I apologise for the first 20 or so seconds of the video. TH-cam threw out a copyright claim an hour and a half after the video had gone live. My only option was to let TH-cam edit the music out.
Nice video. I don’t think anyone who has that combination would disagree with you. I travelled Europe for 5 weeks in 2023 with only the 12-40mm lens on my OM-1. It is brilliant.
One of my favourite lenses is the M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4 PRO. It gives me the wide angle of 16mm FF Eq, all the way to 50mm. For Landscape and Cityscape it is ideal, and a rectiliniar lens as well. I did have the 7-14mm, but rarely used it. The 8-25mm is my go to though. I do have the 12-40mm F2.8 PRO as well, but prefer the focal length of the 8-25.
The 12-40 2.8 Pro has been my Go To Lens since I have started using micro 4/3rds. It is so versatile, as I have told others before, I will go from landscape to Macro, to Long Exposure, to Portrait and then finish my day shooting a Concert, without changing the lens! I have done all of that in one day without it leaving the camera.
I’m have an Olympus em5mkiii and so my match made in heaven is the 12-45 f4. It’s just really balanced. Not quite as fast but just makes sense. I’m a city dweller and it is often my everyday carry in a 2l small bag.
It's similar for me. I use the 12 - 45mm f4 on my E-M1 mk ii and only really chasing for a macro lens. I also have an E-M10 mk ii that has the 25mm F1.8 on as my everyday camera.
Nice! I'm a field biologist, and 12-40 f2.8 is my everyday lens as well, by a long shot...I have the EM-1 Mk1, bought second hand for $540 CAD. I use it to photograph plants and landscapes, and the manual focussing ring lets me get some super closeup shots as well, almost like a macro. I also have the 20mm f1.7, which can photograph in near darkness (great for people at parties, no flash, so people don't get irritated by it), 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Panasonic, 60mm f2.8 macro...and a few others, lol
The 12-100 f4 Pro lives on my camera. When I travel I often just take the 12-100 unless I am looking for wildlife< when a longer lens gets put in the bag as well.
A combo like no other - solid build body and lens - mine has survived about 8 years covering my saltwater fishing - been underwater twice, dropped in mangrove mud, hit by saltwater splashes, wind blown sand and hundreds of hours in rain. Still going strong, fast AF and image quality still superb. And compact. Fool frame has nothing to match it for WR construction , weight, operational speed and versatility - or price.
The 12-100 f4 pro is my go to. The IQ is uncanny for what is really a super zoom. It's a little hefty but i rarely need to carry anything else. Plus if has sync IS so the f4 is never really a problem.
This is one of the reasons why I have added 4/3 camera bodies from Olympus and Panasonic to my collection of full frame and APSC cameras. The size of the cameras and glass make it perfect as an every day shooter, or anytime you want to travel light and still pack more than one camera body and lens. My wife and I travel by plane for a week once a year and I feel myself taking photos In places that a full frame camera could get damaged or just get in the way, other times we go on a day trip and I might want to take a camera with me and I might take a Fujifilm XT3 or XT5, PENTAX Kp or a 4/3 camera. I don't need the shallow depth of field that a full frame cameras gives and the f2.8 glass and other fast prime lens on 4/3 system allow me to be able to shoot in low light and still get good depth of field as not everything I photograph requires a blurred background, I have a few Olympus prime lens f1.2 that can give me adequate subject separation when needed.
You hit the nail on the head re:MFT aperture light and DoF. I switched to an OM System Om5 because I love landscapes and woodland photography. I rarely have to break out the tripod now. It's bliss!
Yes, really good point, so much fuss is made of more bokeh being available with 'full frame', but for so many situations you don't actually want a narrow depth of field. Sure, it's not ideal for portraits, but that's what the 45mm f1.8 is for: only half a stop less than a 'full-frame' 50mm f1.4, a better focal length for portraits, and it's so small and light that youvcan put it in a pocket just in case pretty much any time you have your camera with you.
The 12-40mm is my second favourite lens. I mainly photograph indoors at flower shows where they even draw the curtains so the sun doesn't fade the blooms. I'm also not using flash or a tripod and can't move the exhibited flowers. My lens of choice is the 12-100mm f4.0. This lens has Sync I.S. which copes when someone nudges the table the exhibits are on. The f4.0, whilst not as low, light, capable as the f2.8 12-40mm, is perfect stepped down to f5.6 to capture the entire flower head of a subject flower and using the longer end I can still blur the background. If you get the chance to use the 12-100mm f4.0, it might become a new favourite, 2 landscape photographers who use it on TH-cam are Derek Forrs and D. Griff. Derek Forrs also photographs interiors without flash handheld (inside churches), spot metering near highlights, and recovering the darks in post without too much problem with noise.
I agree with your evaluation of the m.zuiko 12-40 f/2.8 pro. It's a really good lens and it generally lives on my camera most of the time. That said, it is my second favourite m43rds lens. My favourite lens is the 40-150mm f/2.8 pro. While it may not be quite as versatile for landscapes, when I do use it, it is absolutely exceptional--cropped in landscapes, portraits, the occasional wildlife shot, and even almost macro shots. I just can't say enough good things about that lens. Fortunately, since Olympus lenses are so light and compact, I can easily carry my OM-D E-M1 with both lenses and have pretty much everything I need for any given shot.
