Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsHigh performing fast standard zoom
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2018
This is my 2nd lens in the Olympus Pro line; the first one is 12-100 f/4.0. I used the 12-100 quite extensively for travel late last year and it will continue to serve as my primary lens for travel. However, for other times that I don't need the range, I want something faster. While I do have a good collection of fast fixed FL lenses, I am still primarily a zoom user, so I bought this 12-40.
The immediate benefit is a faster lens and as well as smaller and lighter than the 12-100. It is well known to be a very sharp lens and indeed it is. Wide open is very good, no need to stop down much to gain extra resolution. Performance is very even across the entire frame, not just at the center. Resolution is a little weaker at 40mm, but that is only in comparison to the excellent performance at the shorter end. AF is instantaneous on e-m5.2. Have not tried AF-C because I have yet run into situations that I need it. Build quality is very high, consistent with my expectation on Olympus Pro line.
It is, however, not an inexpensive lens. I have not compared it to standard slower kit zooms, my recollection is that many m4/3 kit zooms are not bad at all in terms of sharpness. The main advantages of this zoom are much faster aperture, WR and much better build quality.
