I was happy to see this review. The 9-18 was one of the first MFT lenses I owned. I had this, a kit zoom, the Olympus 45mm f1.8 and a little EPL5. The entire outfit could fit in my jacket pockets. Discrete, lightweight, versatile; and IQ was acceptable. Perfect for travel photography. Later, I bought into EM1 bodies and Pro series lenses, but in retrospect, smaller and lighter made for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Bought it in Japan 4 years ago because it was on sale. Have it on my OM-D10MK2. Yes its old but this is my grab camera that I carry everywhere. It has traveled 1000s of miles(US) and been bang around, dropped couple of times and been through extreme hot weather (Death Valley) and freezing cold weather (High Sierra Mtns). And i have zero issue with it. Yes it feels cheap but its one tough lens. And takes great landscape and vacation pictures. Very versatile lens.
This is the lens that got me into Olympus instead of Fuji. Back in the day I was looking at going with a Fuji X-E2 versus the Olympus P5, and I went with the P5 because of this lens. Now I use this lens with an M5.2 with the extra grip but without the battery extension. It is a great and small setup.
Another great video! One of the best photography channels I've come across period. Being that in basically the only Olympus shooter in my country(Belize) I love being able to find people who enjoy the system as well
The Olympus 9-18mm F4-5.6 is one of two lenses I use (along with the 12-100 F4 zoom) with my EM-1 Camera. I like ability to use this lens for interior small spaces and even wider street photography shooting. Very light, small and versatile lens!
You forgot to mention the ability to take selfies with it, with the entire background being in focus! Set it to 11mm, focus it on your feet from your chest and put it in manual focus and take the selfie shot. This is the first lens I bought after my 14-42mm EZ kit lens and I really enjoyed the compact size of it. Having it going to 18mm is truly a great feature and shooting during the day with it is a joy due to its compact size and versatile zoom range. Shooting in indoors is a bit of a pain though. I find F4.5 (at around 11mm to 12mm) too slow for indoors half the time. I would use this for low light situation. And to call this lens super sharp is a stretch. It is not really sharp when zoomed it at the corners. Center is fine. But there is something sort of magical with this lens. Due to its zoom range and lightweight combined with a foldable design, it is a lens that makes you want to bring it everywhere with me, and when used during the day, I can easily lose yourself in the joy of using it. It is a really difficult feeling to describe and despite having the 12-40mm, I still feel the same joy using this lens. Something that I cannot get using any of my other lenses, with the possible exception of Sigma 56mm. But that is another story.
I find the corners to be very sharp, it is extremely sharp overall for what you pay for. I don't take selfies. Well, I am sure there are other photographer reviewer who would comment on the selfie-ability of the lens better. Nope, I am not that.
I’ve own this lens for many years. I shoot almost entirely outside, with minimum movement. This lens is plain just fun. I find it gives me a lot of opportunities to express my creativity. I am a enthusiast who has been shooting with an Olympus camera for decades. I moved from an Olympus rangefinder to an OM 1 in 1976 and stayed with it until I switched to digital. In those days my favorite lens was the 21mm. The 9-18 covers that and wider. It also reaches to my most used lens a 35mm on my OM 1. While I love my 12mm prime, It gets left behind a lot. In fact I’m going to sell it to buy the new 12-45 f 4 lens. I went with a 4/3 system for size and weight, so the 9-18 is a gem. My only minor complaints are the ones you mentioned: plastic build, lack of weatherproofing, and that annoying locking mechanism.
Agree 100%. I was hesitant to buy this lens, at first, because I had gotten caught up in spec sheets. But it's a great piece of glass, gives me good results in a range of situations, and weighs almost nothing. It never leaves my bag, partly because it rarely leaves my camera.
This was the first lens I got after I got my lumix GF1 for a few months with the 20 mm and 14-45 kit back in 2010 . Got the lens in 2011 looking at my light room libary As I wanted something a bit wider and like you said it is small and compact and good value a great lens for travel. I do agree with you about the build quality a bit it does feel a bit plastic but I have used mine a lot and still going strong. It would be nicer if it was slightly faster and as you said the unlocking adds a bit of time. But I can put up with that as it keeps the lens smaller and takes up less space in the bag.
Bought mine to go with my E-M5 and kept it going through body upgrades. The locking mechanism always surprises me - I never remember til I read the reminder, even though I practice with it when I’m not shooting. Like you, Robin, I love the size and weight and I will keep this guy around.
I've been waiting for years for Olympus to update this lens. Love the range but like you I think it's a little too slow at the wide end ...and don't like that locking mechanism. I understand the the rationale but owning the Panasonic 12-32mm pancake drives me nuts every time I need to get a shot off and have to extend it. Like you I would prefer it slightly larger and faster. Finally I think the lens is a little too expensive and at that price point the body should be constructed from nicer materials...Come on Olympus!, redesign as a premium metal lens with a manual focus clutch and metal body (similar to your 17mm) and then you would have a winner! Thanks Robin for another nice video.
I got one of these a couple of years back, for a book project involving buildings (mainly the interiors) and international travel - quite a lot of travel in a fairly short time. So I wanted to keep photo gear small and light. I looked at the Olympus 7-14 and the Panasonic 8-18, but went for this one for its size and weight, and very glad I did. Got it for a very good price, way cheaper than the other two, and got all the images I wanted for my book. Very happy with it, glad to hear you like it too.
I enjoy this lens for the reasons you mention a lot. Also as others have mentioned I really like the colour rendering of this lens specially in the sun landscapes. Took some great shots in the snow a sunny day. Thanks for the video.
So nice to see this lens reviewed here! I had the 4/3 version in the old days and loved it and then got this version in it's place. For me the perfect focal range for people photos.. Not too wide that it looks too wide close up and opens up to just the right amount for the close ups in a tight space. This lens was also a real surprise for sharpness.. Bought mine to use at weddings and it shocked me how good it is wide open.. Thought of replacing it with the pro version... but my wide shots seem to be either more staged and the slower shutter speeds have never been a problem.. Outside too a small bump in the ISO and candid shots look great! Got to love the fact you can add a polarize filter so easily (I guess I am old school).
