 12-40 pro. I've subscribed your channel. Thank you for your precious advices, I like your sympathie! Excuse me for my bad english! Can you say hello to me, please? 😃
Im curious about that blue cake, what is it? And If you were to buy either the 12-40 or the 40-150 which one would you get? Blindly wihout knowing for what? :D But you can only choose one. :P
Too bad Olympus exited the camera business - I've always been interested in their cameras. But after already going through the Samsung desaster (even though I still use the NX1 and NX500) I'll have to pass now and I'm glad I switched to Fuji (X-E3 and X-Pro3), mainly because of their 10-24mm lens which is great for cities/architecture and also landscapes.
@Robin Wong, how would you rate the lens compared to the 12-45mm F4 Pro. Is it worth to change of the better F-Stop? Thank you for your inspiring videos.
Please...if you have this lens...is still worth to buy primes? I've ordered the 17mm 1.8 and I already have the 45mm 1.8...but I think I also will need a zoom lens...
The 17 and 45 f/1.8s are so small that they are really unobtrusive. With the 45mm f/1.8, noone has any idea that you have a portrait short telephoto lens! Plus the 17 looks and feels so good on the smaller OMD cameras.
I like this lens and had been using it for years. Sometimes when taking photos directly towards sunlight, there bound to be a purple or pinkish light show on the photo. Did you have this experience?
I love this lens but sometimes find it a little heavy. If I don't have any idea what I am going to photograph, and for convenience, I take my 14-150mm II lens. It would be nice to see you review that lens.
I used to think the 17mm pro was my favorite lens. Turns out it has the least number of my favorite photos come out of it and the 12-40 Pro has been lens generating my favorite photos. Convenience really is king. I need to get into a prime mindset next shoot to help expand my creativity...
📷
One Lens To Do It All,
One Lens To Shot Them,
One Lens To Rule Them All,
And In The Sensor Bind Them. 🧙♂️
I have had my Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens for 4 years and is my most used lens, next to the 60mm Macro lens............
Those two lenses cover a lot of ground... very well. Nice walk-around outfit.
12-40 is my most used lens 👍
"Overpriced hipster food" lol! I'm glad you said what I was thinking when I looked at your shots!
But seriously - I bought the EM5 MK2 with the 12-40mm and... it's never left the camera. Even now, when I'm eager to get more equipment for more serious work - I can't bring myself to trade in either of them. They are just a perfect combo for exactly the uses you specify. In one compact shoulder pouch, I can get the body and lens, some filters and the kit flash if needed, a spare battery and card - exactly what I need in one excellent package for casual shooting, or for a quick alternative back-up camera grab-bag. The magic's in the glass above all.
Hello Robin , I'm very envious of the superb lenses you have use of , but after seeing your pictures of food , I think I've discovered the secret of your happy smile ! Keep it going !
0:52 I love the combination of the 12-40mm f/2.8 pro and the 75mm f/1.8 on separate cameras. I used these two for gig photography and they were ideal. I would have liked to have gone beyond 75mm but the ease of use and relative compactness of those two lenses both on EM10 Mk ii cameras meant I needed nothing else and carroed them with me the whole time with no bag. The bag was left elsewhere with all the other stuff that I took with me and never used!🤣😅😂 I didn't have to change lenses at all, which was a BIG plus.
Probably it's more versatile than my 12-45 F4 PRO, but at the moment I'm shooting in outdoor environment practically 100% of the time, so at the moment I'm in love with this lens! 😍
Love my 12-45, I would not trade it for the 12-40.
@@joeltunnah I like so much the 12-45, it's a small, light, weatherproof and it renders good quality images. But, I would like to shoot with a 12-40 some days, just to see the difference.
My 12-40 Pro is permanently on my EM1 mki, my 40-150 Pro on my EM1 mkii and my 300 Pro on my EM1 mkiii. Thanks for the video Robin 👍
@@Biosynchro Thanks 🙂
The lens that showed what MFT was capable of.
Totally agree Robin.