Pan Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 is my go to for 90% of my shooting. I mainly shoot in decent light and love the extra zoom range and rendering. And even when light falls, the stabilization on my EM1x and G9 is brilliant with static subjects so I only need a different lens for moving subjects in low light when the 15mm f1.7 or 9mm f1.7 covers me, or when I need more reach, when I go for the Pana 14-140mm or Oly 40-150mm f2.8 Pro. We m43 shooters have a myriad of great zoom lens choices between the Olympus and Panasonic offerings - choice is a great feature of the system.
@barbgannon3252 that's a lens I'd definitely like to try out myself some day. I doubt I would ever be able zoom it in the correct direction on first try, however - probably would be putting an awful lot of my $ into the swear jar!
As I look back on my pics and cameras I find pure joy in having used the oly and 12-40 f2.8 combo. I'm a hobbyist, shooting from family pics to street, travel and the odd landscape. The e-m5 m3 is a camera I will never part with, it is just a fun and easy camera with this lens and is my go to cam. I still run with the canon L glass with an updated (darn expensive and way to heavy) Canon RF as well as a couple of pannies, but I always lean in to this Oly combo. My fave family lens atm is the Oly 75mm for my toddler grand kids, as you can shoot close-ups, but at a distance without them cracking it at nan shoving a lens in their face. Sharp, holy crap, this 75mm is unbelievable! I always pack the gorgeous Oly 45mm when we go to a restaurant, it takes the low light and is sharp with lotsa bokeh. And....... go figure, the Oly has 5 axis stabe unlike the small camera releases of today which are without IBIS. Yep, I think I'll be using this combo till I have one foot in the grave. Oh, I also took the cheapo 40-150mm f4-5.6 to India (so light) got some great (sharp) shots, another underrated lens.
I love my 12-40 pro. It pairs incredibly well with my 40-150 pro. The 40-150 pro is probably on my camera the most and is highly recommended. I also have the laowa 7.5mm in my bag but have been considering the 6mm to replace it.
If you just want a single lens for travel the zuiko pro 12-40mm f:2.8 is probably the best choice. However, in my opinion, for landscape photography there are two possible combinations with equal weight: 1. Panasonic leica 8-18mm f:2.8-4 with the zuiko pro 40-150mm f4. 2. Panasonic leica 9mm f:1.7 with the zuiko pro 12-100mm f4. Option 1 I would recommend for a landscape photographer who takes location photos, and option 2 for a landscape photographer who takes photos while hiking.
Beg to differ. OM-5 + Olympus 12-45mm f/4 Pro is the ideal combo.6.5 stops of internal stabilization and unless you are shooting 80MP you will never need a tripod. Lens + camera weighs less than 670 grams (414 + 259).
Olympus 12-100 f4 pro: one lens to rule them all! OK so it doesn’t get super long range, but man it’s tac sharp all the way through and can be your one lens for an entire day of landscape and nature photography!
I have quite some Olympus and OM System lenses and to be honest they are all very dear to me. In terms of image quality I think the 40-150mm f2.8 Pro is absolutely fantastic and I use the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro (II) also a lot. But if I had to pick just one of them to be my only lens I think it would be the 14-42mm EZ kit lens. That lens paired with the OM-5 I carry in a small pouch on my hip and take it with me anywhere anytime. I have taken countless photos with it for instance on my way to or from work or during my lunch time walk.
I recently moved from an E-PL7 with a range of lenses to exactly this - OM-D E-M1 II with the 12-40. This combination has made photography fun again, for the first time in years.
@JonMadd I've got the 20mm F1.7, and found it to be too slow - image quality is excellent, but I did a side by side of it with the 12-40 2.8, and there was no difference in sharpness. For me, the 12-40 is way better overall - one of the biggest differences is focus speed. The 20mm is slow at focusing. But if size is important to you, then I totally understand why you're using that combo. It's half the size of the em5ii/12-40.
@@clonmult the em5ii 12-40mm f2.8 is for when I'm out specifically to shoot, & the epl7 20mm f1.7 is my poor man's Ricoh gr3/x100 everyday carry. I just ordered the SG Image 18mm f6.3 pancake lens which is even smaller to experiment for day time street compactness. My soft spot is really the em10ii though, with built in flash & evf, haha! But yes there is a certain slowness in focus for the 20mmf1.7, which suits my slow & deliberate shooting style (no matter what lens I use). It's a habit I'm trying to snap out of from the number of moments I've missed over the years!! The 12-40mm f2.8 is so capable for quick draw even from the hip!
Chris. Hear me out on this. A couple of years ago, I was trying to decide between the 12-40mm F2.8 Pro and the 12-45mm F4 Pro. Money wasn't an issue as I could afford either one. I ended up getting the 12-45mm F4 as I shoot landscape and street (I use primes mostly for street work). In my experience, the 12-45mm F4 is as sharp as the 12-40mm with the added bonus of being 10mm longer (in full frame field of view) on the tele end. If you ever get a chance to try the 12-45mm, give it a go and do a comparison against the 12-40mm. I'd be interested to see what you think.
As someone who shoots with Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus, I continue to be impressed at how many situations m4/3 works just fine. Sure, there are some speciifc circumstances that you need a larger sensor (e.g., indoor sports in less than stellar lighting), but I'm quite sure that the vast majority of photography could be just as easily served by m4/3. Plus it's way easier to carry. Less reallly is more sometimes.