The difficulty, tbh, don't know the answer, of fitting any type of filters to the 2.8 Pro wide angle is a real downside. This just so compact lens goes with me everywhere, on a Pen F, true mega compact duo go with me everywhere.
I took this as one of three lenses on my trip to Italy, the others being the 12-200mm and the fixed 12mm f/2. The last one because of the f/stop if I was doing interiors. I found the same nuisance with the lens lock/release - esp since it is the only lens I have like that! Admittedly, the 12-200mm worked well for most of the photos I took, and the 12mm is in the middle area between 9-18mm. Generally, if I was going inside I almost automatically put the 9-18mm on and it worked well. I did use it outside, but not that much. There were a few places where I did want to get wider than the 12mm on the zoom, and the 9-18mm did well. (Or it wasn't wide enough -- can't win them all!) But I did like the small size, same with the 12mm f/2.
I just realize i read your camera reviews and enjoyed your pics already many years ago when I still had a Panasonic GF1. I had to subscribe for nostalgia. Good channel!
I received the new 9-18 today. Lovely piece of glass. I will take it with me on my next trip to Venice Italy. With my OM-5 definitely a super combo. I got a small lens hood and looks a little different from the previous version.
I have used this lens for yers. Never had a failure Do not need to unlock to start shooting but i do dislike having to extend, not a big deal. Basically i hate to love this cheap but wonderful lens but i do love it.
I love this lens for hiking trips where I want to go really light. On my em5 fits in a compact case and with the wide angle can get some great Landscapes. I got used to the unlock mechanism and can manage it ok with hiking gloves.
I personally think this is a very highly underrated lens. I think that if this lens and the 75-300 were both weather sealed add them along with the already weather sealed 14-150 and you pair them with the em-5 mkiii you would have the perfect affordable, light weight, weather sealed travel system. There really would be very little you couldn't do with this system.
I like this lens. It was my first additional lens to my em10ii kit. I needed a wider lens than 14-42 as I often take pictures of large groups of people indoors. I must confess that since I have progressed onto em1ii and 12-100, I don't use the 9-18 as often but, as you say, in the bag you hardly notice it's there, so I carry it just in case. When I want to travel light I carry this lens in the bag and have the em10ii with the 14-150 for travel photography.
I’ve had this lens since the E-P2 cameras. Always sharp, easy to use and reliable. Often used for night city shots this is a great second lens for travel. It just rides in your pocket out of site. Thanks for the review, Robin
Robin my biggest complaint is, i want the Panasonic 8-18 but the Olympus 9-18 is so good i can’t justify they change. It has never let me down. Nice review, you nailed.
My previous setup was Pentax - and oh how I love Pentax, My favourite Pentax lens was the DA12-24mm, which on a 1.5 crop, you can do the math. However, it was a damn big lens and a big system. When I switched to M43, I was so happy to get my hands on the 9-18mm Oly. Aside from the extram 2mm, I don't see the benefit of spending super big money on the wider zoom alternative; the 9-18 is big enough and bright enough thus far.
Really comprehensive and honest review Robin and I love the 9mm vs 12mm comparision shots. I have this lens and yes there are obvious compromises (slow lens aperture & slow to physically start up & its plasticky) but this compact super wide lens delivers the results and some and at a great price.
Great video as always - Thanks! Nobody will regret getting and using this lens. The Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm lens is a perfect workhorse lens for those getting into real estate photography with any of the OMD cameras. I used mine for several years prior to getting the expensive (but also great) Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro.
I have the 9-18 since some years ago, when I used it in a E-PL1 body which I carried in my backpack as a second body (my main one was an E-5 with the 14-54 and the 40-150). I enjoyed a lot the different point of vue of the 9mm end, its quality and the fact that it weighs almost nothing, being the perfect companion of the light E-PL1. Since I bought the E-M1 Mk2 with the 12-40 I have less difference from the 9mm to the 12 than I used to have with the 14. Anyway I like to use the 9-18 from time to time and it's much fun! A very good purchase. In terms of chromatic aberration, it's corrected by the E-M1 Mk2 much more than it was in the E-PL1. That means that the lens itself has considerable CA, but it could be easily corrected in pro leaving no traces.
Hi Robin, the 9-18 is a great little lens, I bought it primarily to use when I'm doing rolling car shots and hanging my Oly off a boom. It is nice and light and super sharp.
Hi Robin! Today a special flight arrived from Malaysia with a just as special desinfective from your country for our hospitals. It was a small very cool aircraft, the Dassault Falcon 7X. Greetings from Sweden Robin!
Great review of this underrated lens. I'm always pleasantly surprised by the high quality from such a tiny lens. I now often use it on an infrared converted Olympus E-PL2 and it performs really well (which cannot be said for all zoom lenses - some produce very strange artefacts in IR). I'd recommend this lens to anyone.
Completely agree with you Robin it’s a great little lens, when I go on a short break I like to travel light so I take this lens and my 14-150mm zoom and I am covered for all events mostly all out door shooting I would not be without this fantastic little lens, Thanks for a great review Robin
Fun lens for sure. I had it for a while, but sold it to be able to buy a pro lens. I probably wouldn't go back to it because I'm now used to the manual focus clutch and I fumble around with the older style lens. I did love it, though.
Wow! I am trying to get into real estate photography/videography and I'm blown away by the lack of barrel distortion. If you stop the video at 6:20, where the lens appears to be dead flat (parallel to the ground), you can see that the edges are very sharp and are not at all bowed (at least to my eye). I have the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 (gen 1) lens and I have to apply a noticeable amount of lens correction to fix the bowing toward the edges of the screen. Perhaps Olympus is applying some correction in camera. I guess the only way to find out would be to put it on a Panasonic camera and see if it still has the dead straight lines. I shoot almost all of my pics/vids at f/4.0-8, so I would not be losing anything with this lens. At least for my use case, shallow depth of field is NOT why use ultra wide angle lenses. I think I'm going to have to pick up a used/refurb copy of this lens to see if it works as well on my GH5S. Anyway, my $.02...