12-40 is my most used lens over the last years. Specially during hiking it's the lens mounted to my EM5II. In addition the 7-14mm in the backpack.
Your 12-40 is obviously used a lot 👍😁.
I have owned this lens for a long time as well, this lens lives on OMD EM1 mkii , and I also use it in my underwater housing , for a couple of reasons, first it is really well suited for macro with it's close focussing, and the wide end 12MM is also well suited for wide angle close focussing shots , especially underwater.
I'm fortunate enough to have a good selection of lenses to choose from nowadays, but this is still my "go to" favorite.
Yeah the 12-40mm lens is quite amazing!
This is my go to lens. Such a big step up from the 12-50mm kit lens. Another point worth mentioning is that the better quality glass also gives less noise over kit lenses in low light and higher ISO. It also isn`t too unbalanced on my old E-PL1. Great all round and high quality lens, should be on most people`s upgrade list. It was like I`d bought a new camera when I got this lens. Thank you again Robin for anther great video.
I bought this lens last year and love the build quality and images. It is as sharp as prime lenses and perfect all the way thru the zoom range. No soft corners anywhere. Im using it on the original 16mp Em-1 and the focus is fast. I just can not say enough good things about this lens. It is much better than my Fuji kit 18-55 lens. I have to use the fuji prime lenses to get the same image quality. Its minimum focus distance make it extra versatile too. Thanks for the video Robin.
It's my #1 lens, it's excellent quality, fast, covers most interesting angles of view.
Excellent across the frame wide open and at every focal length. Fast focus, and can do quasi macro. What more needs to be said.
❤ Thank you.
12-40 Pro is my only lens for my GX80. Period 🎉
The 12 - 40mm f2.8 is my go to lens!
This 12-40mm F2.8 PRO is my absolute favourite lens. Such a great combo with my E-M5 Mk ii Love to travel with this one.
Thank you, Robin, for uploading this video. I had the same thought about this lens. To be honest, I purchased this lens twice and sold twice. Then I bought it for the third time 2 weeks ago. This time with an oath of allegiance to keep it for life.
I got this lens with my EM1 Mkii. It's the only Olympus lens I have and I love it. Amazing lack of chromatic aberration in difficult shots. It's my best lens.
Great video Robin. Thanks for sharing your experience
I recently bought the 12-40mm PRO lens and yes, it is fantastic. My number 1 lens so far.
Bought this in January 2020 and I used A LOT, also in weddings and events. Fantastic image quality and build construction. It also worked very fine for night music shooting just by raising the ISO on my m1.2
Gotta love Robin's enthusiasm. Cheers man!
It is a special lens. Every bit as sharp as the primes. But then I need to go back to the primes because then I find myself just not moving around my subjects as much.
The one reason I've never bought it or the 12-45mm is exactly what you said. I just get lazy and don't move around as much with a zoom. I work faster but not better. I do have the tiny Panasonic 12-32mm lens though. I don't shoot at 12mm often enough to warrant buying the 12mm prime but I do need 12mm from time to time. Its so small and light you don't notice it tucked away in your bag.
Great video. I replaced my 12-40 with the 12-45 last year and I regret doing so. The 12-45 is sharp but the 12-40 has a certain look I can't explain.
Thanks for the video Robin. The 12-40mm is a real workhorse and the lens I use the most. When I travel, it's the only lens I take with me. It is also primarily used for my professional jobs.
@@andreika6681 Your comment piqued my curiosity and now I took another look at which aperture I used the most on my 12-40 f2.8 Pro. And I was amazed that it really is f / 2.8. Then comes aperture 5.6, because I often use this for application photos in the studio.
Then I looked at which pictures I actually took with f / 2.8. To a large extent it was also outdoor portraits, night shots or indoor shots in museums, churches or concerts.