I'm a relatively recent convert to MFT but the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 is one of my favorite lenses for the system so far. I've used it on my E-M5 II (bought used, of course) and rarely has it disappointed. That said, the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 lens is the one most likely to be on the camera at any given time, largely because of its generally useful focal length, rugged (though not sealed) construction, and handy focus clutch. Combined with the body mentoined above it makes for a great, compact system that feels good to hold and has a certain retro appeal as well.
I have the same setup as you, love it a ton. I recommend the Olympus 75-300 as well. I've gotten some awesome wildlife with it. Super light weight for what it is.
I could not agree more. I also use my M1 markll with this fantastic lens. Makes a good combo with my Pen F too. I wouldn’t trade my 4:3 gear for the world. Heartwarming that people like Chris supporting the format.
A lot of people don't understand that the 2x crop factor is for the depth of field and field of view... and not the amount of light/exposure! Thank you for stating it, you just made my day. Also I know you're mainly an Oly shooter, but I really love the Pany/Leica f2.8-4 trio: 8-18, 12-60, and 50-200.
How is that possible when the sensor is 2 times smaller and you're getting 2 times less light? Imagine you've attached an f2 full frame lens to MFT without a speed booster. It means you get twice smaller fov and twice smaller amount of light since the rest of it goes nowhere. So you get the equivalent of an f4 lens with twice the focal length, corresponding f4 lens dof, and f4 lens exposure.
@@IsaoSudzuki So it's simple, it has nothing to do with the size of the sensor. The F-stop of a lens is Focal Length / Aperture Diameter... so F = fraction stop. That # doesn't change regardless of sensor size. The light let in strikes multiple photo cells at the same time, so the size of the sensor doesn't matter, but the size of those millions of photocells can (this is more a iso/DR sensitivity thing though!). If you want to test this, grab a MF, FF, APSC, and M43 cameras w/ lens all of roughly the same field of view, set up a set (preferably lit for control), set them all to the same F-stop, SS, and ISO. You'll get roughly the exact same exposure for all 4 systems (given some small variance for manufacturing and old film stock). Or at least I did with Pany, Fuji, Sony, Nikon, and Hasselblad (film). DOF is different, and some other nuances as well, but the exposure doesn't change.
@@IsaoSudzuki Also, your example of using an adapted lens w/o a speed booster is incorrect. I've used adapted glass and it doesn't work that way, an adapted Nikon 20mm f1.8 is the exact same as using a 20mm @ f1.8 m43 lens. This is because it's not about the size of the circle of light, it's about the amount of light hitting each individual photo cell. The size of that circle is irrelevant. A speed booster works as a magnifying glass, focusing that circle tighter and therefor increasing the level of light as it hits the sensor plain at each individual photocell.
@@FieldingSmith Thank you so much for the comprehensive explanation! Dispelled some pretty critical misconceptions, appreciate it. Indeed, I'll try to test it myself as soon as I get a chance. Usually didn't have more than 1 type of sensor on hand :)
This lens is just about all that any photographer needs. It is of superb quality. I am used to exotic lenses, since I have a few Leicas and Hasselblads, and eevn some Zeiss lenses for the Leica, but TBH, I have never felt that this lens in combination with the EM1 MKII has left me wanting for for more quality. There are two other zoom lenses that are of outstanding quality. One is the 8~25 F4 Pro and the other one 40~150 F2.8 Pro. With these three lenses just about any photographic scenario could be covered and if you shopped on the used market the total price would still be cheaper than just one of the latest Nikon and Canon offerings.
The 12-45 f4 pro is my go-to. A tad bit more recent and "apparently" a little bit more sharp. With the great IBIS in the OM-5 I haven't found myself in need of a more open lens tbh.
While the 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro is my most used lens, my “perfect match” lens would have to be the 75mm f/1.8. No other telephoto does a better job, in any light, in such a compact package. It’s brilliant.
I am using this combo as well. Totally agree with your views. The image quality is very good indeed. I use it for functions, especially for some formal photos. Very reliable.
I picked up a used Em1-ii and 12-40 2.8 pro lens about 2 months ago. That is an AWESOME setup, but I think I'm going to upgrade to the OM1 II. I'll be keeping that lens tho. I also purchased a 40-150 2.8 pro and MC-20. Now I have 24 to 600mm full frame equivalent with two lenses and an extender. I use my 77mm (from my canon lenses) magnetic filters from maven on the 12-40 lens, and they work great!
PanaLeica 12-60mm F2.8-4 is a great travel lens, has decent macro also. I prefer a bit of extra reach in my standard zooms it's suits my environment of street and urban
@@javajolt4212 Yes if that lens you have is MFT’s THEN you do NOT need an adapter on your MFT’ camera! But if you have the original 4/3 2.8 that you are using on a MFT OMD EM1 for example you will need an electronic appropriate adapter!
I must be doing something right because I had the same Canon kit as you and went over to M4/3 with a Lumix G9 and Olympus 40-150 f4. It’s lighter, smaller and focuses well enough that I can dispense with relatively huge full frame glass that is extortionately priced.
I too love that combo,but recently purchased to Oly 12-100 f4 Pro. Felt if I was travelling it would give a bit more reach, but does lose some light. That’s the beauty of this system. Can carry a few lenses and they still don’t take up much room. (Except for the 100-400 for birds which is a beast😁) Love your videos!
