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Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 1st, 2024

📸Picking the right lens for your Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera can really boost your photography game, whether you're into capturing sweeping landscapes, detailed portraits, or fast action shots.

The sheer number of lenses out there can be overwhelming. We’ve done the legwork to bring you the top MFT lens recommendations for 2024, based on different photography styles and budgets. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just love snapping pictures in your free time, our list highlights some standout lenses you might want to check out.

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Overall Best: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 Pro Lens, for Micro Four Thirds Cameras Base

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO is our top choice for its unmatched versatility and professional-grade image quality. With a focal range equivalent to 24-80mm, this lens seamlessly handles a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from expansive landscapes to intimate portraits. Its constant f/2.8 aperture is a boon for low-light photography, providing consistent performance across the zoom range. The lens's robust, weather-sealed construction ensures it stands up to rigorous outdoor use, making it an ideal pick for photographers who need a reliable, all-purpose lens. According to our research, users praise its sharpness, fast autofocus, and build quality, solidifying its position as the best overall MFT lens.

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More Answers

Still curious about the OM SYSTEM Olympus 12-40mm F2.8 Pro Lens? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the build quality like on the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens?

If you're wondering about the build quality of the OM SYSTEM Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO Lens, it’s pretty impressive. Our research suggests it's built to handle a variety of challenging conditions. The manufacturer describes it as weatherproof, so it's splash-proof, dust-proof, and even freeze-proof. This can be really helpful if you're shooting outdoors and the weather isn't cooperating—perfect for anyone who loves or works in outdoor photography. The lens is made with a solid metal construction that feels both durable and sturdy, according to what we've found. Many photographers appreciate that robust build, especially if they often find themselves shooting in demanding environments. The metal design doesn't just add to its durability; it gives it a premium feel that's appealing to both pros and serious enthusiasts. People who shoot in various environments—from dusty deserts to chilly mountaintops—seem to really favor this lens. Its weather-sealed construction ensures that photographers can focus on taking great shots without worrying too much about the gear itself. This kind of resilience means you can keep being creative without interruptions. Also, according to our research, it performs reliably even in less than ideal conditions, without sacrificing optical quality. So if you find yourself dealing with unpredictable weather, this lens could be a very dependable partner for your photography. All in all, if you're planning for some rugged adventures and need a lens that can take on the elements without losing optical performance, the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO seems like a solid choice. It's appreciated for its durability and reliability, making it a great option for both professionals and passionate hobbyists. Hope this helps you get a better idea of the build quality you can expect from this lens!

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How is the autofocus performance of the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens?

The autofocus on the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens seems to be pretty reliable and efficient from what we've gathered. It's part of the OM System’s M.Zuiko Digital ED series, and it's designed with a constant f/2.8 aperture, which is useful across the zoom range. This versatility makes it a favorite among both hobbyists and pros. We've found that the autofocus is fast and accurate. It works well in various lighting conditions, which many photographers appreciate. This efficiency is due to the high-quality optics and the drive mechanism, making adjustments quick and without a lot of searching around for the focus point. It's also built to work seamlessly with Olympus’s AF systems, so it's great for action shots, travel photography, and landscapes. People like how quietly it operates—super useful if you're shooting video or need to keep noise to a minimum. Now, it's worth mentioning that a few folks have noticed it can falter a bit with rapidly moving subjects or in tricky low-contrast scenes. If that's your usual shot, it's something to keep in mind. Overall, the lens does a solid job with autofocus, making it a good choice if you're after sharp and clear images. Pair it with a compatible Olympus camera, and you'll likely be pretty happy with the results.

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What is the image quality like on the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens?

Hey there! If you're curious about the image quality of the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO lens, it's pretty impressive. From what we've gathered, this lens is really sharp and offers great contrast throughout its range. It's a versatile option whether you're taking wide landscape shots or up-close portraits. It's part of the Micro Four Thirds system, so it works with both Olympus and Panasonic cameras, which is super handy if you use either brand. The lens has something called the "movie and still compatible" (MSC) autofocus, which is essentially quiet and smooth—great if you're dabbling in video, too. One thing to note: it doesn't have built-in optical image stabilization (OIS). Not a huge issue if you've got a more recent [Panasonic camera](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpanasonic%2Bcamera%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) since most of them have stabilization in-body. But if you’re using an older Panasonic model that doesn’t, keep this in mind. Also, the build quality is solid. According to the manufacturer, it's weather-sealed, so it's perfect for shooting outdoors in varying conditions—whether that's a bit of rain or dusty trails. So, if you're on the hunt for a zoom lens that ticks the boxes for both image quality and durability, the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO could be a great fit. It's quite versatile and built to last, making it a solid addition to any photographer or videographer's gear.

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Runner-up: Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH

Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-H025K (USA Black) 25MM Lens Only

The Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH is an excellent runner-up, offering a fantastic balance of price, performance, and portability. This 25mm prime lens, equivalent to a 50mm focal length in full-frame terms, is perfect for everyday photography. Its fast f/1.7 aperture produces stunning sharpness and beautiful bokeh, making subjects pop while excelling in low-light situations. Despite its lightweight design, which is ideal for travel and casual shooting, the lens doesn't compromise on image quality. According to our research, many users appreciate its sharpness and overall value, making it a worthy addition to any MFT shooter’s kit.