Great video. It was my first pro lens (and currently only) and it lives on my 5 ii. A great combination 👍
Also mine combo! Top
Back in 2015, I went to Australia for working holiday, so I decided to buy a decent lens for my e-m5, for all those years I only use kit lens since my first Olympus camera e-500, but after bought the 12-40 2.8. I was so regret, regret not to buy this amazing lens earlier, the performance, IQ is way better than the em5’s kit lens 12-50, and it’s great for product photography as well due to its macro performance, suck an all round lens. I remember this lens selling for over 1k when I it release and now it just around $500, a must have lens for all m43 user.
its 2024 and so many high tech APS C and fulframe to chose from, But after considering pro and contra I have decided to stay with MFTand just ordered a used EM1 III. As the last "original" Olympus I am really excited and do believe this will be collecters piece very soon - and your videos are my go to for tips and advice on the camera. Love your enthusiasm and down to earth reviews ! Greetings from Germany !
1:14 The ability to zoom is so useful when people are moving around or you have to be ready for a different shot at any live type of event. I found this out recently while using prime lenses!🙄 However, when under less pressure I was using 17/1.8 and 45/1.8 for the extra light gathering power and gorgeous background contrast, especially on the 45 of course. I hope to take delivery of a 12-40 f/2.8 (first version) in around 12 hours' time!
Thank you, Robin! I haven't had a chance to watch in a few weeks but, it was like being 'home' again to watch this today. Love your energy, the way you deliver the great information. Keep it up, stay healthy and safe!
Hi Robin Nice clip about versatility of 12 - 40mm lens. Since I already have Panasonic 12 - 35mm lens (the first lens I ever bought) I am already covered. And yes this lens is always with me and used on both my OMD EM1 ii and G9 cameras. I agree 100% that this focal range is a must have!! Just bought the EM1X primarily due to very good price and the new Bird recognition and tracking software. Camera delivered yesterday but weather here is cold, dark, grey and raining so will not be going out today!! But I can test on bird feeders in my garden with 300mm lens and X1.4 TC through window. Keep on posting great clips.
Totally agree. It is my favourite lens together with the 60 mm macro lens. It is the ideal working horse and handles everything you throw at it. I bought it as a second hand lens and it never let me down. Maybe a suggestion for a future video: the do's and dont's or the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a second hand lens...
Thanks!
Thanks so much for the support!
I got the feeling Olympus strong point its various pro grade zoom lens.
I have one and it gets used the most. Thanks Robin!
Just bought this lens, mint, for 400$ or EURO. Thanks for the informative and engaging video, keep up the great work, Robin!
One lens to rule them all, one lens to find them, one lens to bring them all and in the darkness bind them ; )
3:33 The trouble with changing lenses is that it's extra stressful especially if you're already under time pressire and get shaky hands and it's easy to miss really crucial shots. Doing a friend's wedding as a favour, I was shaking and literally sweating changing lenses and really wish I had the 12-40mm f/2.8 then, as I do now. With 2 bodies I could have had the 17mm on for some video on the tripod and then perhaps after that popped the 45mm on for a few ling shots at f/1.8 as I did at the party.
As always,appreciate your enthusiasm & your working firsthand knowledge. I still love & use the old 12-60,14-54ll,&14-35 lenses with the Oly adapters. Do it all gear!
Just ordered this lens and very excited for it to arrive. Thanks for the video, Robin.
I was able to pick up a used 12 to 40 that is in great condition for $480.00. I am looking forward to getting to know it well.
One lens to do it all, one lens to rule them all!
Hi Robin
I would love to see a review of the new Oly 12-40 f2.8 pro MARK II (and also the Pana LEICA 12-35). Best wishes, Rich
After replacing the 12-50 prime lens that came with my E-M5 with the "premium" primes from 17 to 45mm, I got the 12-40 on special offer. Immediately I stopped using the other lenses... Meanwhile, I have a new primes lineup for special purposes, but you won't find these usually in my bag, the 12-40 does it all. Have you mentioned the close-up capability? I have successfully used it with focus stacking, so the focus breathing can't be too bad. My only complaint is that it is a bit too bulky for the Pen-F. But that's probably due to the 2.8 constant aperture -- which I find essential, I will not switch to the 12-45.