Love this lens. Use primarily 9mm so the f5.6 at 18mm is less noticeable. Seldom use the 18mm. This lens looks like a kit lens and weight like one, so I like to use it with an exaggerated hood to beef up the look. Or if I’m near water bodies, I’ll use an nd400. I come from a apsc Nikon system and my ultrawide there was a very similar 12-24f4, much bigger and heavier, I think with camera it’s about 1 plus kg. So I’m not really complaining about the Olympus.
I have had this lens on loan, and am impressed by its color rendition outdoors. Indoors I am less impressed, but maybe I didn't try enough. The big problem with this lens for me is the locking mechanism. It is really tedious to unlock, and it is an important reason why I did not buy this lens myself. I do not mind an extension mechanism like the Panasonic 12-32mm has, but the unlocking mechanism of the 9-18mm is a big stress factor. It makes the lens much less fun to use, unfortunately.
I have this lens and absolutely love it . I wish Olympus would put some weather sealing in this lens as well as the 75-300. These 2 lenses along with the 14-150 combined with "any" OMD camera, but especially the em-5 mkiii would be an dream system for any outdoor photographer who does a lot of remote shooting and has to carry their gear over long distances. Since I do primarily landscape photos I rarely shot below f/5.6 the speed really is not a big issue for me. I also like the fact that you can use filters on this lens without the need for a special adapter. Thank you for another informative video.
I own this lens and it is good for close wide angle work.. As you truthfully state the unlock slide is a pain in the rear. I've lost several shots because of it. I'm left handed so it is just in the wrong place. So sad that Olympus made another big mistake in not supporting you.. still, you are you and we come here for your true assessment of various aspects of photography. carry on and we will still come here to watch you.
I again Robin. I do own the 9-18mm, and because the unlock méccanism i realize I might have put it aside a little too early. After having seen the photographies you took with it, I intend to relieve it from its solitary confinment...and give it a second life! Good enthousiastic video, Thank you!
Another underrated lens from Olympus that I love. I want to remark the color reproduction I think colors are more saturated than on other lenses, including primes. And of course, it’s so little!. At the time, it is my favorite in the bag. It matches perfectly to the EM5.
I bought one used! Had seen your review and one from a fave Finnish Olympus pro. We old old former American camera store clerks were told to say ZOO-ko for Zuiko....
I had this one for a few years before the PL8-18, and after parting with it I missed having a compact UWA option enough that I ended up getting the Laowa 7.5mm f2 too. The lock button never bothered me too much (the funky rectangle hood probably bugged me more), but I think it's a nice enough lens that Oly could update it with a better/fresher build and no lock button (the 35-100 f4-5.6 works fine w/o it). The range was definitely part of it's original appeal for me tho, it's pretty unique indeed. For $600 or even
Hi. Since you mentioned the lenshood, I just wanted you to notice what I mentioned in another comment - you can get a much better lenshood - round, reverses, and works perfectly without vignetting: the JJC LH-J55C. I posted a link to Amazon in my other comment.
I've had this lens for a while and I agree with all your likes and dislikes, Robin. It is surprisingly sharp and light, but the plastic makes it feel like a cheap kit lens. I'm not crazy about the collapsing design either. I will use this lens when I don't want to lug my 7-14 around. But I may be able to retire it for good once the 8-25 comes out!
I tend to forget that I have this lene which is really great, I love the fact that it is very easy to carry and it can complete my luggage if I have a pro lens, quiet heavy. I bought the fish eye which is very special and not easy to use if you don't make sports fotos... If you have some time to make a video on the fish eye ... I would apreciate. Thanks for all your videos I follow your advices.
I've had this lens for a while, and despite the flaws you mentioned, this is a terrific and underrated lens. Great flexibility and I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you for review this lens!
About the colours I just saw in this video, they're awesome, that alone is enough of a reason for me to look forward to get this lens... But the sharpness and lack of distortion don't take anything away any ways
I agree; yes this lens has some negatives but it's still a great lens. I also find it has really nice colour rendering, more so than many other lenses (even with the already great olympus colours).
A lens that epitomizes the word compromise, IMO. It's not environmentally sealed, feels like a kit lens, doesn't get as wide as the 7-14s, and has a slow maximum aperture. OTOH, it's really small and light. Extending to 18mm makes it much more versatile as a general purpose everyday lens, takes filters without fuss, balances well on smaller bodies, and is capable of making dang good images. No doubt, for some uses and users the 7-14 would be a much better option. But it too is compromised. It just makes very different compromises.
Terrific travel lens. You don't even need to give any thought to whether to bring it or not since it takes virtually no room and weighs nothing. The 7-14/2.8 is a different story.
I'm generally not a fan of super-wides (and especially not fisheyes), so this lens looks like a good option for me. I love the 35mm equivalent wide-normal focal length, but occasionally want some thing wider, so this could be perfect. It's a nice small lens too, so that ticks another box, since wide angles can be quite large, and have a protruding front element, which always makes me afraid of scratching it (plus you always need a hood, which makes them even bigger!). However, none of this matters if the image quality is a disappointment, but your sample shots looked superb: plenty of pop, with nice colour saturation and contrast, and pretty sharp looking too. All I have to do now is find it at a bargain price used ;)
Such a charming shots, Robin! One tiny wish ;) Can you include description of location next to camera settings? I want plan a route for myself when I am in KL next time ;)
Robin, have just listened to your review. Naturally, everyone would like a metal lens, 3.5 or faster 🤔 As you are also aware, there is only one big problem with this type of wish list. Cost. This lens is just so compact and the imaging quality so good, that I am more than happy with it- absolutely ideal for travelling with a lovely wife, who could be a superb photographer, but is phone addicted ( to a very, very capable newly released Google Pro?). As you point out, the lens is so small as to be almost unbelievable. Somewhat reluctantly, I purchased the 2.8 Pro, yes it's focal length is wider, however you pay the price for speed and build quality. It is a big lens, too big for me to travel comfortably with. Also, the front lens is so big, it's impossible to attach any screw in type filters. I understand this question is off the point of your review, however, in early 2023, I plan to? attempt to understand and use both Cpl and Nd filters. Nisi probably make a fillter holder, however, the cost is out of my reach. Do you have any suggestions for using Cpl and Nd filters with the Pro 2.8 wide angle zoom. Many thanks 😊.