On my most recent trip, a 10 week excursion across the East Coast of Canada, my 12 to 40 MM lens stopped working! I got a "Check lens function" notification on the screen. I had to Post the lens to Sun Camera in Vaughan Ontario. Mike the Technician did an excellent job replacing the aperture block and main board. In all I was without the lens for about a month. Did I ever miss that lens. I have the 7-14 and the 40 to 150. I so missed that lens!!! It's excellent for so many uses. Mike
I just got my 12-40 couple weeks ago. Two days ago I suddenly came upon a building fire just as firefighters arrived my Kit 40-150 was on my “Taylor Swift,” body so that’s what I shot. I was lucky enough to be where no other photographer could get and shot what many are saying as “awesome” photos. I won’t be crying about kit lenses
My usual M43 landscape kit is the E-M1 ii, Olympus 14-150mm mk2 and Olympus 9-18mm. If the forecast is for rain, I take the 12-40mm f2.8 pro instead. However, I really need to take this lens out more often, simply put, it's a beaut!
for the use case of landscape photography, micro four thirds lens is ideal. the corresponding 12 40mm lens for full frame is the Tamron 28 75mm F2.8 which weighs 540g vs the 382g of the Olympus lens. As a landscape lens that you lug around all day, the weight difference is a big deal. Of course, the depth of field for a micro four thirds lens at F2.8 is much deeper than full frame and helps to keep more distance in focus, another plus for the micro four thirds lens.
Great video Chris. I also use the 12-40mm f2.8 and consider the Oly 40-150mm f2.8 as the “other essential landscape zoom”. This is one of the sharpest, most versatile and unique lenses out there. It’s a bit heavy, but goes everywhere with me for landscape (excellent for portraits too).
For those looking to add a wide angle lens for 4/3 and still be able to use filters, Panasonic has a 9mm f1.7 prime and a 8-18 f2.8-4 zoom that are compact and do a nice job with photography.
Got the 12-40 pro with my OM-1 kit and I can't fault it. (Also the only lens I've tried so far that lets me focus stack in-camera!) But my go-to lens in the 300mm f4. I wanted to upgrade from my ancient second-hand Lumix 45-200, and the Lumix 300mm was discontinued IIRC. I got the Oly 300mm, tested it, and the jump in image quality floored me. It was the most expensive bit of kit I'd bought at the time, even second-hand, and in the first five minutes I knew it was worth it. I didn't abandon Lumix, I still have my original GX80, a bunch of (good) Lumix lenses, and I almost got the G9ii until I swerved towards the OM-1 at the last moment. The 300mm had a lot to do with that, and put me firmly in the OM fanboy circle. I just need to check if it lets me focus stack too...
The 12-40 2.8 was my first Olympus/OM lens. And it is a fantastic lens. Nowadays the lens used most from my bag are in this order: 300 f4, 40-150 2.8, 30 macro, 60 macro, 17 1.2, 25 1.2 and the 45 1.2. I don't really use the 12-40 anymore as the prime lens are a bit better. And for landscapes it just makes sense to take the time to pick the best length and then match it to the best lens to fit that length. I rarely use the 7-14 but have it. After using larger lens for past few years to do landscapes it's become my preferred look. The wide landscapes where I live in Montana are just a dime a dozen now and it's fun learning to shoot landcapes with big lens. And so really more than anything I just want to say the 300 f4 and the 40-150 2.8 are each incredible and I hope you get at least one of these into your setup.
Thats is literally my set up. Also great for portraits on location when you don't have any set up time as you can use the long end of the lens with f2.8 for great Bokeh. Also great cityscape lens for the same reasons you described as a landscape lens. Would love OM Systems to produce something like this at a 40 o 100mm focal range at constant F2.8. Lumix do have a 35-100 F2.8 and am tempted.
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto No, it's a big lump of glass that costs a shed load so can't really justify it. Also had some great results using the 40-150 plastic fantastic over the weekend.
I have the 40-150 f2.8 pro lens which I use for wildlife photography. I am planning on getting this 12-40 to be the perfect compliment. They should be the only two lenses I will ever need! Great video
The 12-40 2.8 Pro is also my standard zoom for candid photography. As you said, image quality is awesome, and the f2.8 allows me to use higher shutter spees at base 200 ISO. Never regretted getting this lens. Thanks for your video :)
@williamhouse23 really like it. it's my first camera in 40 years and I find it well specced for the price, I've had some great photos with the kit lens.
I use the 7-14mm f2.8 Pro on my E-M1X for shooting the panoramic landscapes here in western North Dakota and eastern Montana, plus the occasional jaunt down to Wyoming but after I bought the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro, I find it stays on my Oly more than all my other glass. It's a great performer and I never have to worry about the grueling conditions that are possible year-round in northern Plains, be it dust, thunderstorms or subzero blizzards.
Still using my EM-1 Mark II and and EM-1 X. Just like with landscapes, I love using MFT for macro because of the DoF (my 60mm 2.8 macro probably gets the most usage). My Panasonic Leica 200 2.8 gives me all the separation I want for the wildlife I shoot. My Olympus 75 1.8 is my go to for events. And the 40-150 2.8 is my all around.