Robin, thanks for another great video. I agree with you about this lens, but I sold mine after acquiring the 12-100mm because of the need for a little longer reach outdoors. Inside I tend to rely on a prime.
My most used lens. Easy to understand why.
This single video has helped me decide if I have 'kit madness' or do need a better 'one fit for all' circumstances alongside the 25mm and 45mm lenses. I have been looking for something 'better; for the kit 14-42mm, although I have found I have that set at 17mm! So maybe I should just get the Olympic or Panasonic 17mm. Tough decision for a 'flim' hobbyist re-learning photography.
It just occurred to me that as a hobby photographer maybe just replacing the kit 14-42mm with this PRO lens is a better solution than buying the 17mm, 25mm and 45mm primes. Is that a valid approach in you mind?
Yeah even many professional photographers focus on camera bodies, and 75% of online chatter is about bodies. It’s the lenses that really matter! Sony/Canon/Nikon has nothing that compares to the Olympus lens lineup in terms of image quality, focal length choices, features, and price.
i just bought an Om5 and im buying this lens on sunday
My opinion on the 12-45 F4 pro versus 12-40 F2.8 pro. Go with the 12-40 F2.8 if it balances well on your camera. My Olympus E-M1 MK II and the Zuiko 12-40 F2.8 PRO pair really well and can be hand-carried for hours. Like Robin said in the video, this combo fits nicely in a daypack with all your non-photo gear. The F2.8 aperture is wide enough for most social photo situations. The 12-45 F4 pro is probably not fast enough for indoor shooting without a flash. The only drawback is that the 12-40 pro bulk or length make me stand out when wearing the system on my neck. The 12-45 pro while lighter is still too bulky for creating a casual photographer appearance. So neither PRO zoom is small enough for those situations. Of course there are many small MFT prime lens available to make the camera look less intimidating or to wear on the neck for long periods o time.
Robin, I just love your use of beautiful "background music" in this video.
Wow, your lens looks pretty well used for "sitting in your camera bag" mostly! You probably used it more than you thought! :-D But I fully agree: I use my 12-40 for 90% of my shots, even though I have over a dozen different lenses.
He's spilled a lot of food on it!😅😂🤣👍👍👍
I had 12-40 2.8 and 12-100 f4 but I always pick 12-40 because it compact size
I want the Pro 12-45mm. So small and light..
I have one. It's a lovely fit on the em 5.3, but I think I will retrieve my 12-40 f2.8 from my daughter after looking back through some old photos.
I have also the 12-45 but still curious about the 12-40. 😅
12-45 is a great lens, you won’t regret picking one up. I value the smaller size, filter size, weight, and price, over the one stop of aperture loss.
My only Pro lens and use it a lot. By the way yes exif is important I realized that your shoots were at very low speed and I think I can do the same with my E-M5 M2 and decrease the ISO ;)
I have quite a few pro lenses. This is my favourite.
Zuiko 60 mm Macro, my best lens. I love it.
The olnly thing I don't like, it's for focus stacking and that nasty barrel distorion on the blur. You must keep all in focus to work.
Beside that, it's an excellent lens for macro or portrait, nice bokeh.
Best lens I have use in Olympus for photo and video
Yes, it's a very versatile lens and I use it a lot. However, my casual photos today are mostly taken with my iPhone.
The newer iPhones have like four lenses. I'm a bit irritated that my girlfriend's iPhone takes such good photos indoors and low light, because the sensor is so small.
Best Olympus “kit” lens ever, 👍 As a single travel lens in small carrier, it is a great choice!
Regardless Olympus lens, Pana 12-32mm is the most versatile m43 lens for daily life, to me :)
It's a lovely little lens. I don't use 12mm often enough to warrant buying the 12mm prime but I was missing that focal length when I did need it. The 12-32mm has filled that spot nicely. So small you forget you're carrying it and cheap to buy too.
I have the 12-100 (bit too heavy) and consider the 12-45 as second lens (in combination with the 40-150 3.5-5.6)
Robin as usual I love your reviews! The photographic community owes you a great debt of gratitude!