My suggestion Invest the next better model 2.8 pro series, I have this lens, you can only use the lens when it extended, I accidentally drop it, broke off cleanly in half, stored it away for several years and now I had it send it for service, hopefully Olympus can fix it.
I know you dont like vlog style videos but I would have loved to see you doing a walking vlog style video with this lens. I wonder if it has the jelly corners with digital IS.
Sorry, I deleted my other post. Ok. The M1.2 and M5.3 have inproved video continuous autofocus. I think they are both "cross type" autofocus systems. I have wanted to see a vlog style video test with those cameras and this lens, against the M5.2 with this lens. I need to get out there and start "vlogging" even if I don't upload. I will never get better if I stay stuck.
This lens stays on my GH4. I don't mind it being plastic, that makes it lighter. I also don't like the idea of having to keep unlocking it to extend but realistically you don't have to lock it when you're not using your camera :)
Great review as always. What lens did you use for filming the review talking head? Also the distortion and CA correction, does that apply to video and stills, or just stills?
A great little lens, that I rarely use but always bring along because... "why not" it weights nothing! I wouldn't call it "Budget lens" through: it may look and feels like that, but it's a 600$ lens that easily delivers to and above its price.
I have this lens. I like it is small but i hate the colapse mechanism. I use this lens not much, only for special occations when my standard lens is not wide enough, still the mechanism failed already 2 times. 1 time i had to pay 130 us dollar to repair it, but it failed again and now i no want repair it again so i keep it broken in a box.
hello Robin. I will buy 12-50 or this 9-18 lens. which one do you prefer and which one's image quality is better. your answer will be very helpful to make my decision. thanks for olympus videos :)
The autofocus seems to be quite fast, but there is something I'm curious about. I know that when shooting with my 15mm lens, when I press the shutter button hard, without waiting for it to focus by half-pressing it, it comes out clearly. Can we say the same thing about this lens?
Hi Robin, super interesting video, thank you! I'll ask you for advice: I own a OM10 mk2 and I am looking for a companion lens of 14-42 pancake and 40-150. I want a good lens for my trips, so I can get rid of using the Google Pixel, which actually makes fantastic photos 😂. I usually make pictures of landscapes. I am wondering if I should go for the Panasonic 14mm prime, or this 9-18 zoom. The goal is one lens (almost) fit any situation. I don't like swapping lens. Though the 9-18 is larger and €€ than the 14mm prime. What is your experience and advice? PS: I shot in jpeg.
Hi Robin, I totally agree with each and every one of your opinions. However, my primary complaint about the lens is it’s price. Here in New Zealand, it’s available for $522USD compared to Canon’s 10-18 at a price of $310USD. Hopefully the price can drop as time goes on or if a new version is released as it certainly looks like a very fun lens to use. As usual, great video! 👍👍👍
Hi Robin, this might be too old a post to ask a Q on but if not can you please help. I am getting the Olympus 60mm macro lens as want to get into macro - your reviews have helped a lot! I have the 9-18mm and have been given a price to trade in for the 60mm (with top up in cash). I appreciate it's my decision and i am in 2 minds - keep or sell the lens? I love taking the outdoors, wildlife, landscapes etc. i do have the 14-45mm pro and thats my normal lens to use. Any views appreciated - many thanks!
what would be the drawback(s) for using the FT 9-18 (with adapter) on a mFT body as apposed from this native mFT version? I like these pro/con real world videos Robin.
![Olympus 9-18mm F/4-5.6 - [GREAT little Wide-Angle Zoom!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Rg2Uq_jayU0/mqdefault.jpg)
.... also proving that no review is complete without photos of cats ;-)
Olympus needs to give this baby a new shell.
The optical performance is superb!
I was happy to see this review. The 9-18 was one of the first MFT lenses I owned. I had this, a kit zoom, the Olympus 45mm f1.8 and a little EPL5. The entire outfit could fit in my jacket pockets. Discrete, lightweight, versatile; and IQ was acceptable. Perfect for travel photography. Later, I bought into EM1 bodies and Pro series lenses, but in retrospect, smaller and lighter made for a more enjoyable shooting experience.
Bought it in Japan 4 years ago because it was on sale. Have it on my OM-D10MK2. Yes its old but this is my grab camera that I carry everywhere. It has traveled 1000s of miles(US) and been bang around, dropped couple of times and been through extreme hot weather (Death Valley) and freezing cold weather (High Sierra Mtns). And i have zero issue with it. Yes it feels cheap but its one tough lens. And takes great landscape and vacation pictures. Very versatile lens.
This is the lens that got me into Olympus instead of Fuji. Back in the day I was looking at going with a Fuji X-E2 versus the Olympus P5, and I went with the P5 because of this lens. Now I use this lens with an M5.2 with the extra grip but without the battery extension. It is a great and small setup.
Indeed, there is nothing quite like this lens in the world, super small, compact yet sharp!
Another great video! One of the best photography channels I've come across period. Being that in basically the only Olympus shooter in my country(Belize) I love being able to find people who enjoy the system as well
Hey! I'm an Olympus shooter in Guatemala. If you ever come here let me know! I'll do the same and maybe stay in touch
4:26 okay, THAT looks amazing!!!
Thank you Robin! Hope you don't get tired making these videos :)
I love wide angle it is like a whole new camera.