I also have the EM1ii...actually, I have 2 of them. And the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro. But more recently, I acquired the newer 12-45mm f/4. I wanted to use it on one of the bodies and set up remotely with a cheap radio trigger. Out of curiosity, I tested the new smaller lens to compare it to its big brother, hoping it could match it at the higher f stops. To my surprise, the newer lens was a tiny bit sharper...everywhere. 12, 25, 40mm and f/4. 5.6, 8, 11. Okay the difference is quite small; you'd have to pixel peep to ever notice. Okay, the f/2.8 is nicer in low light, but I wasn't shooting the new lens in low light, so I didn't care. Plus it is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Really a great travel lens.
You are one of those rare TH-camrs, that confess to preferring a zoom to a prime lens. I agree with that perspective, and I have been occasionally trying to ask those that prefer the primes to give me a good reason for that. I have yet to hear any reason good or bad. The only reason one could defend would be that the primes are usually much quicker, but in bright light that advantage vanishes. A zoom lens allows you to frame your picture correctly from the outset, reducing the need for cropping and as far as I'm concerned that advantage of shadows quickness. Just wondering if you are in the same mind-frame. Thanks.
The lens attached on my E-M1II for the most of the time is Panasonic 35-100 f2.8. It really a match made in heaven when used as a secondary camera while using FF/APS-C camera with 24-70 f2.8 (equiv) as a primary camera. You got a secondary camera with the FoV of 70-200 at the weight slightly over 1 kg, that is over a kg saving comparing to having a FF with 70-200 f2.8 as a secondary camera. When used as a primary camera, nothing beats the versatility of Olympus 12-40 f2.8 for sure. Its close up capability is insane for non-professional macro/close up shot.
Ive got that exact combo and I really like it. Though i prefer my ever growing collection of primes. Current got the Olympus 12mm f2 and 17mm f1.8 and Panasonic 25mm and 42.5mm f1.7. Gonna get the 9mm Panasonic and Olympus 75mm some day.
Ive got that exact combo and I really like it. Though i prefer my ever growing collection of primes. Current got the Olympus 12mm f2 and 17mm f1.8 and Panasonic 25mm and 42.5mm f1.7
It has been my always on lens until I got the 12-100mm f/4. Now that sits on my OM-1 like 90% of the time. Quite a bit heavier but the additional reach and stabilisation just can’t be beat 😂
The light vs crop factor is a fantastic advantage of m43rds. It benefits me most with wildlife, where with the 300f4, I am getting a 600mm equivalent with f8 depth of field but f4 aperture. This is fantastic in early morning and late evening low light.
I have the 12-40 and the 40-150 2.8 pro's. Love both of them. With the teleconverters on the 40-150 it gives me a huge range of focal lengths. I do have a question though. Why didn't it seem like anything was moving in the background? Water, clouds, waves? Looked so odd. lol
Yep, the 12-40 pro is pretty much bolted on, but I recently got the 40-150 f2.8 so thats my ttravel kit sorted. Oddly enough (in reference to your opening) i used a Canon L 70-200 on a viltrox and it was very impressive, if heavyish.
Did you try the OM-1 MkII software graduated ND filter? You can selectively darken a portion of the image selecting the angle and the position of the ND section in camera.
When I bought my EM-1 Mark ii this is totally the lense I wanted but opted for the cheaper 14-150mm f4 thinking it would cover a wider range and save me some $ but I still wish I had gone with 12-40mm... I scored a deal on a m. zuiko 12mm f2.0 prime though that is now the workhorse on my camera and basically lives on the it... i had to get a giant 46-77mm stepup adapter though to fit all my filters to that tiny lense...
@@fundamentallymartin9656 yes it is i just hardly ever use it as i use the camera for video the 12mm prime lives on it now but when i do take pics i switch it out.
About landscape and hi resolution mode .. is this still work OK in case the wind blows through the trees ? Or in a rough sea? I am a rally photographer and today I would buy a lumix g9mk2 .. canon serves me extremely well with sigma lenses, but the weight in the bag and the feeling of depth in group pictures where the f-stop picks up the light are two very bad points ..
On your high res pic of the log etc, where was your point of focus. I have recently moved to Olympus and have usually focused a third of the way into a landscape scene at f11, so this is all new, thanks
4:04 Are you sure you are getting the light of f2.8? I believe you're getting both DoF and the amount light of f5.6, since your mft sensor is smaller than a full frame one.
Wasn't the point that F2.8 gave you 5.6 full frame fov? And full frame photographers probably stop down from F4 to F8 or stop their 5.6 lens down to F11 to get everything in focus. Thus taking away some of full frames advantages? Or did I miss something?
@@letni9506it might have been, but if the idea is that m4/3s offers twice the magnification but at the cost of twice the aperture, then twice the aperture from f/2.8 is f/4. It’s all nonsense of course since depth of field is about focal length and distance from the subject as well as aperture. From experience it’s also about lens design too. But yes, if I use a 35mm sensor camera, then getting things in focus can be harder than on my Olympus/OM gear. The biggest difference is that the M4/3 “crop factor” so easily outweighs megapixel advantages. We have essentially the same 100-400 lens in both m4/3 and L mount. It’s fantastic for aerial photography on the OM1 Mk2, pretty useless on the Leica SL3, despite its three times mp advantage.
@@patrickhopkinson1851 Yes, m4/3 lens offer twice the magnification, but the depth of field is equivalent to two stops more than full frame, not one. So, Chris was correct in the video. F2.8 on his 12-40mm gives the same depth of field as f5.6 on a full frame lens. If you don't believe me, look it up on the internet.