Very nice, wished it was 10-40
I may get this lens soon. I guess Micro Four Thirds is not dead yet ( not for me at least ) 😎
'overpriced hipster food' lol, keep up the good work - I really enjoy your videos and enthousiasm
interesting that the Pro lens is the one sit at the back seat and use when hanging out with friends.
4:30 "Overpriced hipster food!"😂😅🙄👍 Robin makes me hungry again.
Before I moved to Sony the 12-40 lived on my EM1 mkii around 80% of the time and the other 20% was the 40-150. I’ve been recently thinking of moving back ...
Why do you thinking to moving back?
@@AngelikuS_ I loved the feel of the Olympus system and after using the Sony I don’t believe there’s a lot of difference in the image quality in the images I take.
@@richarddutchholland4780 i love Olympus but i would also like to try Sony a7iii or riii. what sony equipment do you have? Greetings
@@AngelikuS_ I only have the a7iii with the Sigma 24-70 2.8 and if I do stay with Sony I’ll be looking at the not yet released 70-200 2.8. The only thing I’ve truly noticed between both systems is how you can push the Sony over 12,800 iso.
@@richarddutchholland4780 so is. the a7III has a great iso and face and eye focus (this all sonys). Otherwise, I have plenty of Olympus but I will try sony sooner or later.
I've been scared to buy this this lens, because I love my suite of primes (the 12 f2, 20 f1.7 Panasonic, 45 f1.8, and 75 f1.8) that have served me so well, and I don't want to obsolete them at a stroke. But one thing I don't have is a weathersealed lens for my E-M1 II, and that 12-40 keeps beckoning, beckoning. Here in Seattle it's not only rainy but dark, so the f4 one won't do. But once I put the 12-40 on, will I ever use my primes again? This video isn't helping!
Well the 45 and especially 75 are outside that 12-40 range so you have an excuse to keep those. Plus, the 45 is so tiny and the 17 and 25 too.
Hi robin, greeting from Indonesia. I'm a big fan of your video content. Is the 12-40 f 2.8 is decent for interior photography such as hotel interior? Or its better to get 7-14 lumix or 8-25 olympus?
Nice shots, Robin! And excellent video as usual! Very energetic and positive! Wish you all the best and and more clients, you are really gifted photographer!
Thanks.
12-40 is amazing
i think it's better than sony's 2470GM in sunny day
Every time I am tempted to get a fast prime my 12-40 asks me, "Why?"
Indeed. My 12-40 has beat out (used more often) than any of my faster primes.
For all around photography and especially on walking photography and travel this lens cant be beat. But if you are doing portraits or like what i do, shoot video the 45 1.8 is better. I also have the 25mm 1.8. They each have their own uses, but for 80% of the time the lens that is on there is the 12-40
So far I only have one prime :a M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 . The 12-40 and 40-150 Pros cover 99% of my shooting with excellent quality and versatility.
have you tried prime lens ? 12-40 is my first lens, the main reason i stop using it, because it's like throwing the dice, 50% chance it produce soft images, it simply not sharp enough, 60mm f2.8 have better results, so aperture is not the case. The picture looks good in camera, but looks soft in the computer screen. in comparison, I got 99.99% pin sharp images with prime lens all the time. I trade versality by having a secondary camera and move my legs, and considering to have the third camera...
believe it or not, having 2 cameras is still lighter compare to have 1 camera with this zoom lens.
@@earifin I don't agree with any hype--my copy beats any Canon L lens I owned and there were 3 of them. Usually a great prime will be sharper than a zoom--it's all in what works for you, me, and everyone else.
well done I enjoyed the video
Fantastic! This lens quickly became my most used lens after I got it last year. It's sharper than all my primes other than my 75mm f1.8 and maybe my 45mm f1.8 and its versatility can't be beat. I'm finding it to be a great combination with the 75mm f1.8 for shooting small events, functions and also as a compact higher end general purpose kit.