The Olympus 9-18mm F4-5.6 is one of two lenses I use (along with the 12-100 F4 zoom) with my EM-1 Camera. I like ability to use this lens for interior small spaces and even wider street photography shooting. Very light, small and versatile lens!
What a nice combo with the 12-100mm, it is small enough not to add any weight or bulk yet 9mm does make a difference if you need it.
You forgot to mention the ability to take selfies with it, with the entire background being in focus! Set it to 11mm, focus it on your feet from your chest and put it in manual focus and take the selfie shot.
This is the first lens I bought after my 14-42mm EZ kit lens and I really enjoyed the compact size of it. Having it going to 18mm is truly a great feature and shooting during the day with it is a joy due to its compact size and versatile zoom range.
Shooting in indoors is a bit of a pain though. I find F4.5 (at around 11mm to 12mm) too slow for indoors half the time. I would use this for low light situation. And to call this lens super sharp is a stretch. It is not really sharp when zoomed it at the corners. Center is fine.
But there is something sort of magical with this lens. Due to its zoom range and lightweight combined with a foldable design, it is a lens that makes you want to bring it everywhere with me, and when used during the day, I can easily lose yourself in the joy of using it. It is a really difficult feeling to describe and despite having the 12-40mm, I still feel the same joy using this lens. Something that I cannot get using any of my other lenses, with the possible exception of Sigma 56mm. But that is another story.
I find the corners to be very sharp, it is extremely sharp overall for what you pay for.
I don't take selfies. Well, I am sure there are other photographer reviewer who would comment on the selfie-ability of the lens better. Nope, I am not that.
I’ve own this lens for many years. I shoot almost entirely outside, with minimum movement. This lens is plain just fun. I find it gives me a lot of opportunities to express my creativity. I am a enthusiast who has been shooting with an Olympus camera for decades. I moved from an Olympus rangefinder to an OM 1 in 1976 and stayed with it until I switched to digital. In those days my favorite lens was the 21mm. The 9-18 covers that and wider. It also reaches to my most used lens a 35mm on my OM 1. While I love my 12mm prime, It gets left behind a lot. In fact I’m going to sell it to buy the new 12-45 f 4 lens. I went with a 4/3 system for size and weight, so the 9-18 is a gem. My only minor complaints are the ones you mentioned: plastic build, lack of weatherproofing, and that annoying locking mechanism.
Id consider the Pana Leica 12-60 f2.8-4 also Bob GL with whatever you buy
Agree 100%. I was hesitant to buy this lens, at first, because I had gotten caught up in spec sheets. But it's a great piece of glass, gives me good results in a range of situations, and weighs almost nothing. It never leaves my bag, partly because it rarely leaves my camera.
This was the first lens I got after I got my lumix GF1 for a few months with the 20 mm and 14-45 kit back in 2010 . Got the lens in 2011 looking at my light room libary As I wanted something a bit wider and like you said it is small and compact and good value a great lens for travel. I do agree with you about the build quality a bit it does feel a bit plastic but I have used mine a lot and still going strong. It would be nicer if it was slightly faster and as you said the unlocking adds a bit of time. But I can put up with that as it keeps the lens smaller and takes up less space in the bag.
Bought mine to go with my E-M5 and kept it going through body upgrades. The locking mechanism always surprises me - I never remember til I read the reminder, even though I practice with it when I’m not shooting. Like you, Robin, I love the size and weight and I will keep this guy around.
I've been waiting for years for Olympus to update this lens. Love the range but like you I think it's a little too slow at the wide end ...and don't like that locking mechanism. I understand the the rationale but owning the Panasonic 12-32mm pancake drives me nuts every time I need to get a shot off and have to extend it. Like you I would prefer it slightly larger and faster. Finally I think the lens is a little too expensive and at that price point the body should be constructed from nicer materials...Come on Olympus!, redesign as a premium metal lens with a manual focus clutch and metal body (similar to your 17mm) and then you would have a winner!
Thanks Robin for another nice video.
Very sharp , one of the best !
I got one of these a couple of years back, for a book project involving buildings (mainly the interiors) and international travel - quite a lot of travel in a fairly short time. So I wanted to keep photo gear small and light. I looked at the Olympus 7-14 and the Panasonic 8-18, but went for this one for its size and weight, and very glad I did. Got it for a very good price, way cheaper than the other two, and got all the images I wanted for my book. Very happy with it, glad to hear you like it too.
I enjoy this lens for the reasons you mention a lot. Also as others have mentioned I really like the colour rendering of this lens specially in the sun landscapes. Took some great shots in the snow a sunny day. Thanks for the video.
So nice to see this lens reviewed here! I had the 4/3 version in the old days and loved it and then got this version in it's place. For me the perfect focal range for people photos.. Not too wide that it looks too wide close up and opens up to just the right amount for the close ups in a tight space. This lens was also a real surprise for sharpness.. Bought mine to use at weddings and it shocked me how good it is wide open.. Thought of replacing it with the pro version... but my wide shots seem to be either more staged and the slower shutter speeds have never been a problem.. Outside too a small bump in the ISO and candid shots look great! Got to love the fact you can add a polarize filter so easily (I guess I am old school).
Yeap, one of the advantages of this lens is the ability to add filters, that is definitely a bonus versus the big brother 7-14mm PRO.
The difficulty, tbh, don't know the answer, of fitting any type of filters to the 2.8 Pro wide angle is a real downside. This just so compact lens goes with me everywhere, on a Pen F, true mega compact duo go with me everywhere.
Hey Man, I love your reviews. I always learn something, and your positivity is delightfully contagious! Thanks for the excellent work!
I took this as one of three lenses on my trip to Italy, the others being the 12-200mm and the fixed 12mm f/2. The last one because of the f/stop if I was doing interiors. I found the same nuisance with the lens lock/release - esp since it is the only lens I have like that! Admittedly, the 12-200mm worked well for most of the photos I took, and the 12mm is in the middle area between 9-18mm. Generally, if I was going inside I almost automatically put the 9-18mm on and it worked well. I did use it outside, but not that much. There were a few places where I did want to get wider than the 12mm on the zoom, and the 9-18mm did well. (Or it wasn't wide enough -- can't win them all!) But I did like the small size, same with the 12mm f/2.