@@evenhandedcommentor6102thanks, that’s why I find 35mm sized sensors so awkward to use compared with mft. I find myself at f/8 to try to get enough in focus. Even then the Leica APO summicron-SL lenses still conspire against me.
Imagine an optical system with a single lens element f=25mm, and a 25mm aperture, and let it focus an image onto a m4/3 sensor. It's a 25mm f/1 lens by definition. Now keep everything the same and only swap the lens element for a f=50mm lens and focus the SAME image onto a full frame sensor further back. It's a 50mm f/2 lens by definition. The image captured by both at a given shutter speed is the same, photon-for-photon, all that has changed is the sensor is twice as far away, and is larger. The image on the m4/3 sensor is four times as bright because it's the same image projected onto a quarter of the area, but it is the same image and so the total light captured, the photometric exposure, which is what really matters, is identical.
Yep that beaut was born on the omd em1 and still their best. But Chris is it good for growing rug rats? I know your public pictures are landscape and street but I do neither,love compression and only take pictures of people. Would you recommend this lens over the Panasonic 35-100mm 2.8????? Still loving your work
I apologise for the first 20 or so seconds of the video. TH-cam threw out a copyright claim an hour and a half after the video had gone live. My only option was to let TH-cam edit the music out.
Nice video. I don’t think anyone who has that combination would disagree with you. I travelled Europe for 5 weeks in 2023 with only the 12-40mm lens on my OM-1. It is brilliant.
Totally agree!
One of my favourite lenses is the M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4 PRO. It gives me the wide angle of 16mm FF Eq, all the way to 50mm. For Landscape and Cityscape it is ideal, and a rectiliniar lens as well. I did have the 7-14mm, but rarely used it. The 8-25mm is my go to though. I do have the 12-40mm F2.8 PRO as well, but prefer the focal length of the 8-25.
Most under rated gear it's brilliant 👍🏻
The 12-40 2.8 Pro has been my Go To Lens since I have started using micro 4/3rds. It is so versatile, as I have told others before, I will go from landscape to Macro, to Long Exposure, to Portrait and then finish my day shooting a Concert, without changing the lens! I have done all of that in one day without it leaving the camera.
I’m have an Olympus em5mkiii and so my match made in heaven is the 12-45 f4. It’s just really balanced. Not quite as fast but just makes sense. I’m a city dweller and it is often my everyday carry in a 2l small bag.
I think that’s a great camera and lens combination, Lyndsay. I had the E-M5 Mark iii with the same lens and the balance was great.
It's similar for me. I use the 12 - 45mm f4 on my E-M1 mk ii and only really chasing for a macro lens. I also have an E-M10 mk ii that has the 25mm F1.8 on as my everyday camera.
Nice! I'm a field biologist, and 12-40 f2.8 is my everyday lens as well, by a long shot...I have the EM-1 Mk1, bought second hand for $540 CAD. I use it to photograph plants and landscapes, and the manual focussing ring lets me get some super closeup shots as well, almost like a macro. I also have the 20mm f1.7, which can photograph in near darkness (great for people at parties, no flash, so people don't get irritated by it), 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Panasonic, 60mm f2.8 macro...and a few others, lol
My beloved combo for trips and reportage is the OMD EM 5iii with Leica 12 -60 mm
The 12-100 f4 Pro lives on my camera. When I travel I often just take the 12-100 unless I am looking for wildlife< when a longer lens gets put in the bag as well.
A combo like no other - solid build body and lens - mine has survived about 8 years covering my saltwater fishing - been underwater twice, dropped in mangrove mud, hit by saltwater splashes, wind blown sand and hundreds of hours in rain. Still going strong, fast AF and image quality still superb. And compact. Fool frame has nothing to match it for WR construction , weight, operational speed and versatility - or price.
The 12-100 f4 pro is my go to. The IQ is uncanny for what is really a super zoom. It's a little hefty but i rarely need to carry anything else. Plus if has sync IS so the f4 is never really a problem.
This is one of the reasons why I have added 4/3 camera bodies from Olympus and Panasonic to my collection of full frame and APSC cameras. The size of the cameras and glass make it perfect as an every day shooter, or anytime you want to travel light and still pack more than one camera body and lens. My wife and I travel by plane for a week once a year and I feel myself taking photos In places that a full frame camera could get damaged or just get in the way, other times we go on a day trip and I might want to take a camera with me and I might take a Fujifilm XT3 or XT5, PENTAX Kp or a 4/3 camera. I don't need the shallow depth of field that a full frame cameras gives and the f2.8 glass and other fast prime lens on 4/3 system allow me to be able to shoot in low light and still get good depth of field as not everything I photograph requires a blurred background, I have a few Olympus prime lens f1.2 that can give me adequate subject separation when needed.
You hit the nail on the head re:MFT aperture light and DoF. I switched to an OM System Om5 because I love landscapes and woodland photography. I rarely have to break out the tripod now. It's bliss!
Yes, really good point, so much fuss is made of more bokeh being available with 'full frame', but for so many situations you don't actually want a narrow depth of field. Sure, it's not ideal for portraits, but that's what the 45mm f1.8 is for: only half a stop less than a 'full-frame' 50mm f1.4, a better focal length for portraits, and it's so small and light that youvcan put it in a pocket just in case pretty much any time you have your camera with you.
This is the same combo I take out for any weather. Ready for anything.
The weather sealing really does add to the appeal.