I was thinking about that possibility too. I really want an excuse to make myself poor by getting the 75. The 12-40 arrives in the next 12 hours.
Hello Robin, do you post process your images before put them up in these videos or are they purely raw as they came out of thr camera?
Thanks
Hi Robin. Your video made me hungry. I have a question you may be able to answer now that you are not an Olympus ambassador. Do Panasonic lenses work properly on an Olympus camera body. I have a friend who wants to sell quite a few of them and I am interested. What would your advice be? Thanksfor your answer it is much appreciated.
Thanks Robin for your wonderful videos, which I am following with interest. I wanted to ask your opinion to know if you advise me to buy the 12-40f2.8 or the 12-100 f4. I tell you: go from the OMD10 to the OMD1 MIII, having the basic zooms 14-42 and 40-150, apart from the 9_18 and the fixed 45 f1.8, 60 macro and 20 mm from Panasonic. But I wanted a better quality pro zoom lens and I doubt between the 12-40 f2.8 or the 12-100 f4, which would cover a larger focal range, but heavier. As a hobbyist, I value the size and weight of the Olympus system, I use it mostly for nature walks, travel, city, family. If I buy the 12-40 I would keep the 40-150. And with the 12-100 it would come out with a fixed focal length. What would be your choice. Thank you.
I have the same dilemma;)
Hi Robin, I'm Ivan from Italy.
I've purchased an Olympus om-d e-m1 mark ii with 12-40 pro.
I've subscribed your channel.
Thank you for your precious advices, I like your sympathie!
Excuse me for my bad english!
Can you say hello to me, please? 😃
sticking with my 14-150
Can I ask what the L-Fn button is on the lens. I have this lens. Thanks Robin.
Love the video, Robin. Your passion shows thru so bright. Thanks for pointing out the 12-40mm. Amazing lens. LOVE this lens and the Olympus system.
Im curious about that blue cake, what is it?
And If you were to buy either the 12-40 or the 40-150 which one would you get? Blindly wihout knowing for what? :D But you can only choose one.
:P
Does it fit well on the smaller bodies like em10? Or does it become front heavy and it’s better for em1s?
Too bad Olympus exited the camera business - I've always been interested in their cameras. But after already going through the Samsung desaster (even though I still use the NX1 and NX500) I'll have to pass now and I'm glad I switched to Fuji (X-E3 and X-Pro3), mainly because of their 10-24mm lens which is great for cities/architecture and also landscapes.
@Robin Wong, how would you rate the lens compared to the 12-45mm F4 Pro. Is it worth to change of the better F-Stop? Thank you for your inspiring videos.
Please...if you have this lens...is still worth to buy primes? I've ordered the 17mm 1.8 and I already have the 45mm 1.8...but I think I also will need a zoom lens...
The 17 and 45 f/1.8s are so small that they are really unobtrusive. With the 45mm f/1.8, noone has any idea that you have a portrait short telephoto lens! Plus the 17 looks and feels so good on the smaller OMD cameras.
I like this lens and had been using it for years. Sometimes when taking photos directly towards sunlight, there bound to be a purple or pinkish light show on the photo. Did you have this experience?
I need to become and food photographer
Good stuff! whats the diameter of this lens? I am placing a "Tilta Mini Matte Box" on this, thx!
4:28 Overpriced hipster food!😂😅🤣👍
I love this lens but sometimes find it a little heavy. If I don't have any idea what I am going to photograph, and for convenience, I take my 14-150mm II lens. It would be nice to see you review that lens.
Looks as used as mine. :-)
I used to think the 17mm pro was my favorite lens. Turns out it has the least number of my favorite photos come out of it and the 12-40 Pro has been lens generating my favorite photos.
Convenience really is king. I need to get into a prime mindset next shoot to help expand my creativity...
Hey, Robin! Great content as always. Can I get great results with this lens paired with a PL7?
Definitely, it's a great lens. But personally, I think it's a bit big for PEN
@@koblih69 It's "biggish", but not too overly big. I used it on my Panasonic GX85 as well and it handles well.