I just realize i read your camera reviews and enjoyed your pics already many years ago when I still had a Panasonic GF1. I had to subscribe for nostalgia. Good channel!
It's my fav lens. If i could have just one lens for my whole life i would choose this. Cheap, sharp, light, super wide...
I received the new 9-18 today. Lovely piece of glass. I will take it with me on my next trip to Venice Italy. With my OM-5 definitely a super combo. I got a small lens hood and looks a little different from the previous version.
Thanks for the review Robin, love the side by side 9mm vs 12mm comparison, Rich.
I have used this lens for yers. Never had a failure Do not need to unlock to start shooting but i do dislike having to extend, not a big deal. Basically i hate to love this cheap but wonderful lens but i do love it.
I love this lens for hiking trips where I want to go really light. On my em5 fits in a compact case and with the wide angle can get some great Landscapes. I got used to the unlock mechanism and can manage it ok with hiking gloves.
Thank you Robin! your videos have helped me so much!
I personally think this is a very highly underrated lens. I think that if this lens and the 75-300 were both weather sealed add them along with the already weather sealed 14-150 and you pair them with the em-5 mkiii you would have the perfect affordable, light weight, weather sealed travel system. There really would be very little you couldn't do with this system.
I only just got this lens a few days ago! Glad to hear you enjoy it too :)
Enjoy the lens!
I like this lens. It was my first additional lens to my em10ii kit. I needed a wider lens than 14-42 as I often take pictures of large groups of people indoors. I must confess that since I have progressed onto em1ii and 12-100, I don't use the 9-18 as often but, as you say, in the bag you hardly notice it's there, so I carry it just in case. When I want to travel light I carry this lens in the bag and have the em10ii with the 14-150 for travel photography.
I have the 4/3 version, and love using it on my E-M1 mk2.
I’ve had this lens since the E-P2 cameras. Always sharp, easy to use and reliable. Often used for night city shots this is a great second lens for travel. It just rides in your pocket out of site. Thanks for the review, Robin
Robin my biggest complaint is, i want the Panasonic 8-18 but the Olympus 9-18 is so good i can’t justify they change. It has never let me down. Nice review, you nailed.
Nice review, Robyn. I agree it can be annoying having the extra step of extending the lens. I had the same complaint about the 14-42 IIR.
My previous setup was Pentax - and oh how I love Pentax, My favourite Pentax lens was the DA12-24mm, which on a 1.5 crop, you can do the math. However, it was a damn big lens and a big system. When I switched to M43, I was so happy to get my hands on the 9-18mm Oly. Aside from the extram 2mm, I don't see the benefit of spending super big money on the wider zoom alternative; the 9-18 is big enough and bright enough thus far.
Really comprehensive and honest review Robin and I love the 9mm vs 12mm comparision shots. I have this lens and yes there are obvious compromises (slow lens aperture & slow to physically start up & its plasticky) but this compact super wide lens delivers the results and some and at a great price.
"Let's do this" i Love this i get so excited and know your video is going to be awesome 🙏🏼
Great video as always - Thanks!
Nobody will regret getting and using this lens. The Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm lens is a perfect workhorse lens for those getting into real estate photography with any of the OMD cameras. I used mine for several years prior to getting the expensive (but also great) Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro.
I have the 9-18 since some years ago, when I used it in a E-PL1 body which I carried in my backpack as a second body (my main one was an E-5 with the 14-54 and the 40-150). I enjoyed a lot the different point of vue of the 9mm end, its quality and the fact that it weighs almost nothing, being the perfect companion of the light E-PL1. Since I bought the E-M1 Mk2 with the 12-40 I have less difference from the 9mm to the 12 than I used to have with the 14. Anyway I like to use the 9-18 from time to time and it's much fun! A very good purchase.
In terms of chromatic aberration, it's corrected by the E-M1 Mk2 much more than it was in the E-PL1. That means that the lens itself has considerable CA, but it could be easily corrected in pro leaving no traces.
Hi Robin, the 9-18 is a great little lens, I bought it primarily to use when I'm doing rolling car shots and hanging my Oly off a boom. It is nice and light and super sharp.
Hi Robin!
Today a special flight arrived from Malaysia with a just as special desinfective from your country for our hospitals. It was a small very cool aircraft, the Dassault Falcon 7X.
Greetings from Sweden Robin!
Great review of this underrated lens. I'm always pleasantly surprised by the high quality from such a tiny lens. I now often use it on an infrared converted Olympus E-PL2 and it performs really well (which cannot be said for all zoom lenses - some produce very strange artefacts in IR). I'd recommend this lens to anyone.
Thanks for sharing your use of the 9-18mm lens, I have not really explored infrared photography myself.
Completely agree with you Robin it’s a great little lens, when I go on a short break I like to travel light so I take this lens and my 14-150mm zoom and I am covered for all events mostly all out door shooting I would not be without this fantastic little lens, Thanks for a great review Robin
Fun lens for sure. I had it for a while, but sold it to be able to buy a pro lens. I probably wouldn't go back to it because I'm now used to the manual focus clutch and I fumble around with the older style lens. I did love it, though.
Wow! I am trying to get into real estate photography/videography and I'm blown away by the lack of barrel distortion. If you stop the video at 6:20, where the lens appears to be dead flat (parallel to the ground), you can see that the edges are very sharp and are not at all bowed (at least to my eye). I have the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 (gen 1) lens and I have to apply a noticeable amount of lens correction to fix the bowing toward the edges of the screen.
Perhaps Olympus is applying some correction in camera. I guess the only way to find out would be to put it on a Panasonic camera and see if it still has the dead straight lines.