The 12-40mm is my second favourite lens. I mainly photograph indoors at flower shows where they even draw the curtains so the sun doesn't fade the blooms. I'm also not using flash or a tripod and can't move the exhibited flowers. My lens of choice is the 12-100mm f4.0. This lens has Sync I.S. which copes when someone nudges the table the exhibits are on.
The f4.0, whilst not as low, light, capable as the f2.8 12-40mm, is perfect stepped down to f5.6 to capture the entire flower head of a subject flower and using the longer end I can still blur the background.
If you get the chance to use the 12-100mm f4.0, it might become a new favourite, 2 landscape photographers who use it on TH-cam are Derek Forrs and D. Griff. Derek Forrs also photographs interiors without flash handheld (inside churches), spot metering near highlights, and recovering the darks in post without too much problem with noise.
I agree with your evaluation of the m.zuiko 12-40 f/2.8 pro. It's a really good lens and it generally lives on my camera most of the time. That said, it is my second favourite m43rds lens. My favourite lens is the 40-150mm f/2.8 pro. While it may not be quite as versatile for landscapes, when I do use it, it is absolutely exceptional--cropped in landscapes, portraits, the occasional wildlife shot, and even almost macro shots. I just can't say enough good things about that lens. Fortunately, since Olympus lenses are so light and compact, I can easily carry my OM-D E-M1 with both lenses and have pretty much everything I need for any given shot.
Perfect combo!Thanks Chris! 📸📸
Pan Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 is my go to for 90% of my shooting. I mainly shoot in decent light and love the extra zoom range and rendering. And even when light falls, the stabilization on my EM1x and G9 is brilliant with static subjects so I only need a different lens for moving subjects in low light when the 15mm f1.7 or 9mm f1.7 covers me, or when I need more reach, when I go for the Pana 14-140mm or Oly 40-150mm f2.8 Pro.
We m43 shooters have a myriad of great zoom lens choices between the Olympus and Panasonic offerings - choice is a great feature of the system.
I have this lens and use it on the Panny G9. It ticks all the boxes, but I just love the output from the constant 2.8 of the Oly 12-40mm.
@barbgannon3252 that's a lens I'd definitely like to try out myself some day. I doubt I would ever be able zoom it in the correct direction on first try, however - probably would be putting an awful lot of my $ into the swear jar!
As I look back on my pics and cameras I find pure joy in having used the oly and 12-40 f2.8 combo. I'm a hobbyist, shooting from family pics to street, travel and the odd landscape. The e-m5 m3 is a camera I will never part with, it is just a fun and easy camera with this lens and is my go to cam. I still run with the canon L glass with an updated (darn expensive and way to heavy) Canon RF as well as a couple of pannies, but I always lean in to this Oly combo. My fave family lens atm is the Oly 75mm for my toddler grand kids, as you can shoot close-ups, but at a distance without them cracking it at nan shoving a lens in their face. Sharp, holy crap, this 75mm is unbelievable! I always pack the gorgeous Oly 45mm when we go to a restaurant, it takes the low light and is sharp with lotsa bokeh. And....... go figure, the Oly has 5 axis stabe unlike the small camera releases of today which are without IBIS. Yep, I think I'll be using this combo till I have one foot in the grave. Oh, I also took the cheapo 40-150mm f4-5.6 to India (so light) got some great (sharp) shots, another underrated lens.
I love my 12-40 pro. It pairs incredibly well with my 40-150 pro. The 40-150 pro is probably on my camera the most and is highly recommended. I also have the laowa 7.5mm in my bag but have been considering the 6mm to replace it.
If you just want a single lens for travel the zuiko pro 12-40mm f:2.8 is probably the best choice. However, in my opinion, for landscape photography there are two possible combinations with equal weight: 1. Panasonic leica 8-18mm f:2.8-4 with the zuiko pro 40-150mm f4. 2. Panasonic leica 9mm f:1.7 with the zuiko pro 12-100mm f4. Option 1 I would recommend for a landscape photographer who takes location photos, and option 2 for a landscape photographer who takes photos while hiking.
Beg to differ. OM-5 + Olympus 12-45mm f/4 Pro is the ideal combo.6.5 stops of internal stabilization and unless you are shooting 80MP you will never need a tripod. Lens + camera weighs less than 670 grams (414 + 259).
Olympus 12-100 f4 pro: one lens to rule them all! OK so it doesn’t get super long range, but man it’s tac sharp all the way through and can be your one lens for an entire day of landscape and nature photography!
I have quite some Olympus and OM System lenses and to be honest they are all very dear to me. In terms of image quality I think the 40-150mm f2.8 Pro is absolutely fantastic and I use the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro (II) also a lot. But if I had to pick just one of them to be my only lens I think it would be the 14-42mm EZ kit lens. That lens paired with the OM-5 I carry in a small pouch on my hip and take it with me anywhere anytime. I have taken countless photos with it for instance on my way to or from work or during my lunch time walk.
I recently moved from an E-PL7 with a range of lenses to exactly this - OM-D E-M1 II with the 12-40. This combination has made photography fun again, for the first time in years.
I've gone the other way, em5ii with the 12-40mm f2.8 to the epl7 & a 20mmf1.7 panasonic lens.
@JonMadd I've got the 20mm F1.7, and found it to be too slow - image quality is excellent, but I did a side by side of it with the 12-40 2.8, and there was no difference in sharpness. For me, the 12-40 is way better overall - one of the biggest differences is focus speed. The 20mm is slow at focusing.
