Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO

2016-09-19 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: depth of field, focusing, Olympus, Olympus Lenses, Olympus M.Zuiko, Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.2 PRO, Panasonic, technique

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.2 PRO

Get Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO and see my M4/3 mirrorless wish list at B&H Photo.

See my reviews of Olympus and Panasonic lenses.

The about $1199 Olympus 25mm f/1.2 PRO looks like a strong offering that will be intriguing to compare to the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH, which is my favorite all-around lens for Micro Four Thirds because of its rendering style.

• Micro Four Thirds System Lens
• 25mm, equivalent to 50mm f/2.4 on 35mm full frame
• Aperture Range: f/1.2 to f/16
• Three Extra-Low Dispersion Elements
• One Aspherical Element
• Four High Refractive Index Elements
• MSC High-Speed Imager AF System
• Internal Focusing, MF Clutch
• Weather-Sealed Construction
• Nine-Blade Diaphragm

With 19 elements in 14 groups, the design looks to be outrageously well corrected for a normal lens. But with 19 elements, the quality control had better be outstanding, since the risk of optical alignment issues is very difficult with that many elements.

The Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH seems to be an ideal companion for the Olympus 25/1.2.

My preference is to review both lenses together when the new Olympus E-M1 Mark II arrives with its 20MP sensor and high-res mode as improved over the E-M5 Mark II. But as yet it is unclear when the E-M1 Mark II will arrive.

A high-speed normal-length prime featuring an advanced optical design, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm f/1.2 PRO Lens from Olympus is a 50mm equivalent focal length lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras.

Its unique 19 elements, 14 groups construction incorporates extra-low dispersion, aspherical, and high refractive index elements to significantly reduce both spherical and chromatic aberrations for notable image clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy.

The lens is also characterized by a bright f/1.2 maximum aperture, which benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords extensive control over depth of field. A nine-blade aperture is featured as well, to achieve a smooth bokeh quality when working with shallow depth of field techniques.

Beyond the imaging assets, the lens' physical design is characterized by a weather-sealed construction to benefit working in harsh climates. It also features a Movie & Stills Compatible (MSC) autofocus system for smooth, quiet, and fast focusing performance that is suitable to both stills and video recording. A manual focus clutch permits quick switching to MF control and a printed depth of field scale is also featured on the lens barrel for pre-focusing and hyperfocal focusing techniques.

• Standard prime 25mm lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, and provides a 50mm equivalent focal length.
• Exceptionally fast f/1.2 maximum aperture supports working in difficult lighting conditions and also affords extensive control over depth of field for selective focus techniques.
• The intricate optical design employs one Super Extra-Low Dispersion element, two extra-low dispersion elements, one Extra High Refractive Index element, three high refractive index elements, and one aspherical element, which all work in concert to control chromatic and spherical aberrations for improved clarity, reduced color fringing, and enhanced sharpness.
• A MSC autofocus system, along with an internal focusing design, provides quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance to benefit both still photo shooting and movie recording. Additionally, an MF clutch is used for fast changing to manual focus for more precise control.
• Lens function button is featured on the side of the barrel for direct settings adjustment.
  Weather-sealed construction guards the lens against dust and moisture for working in harsh environments.
• Nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Specifications

Nominal except as noted.

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.2 PRO