I shoot almost all of my pics/vids at f/4.0-8, so I would not be losing anything with this lens. At least for my use case, shallow depth of field is NOT why use ultra wide angle lenses. I think I'm going to have to pick up a used/refurb copy of this lens to see if it works as well on my GH5S.
Anyway, my $.02...
Love this lens. Use primarily 9mm so the f5.6 at 18mm is less noticeable. Seldom use the 18mm. This lens looks like a kit lens and weight like one, so I like to use it with an exaggerated hood to beef up the look.
Or if I’m near water bodies, I’ll use an nd400. I come from a apsc Nikon system and my ultrawide there was a very similar 12-24f4, much bigger and heavier, I think with camera it’s about 1 plus kg. So I’m not really complaining about the Olympus.
I have had this lens on loan, and am impressed by its color rendition outdoors. Indoors I am less impressed, but maybe I didn't try enough. The big problem with this lens for me is the locking mechanism. It is really tedious to unlock, and it is an important reason why I did not buy this lens myself. I do not mind an extension mechanism like the Panasonic 12-32mm has, but the unlocking mechanism of the 9-18mm is a big stress factor. It makes the lens much less fun to use, unfortunately.
I have this lens and absolutely love it . I wish Olympus would put some weather sealing in this lens as well as the 75-300. These 2 lenses along with the 14-150 combined with "any" OMD camera, but especially the em-5 mkiii would be an dream system for any outdoor photographer who does a lot of remote shooting and has to carry their gear over long distances. Since I do primarily landscape photos I rarely shot below f/5.6 the speed really is not a big issue for me. I also like the fact that you can use filters on this lens without the need for a special adapter. Thank you for another informative video.
I own this lens and it is good for close wide angle work.. As you truthfully state the unlock slide is a pain in the rear. I've lost several shots because of it. I'm left handed so it is just in the wrong place. So sad that Olympus made another big mistake in not supporting you.. still, you are you and we come here for your true assessment of various aspects of photography. carry on and we will still come here to watch you.
thank you🍀🍀
I again Robin. I do own the 9-18mm, and because the unlock méccanism i realize I might have put it aside a little too early. After having seen the photographies you took with it, I intend to relieve it from its solitary confinment...and give it a second life! Good enthousiastic video, Thank you!
Another underrated lens from Olympus that I love. I want to remark the color reproduction I think colors are more saturated than on other lenses, including primes. And of course, it’s so little!. At the time, it is my favorite in the bag. It matches perfectly to the EM5.
Underrated lens indeed, and yes it does capture very nice colors. Good combo with the E-M5!
I bought one used! Had seen your review and one from a fave Finnish Olympus pro. We old old former American camera store clerks were told to say ZOO-ko for Zuiko....
I had this one for a few years before the PL8-18, and after parting with it I missed having a compact UWA option enough that I ended up getting the Laowa 7.5mm f2 too.
The lock button never bothered me too much (the funky rectangle hood probably bugged me more), but I think it's a nice enough lens that Oly could update it with a better/fresher build and no lock button (the 35-100 f4-5.6 works fine w/o it).
The range was definitely part of it's original appeal for me tho, it's pretty unique indeed. For $600 or even
Hi. Since you mentioned the lenshood, I just wanted you to notice what I mentioned in another comment - you can get a much better lenshood - round, reverses, and works perfectly without vignetting:
the JJC LH-J55C. I posted a link to Amazon in my other comment.
I have this lens some time already, it is a very good travel lens.
It is a marvelous travel lens indeed
I've had this lens for a while and I agree with all your likes and dislikes, Robin. It is surprisingly sharp and light, but the plastic makes it feel like a cheap kit lens. I'm not crazy about the collapsing design either. I will use this lens when I don't want to lug my 7-14 around. But I may be able to retire it for good once the 8-25 comes out!
I just bought this lens on eBay for $160 USD. I can’t wait to try it out.
I tend to forget that I have this lene which is really great, I love the fact that it is very easy to carry and it can complete my luggage if I have a pro lens, quiet heavy. I bought the fish eye which is very special and not easy to use if you don't make sports fotos... If you have some time to make a video on the fish eye ... I would apreciate. Thanks for all your videos I follow your advices.
I've had this lens for a while, and despite the flaws you mentioned, this is a terrific and underrated lens. Great flexibility and I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you for review this lens!
It is a great little lens indeed!
About the colours I just saw in this video, they're awesome, that alone is enough of a reason for me to look forward to get this lens... But the sharpness and lack of distortion don't take anything away any ways
I agree; yes this lens has some negatives but it's still a great lens. I also find it has really nice colour rendering, more so than many other lenses (even with the already great olympus colours).
Ultra wide angle tends to capture color a bit more differently, and yes the colors are very nice indeed.
OK, thanks for video. You've persuaded me to buy it.
I'd grab it in a heartbeat if it's weather sealed. Waiting on 8-25mm pro now
Have this lens and your review is absolutely spot on Robin :-)
A lens that epitomizes the word compromise, IMO. It's not environmentally sealed, feels like a kit lens, doesn't get as wide as the 7-14s, and has a slow maximum aperture. OTOH, it's really small and light. Extending to 18mm makes it much more versatile as a general purpose everyday lens, takes filters without fuss, balances well on smaller bodies, and is capable of making dang good images. No doubt, for some uses and users the 7-14 would be a much better option. But it too is compromised. It just makes very different compromises.
I have used this lens and I think it's awesome tiny wide option. Great review again and some insight info too.
It is a great option for those who do not want to spend too much money on more expensive alternatives.
And it works very good also with Panasonic 😉
Great review. I'm holding on to see if there's an f4 version of this lens coming out to go with the 12-45mm f4.
Thanks
Robin, thank for this video. I am hanging on to the four thirds version of this great lens. Using it with the MMF-3 on my E-M1II.
Seldom used but when I do use it is pure joy.
Terrific travel lens. You don't even need to give any thought to whether to bring it or not since it takes virtually no room and weighs nothing. The 7-14/2.8 is a different story.
ty
You gave me an ideea...Thanks,mate!😊
I'm generally not a fan of super-wides (and especially not fisheyes), so this lens looks like a good option for me. I love the 35mm equivalent wide-normal focal length, but occasionally want some thing wider, so this could be perfect. It's a nice small lens too, so that ticks another box, since wide angles can be quite large, and have a protruding front element, which always makes me afraid of scratching it (plus you always need a hood, which makes them even bigger!).
However, none of this matters if the image quality is a disappointment, but your sample shots looked superb: plenty of pop, with nice colour saturation and contrast, and pretty sharp looking too.
All I have to do now is find it at a bargain price used ;)
CAN I USE IT ON SONY E MOUNT FULL FRAME?
Such a charming shots, Robin! One tiny wish ;) Can you include description of location next to camera settings? I want plan a route for myself when I am in KL next time ;)
Great- thanks. very interesting.
Robin, have just listened to your review.
Naturally, everyone would like a metal lens, 3.5 or faster 🤔
As you are also aware, there is only one big problem with this type of wish list.
Cost.
This lens is just so compact and the imaging quality so good, that I am more than happy with it- absolutely ideal for travelling with a lovely wife, who could be a superb photographer, but is phone addicted ( to a very, very capable newly released Google Pro?).
As you point out, the lens is so small as to be almost unbelievable.
Somewhat reluctantly, I purchased the 2.8 Pro, yes it's focal length is wider, however you pay the price for speed and build quality. It is a big lens, too big for me to travel comfortably with. Also, the front lens is so big, it's impossible to attach any screw in type filters. I understand this question is off the point of your review, however, in early 2023, I plan to? attempt to understand and use both Cpl and Nd filters. Nisi probably make a fillter holder, however, the cost is out of my reach. Do you have any suggestions for using Cpl and Nd filters with the Pro 2.8 wide angle zoom.
Many thanks 😊.
My suggestion Invest the next better model 2.8 pro series, I have this lens, you can only use the lens when it extended, I accidentally drop it, broke off cleanly in half, stored it away for several years and now I had it send it for service, hopefully Olympus can fix it.
I know you dont like vlog style videos but I would have loved to see you doing a walking vlog style video with this lens. I wonder if it has the jelly corners with digital IS.
Sorry, I deleted my other post. Ok. The M1.2 and M5.3 have inproved video continuous autofocus. I think they are both "cross type" autofocus systems. I have wanted to see a vlog style video test with those cameras and this lens, against the M5.2 with this lens. I need to get out there and start "vlogging" even if I don't upload. I will never get better if I stay stuck.
I always use this lens wide open and never had an issue with sharpness. I think Olympus lenses are designed with that in mind.
I store mine fully extended in the bag because I worry about the mechanical lens lock as well.
This lens stays on my GH4. I don't mind it being plastic, that makes it lighter. I also don't like the idea of having to keep unlocking it to extend but realistically you don't have to lock it when you're not using your camera :)
Hi which is better for wide lens either 9mm or 25mm
Your images were so super sharp, were they hi-res or normal, can i get these results on my lumix g7
Great review as always. What lens did you use for filming the review talking head? Also the distortion and CA correction, does that apply to video and stills, or just stills?
A great little lens, that I rarely use but always bring along because... "why not" it weights nothing!
I wouldn't call it "Budget lens" through: it may look and feels like that, but it's a 600$ lens that easily delivers to and above its price.
Hi Robin
I am enjoying your tutorials very much.
Is the 9-18mm lens suitable to capture lighting using the live composite settings.
I have this lens. I like it is small but i hate the colapse mechanism. I use this lens not much, only for special occations when my standard lens is not wide enough, still the mechanism failed already 2 times. 1 time i had to pay 130 us dollar to repair it, but it failed again and now i no want repair it again so i keep it broken in a box.
hello Robin. I will buy 12-50 or this 9-18 lens. which one do you prefer and which one's image quality is better. your answer will be very helpful to make my decision. thanks for olympus videos :)
Stunning little lens - a flawed genius - but on the Panasonic gm5 it is just the ticket!
The autofocus seems to be quite fast, but there is something I'm curious about. I know that when shooting with my 15mm lens, when I press the shutter button hard, without waiting for it to focus by half-pressing it, it comes out clearly. Can we say the same thing about this lens?
Hi Robin, super interesting video, thank you! I'll ask you for advice: I own a OM10 mk2 and I am looking for a companion lens of 14-42 pancake and 40-150. I want a good lens for my trips, so I can get rid of using the Google Pixel, which actually makes fantastic photos 😂. I usually make pictures of landscapes. I am wondering if I should go for the Panasonic 14mm prime, or this 9-18 zoom. The goal is one lens (almost) fit any situation. I don't like swapping lens. Though the 9-18 is larger and €€ than the 14mm prime. What is your experience and advice? PS: I shot in jpeg.
I am waiting for a 9mm or less, small prime. Please...
I own the lens, very nice ultra-wide, affordable, but very susceptible to flare.
Hi Robin, I totally agree with each and every one of your opinions. However, my primary complaint about the lens is it’s price. Here in New Zealand, it’s available for $522USD compared to Canon’s 10-18 at a price of $310USD. Hopefully the price can drop as time goes on or if a new version is released as it certainly looks like a very fun lens to use. As usual, great video! 👍👍👍
trade me bro
Any experience with black magic pocket OG?
Hi Robin, this might be too old a post to ask a Q on but if not can you please help. I am getting the Olympus 60mm macro lens as want to get into macro - your reviews have helped a lot! I have the 9-18mm and have been given a price to trade in for the 60mm (with top up in cash). I appreciate it's my decision and i am in 2 minds - keep or sell the lens? I love taking the outdoors, wildlife, landscapes etc. i do have the 14-45mm pro and thats my normal lens to use. Any views appreciated - many thanks!
what would be the drawback(s) for using the FT 9-18 (with adapter) on a mFT body as apposed from this native mFT version?
I like these pro/con real world videos Robin.