But if size is important to you, then I totally understand why you're using that combo. It's half the size of the em5ii/12-40.
@@clonmult the em5ii 12-40mm f2.8 is for when I'm out specifically to shoot, & the epl7 20mm f1.7 is my poor man's Ricoh gr3/x100 everyday carry. I just ordered the SG Image 18mm f6.3 pancake lens which is even smaller to experiment for day time street compactness. My soft spot is really the em10ii though, with built in flash & evf, haha!
But yes there is a certain slowness in focus for the 20mmf1.7, which suits my slow & deliberate shooting style (no matter what lens I use). It's a habit I'm trying to snap out of from the number of moments I've missed over the years!! The 12-40mm f2.8 is so capable for quick draw even from the hip!
Chris. Hear me out on this. A couple of years ago, I was trying to decide between the 12-40mm F2.8 Pro and the 12-45mm F4 Pro. Money wasn't an issue as I could afford either one. I ended up getting the 12-45mm F4 as I shoot landscape and street (I use primes mostly for street work). In my experience, the 12-45mm F4 is as sharp as the 12-40mm with the added bonus of being 10mm longer (in full frame field of view) on the tele end. If you ever get a chance to try the 12-45mm, give it a go and do a comparison against the 12-40mm. I'd be interested to see what you think.
As someone who shoots with Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus, I continue to be impressed at how many situations m4/3 works just fine. Sure, there are some speciifc circumstances that you need a larger sensor (e.g., indoor sports in less than stellar lighting), but I'm quite sure that the vast majority of photography could be just as easily served by m4/3. Plus it's way easier to carry. Less reallly is more sometimes.
I'm a relatively recent convert to MFT but the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 is one of my favorite lenses for the system so far. I've used it on my E-M5 II (bought used, of course) and rarely has it disappointed. That said, the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 lens is the one most likely to be on the camera at any given time, largely because of its generally useful focal length, rugged (though not sealed) construction, and handy focus clutch. Combined with the body mentoined above it makes for a great, compact system that feels good to hold and has a certain retro appeal as well.
I have the same setup as you, love it a ton. I recommend the Olympus 75-300 as well. I've gotten some awesome wildlife with it. Super light weight for what it is.
I'll check it out! Not actually come across that lens before.
The 75-300 is excellent, as is the “plastic fantastic” 40-150. It’s brilliant having such small and light lenses!
@@ChrisBaitsonPhotoit’s the f/4-f/5.6 R, which weighs 290g. Made entirely of plastic but punches way above its weight.
I could not agree more. I also use my M1 markll with this fantastic lens. Makes a good combo with my Pen F too. I wouldn’t trade my 4:3 gear for the world. Heartwarming that people like Chris supporting the format.
A lot of people don't understand that the 2x crop factor is for the depth of field and field of view... and not the amount of light/exposure! Thank you for stating it, you just made my day. Also I know you're mainly an Oly shooter, but I really love the Pany/Leica f2.8-4 trio: 8-18, 12-60, and 50-200.
so important to know!
How is that possible when the sensor is 2 times smaller and you're getting 2 times less light? Imagine you've attached an f2 full frame lens to MFT without a speed booster. It means you get twice smaller fov and twice smaller amount of light since the rest of it goes nowhere. So you get the equivalent of an f4 lens with twice the focal length, corresponding f4 lens dof, and f4 lens exposure.
@@IsaoSudzuki So it's simple, it has nothing to do with the size of the sensor. The F-stop of a lens is Focal Length / Aperture Diameter... so F = fraction stop. That # doesn't change regardless of sensor size. The light let in strikes multiple photo cells at the same time, so the size of the sensor doesn't matter, but the size of those millions of photocells can (this is more a iso/DR sensitivity thing though!). If you want to test this, grab a MF, FF, APSC, and M43 cameras w/ lens all of roughly the same field of view, set up a set (preferably lit for control), set them all to the same F-stop, SS, and ISO. You'll get roughly the exact same exposure for all 4 systems (given some small variance for manufacturing and old film stock). Or at least I did with Pany, Fuji, Sony, Nikon, and Hasselblad (film). DOF is different, and some other nuances as well, but the exposure doesn't change.
@@IsaoSudzuki Also, your example of using an adapted lens w/o a speed booster is incorrect. I've used adapted glass and it doesn't work that way, an adapted Nikon 20mm f1.8 is the exact same as using a 20mm @ f1.8 m43 lens. This is because it's not about the size of the circle of light, it's about the amount of light hitting each individual photo cell. The size of that circle is irrelevant. A speed booster works as a magnifying glass, focusing that circle tighter and therefor increasing the level of light as it hits the sensor plain at each individual photocell.
@@FieldingSmith Thank you so much for the comprehensive explanation! Dispelled some pretty critical misconceptions, appreciate it.
Indeed, I'll try to test it myself as soon as I get a chance. Usually didn't have more than 1 type of sensor on hand :)
This lens is just about all that any photographer needs. It is of superb quality. I am used to exotic lenses, since I have a few Leicas and Hasselblads, and eevn some Zeiss lenses for the Leica, but TBH, I have never felt that this lens in combination with the EM1 MKII has left me wanting for for more quality. There are two other zoom lenses that are of outstanding quality. One is the 8~25 F4 Pro and the other one 40~150 F2.8 Pro. With these three lenses just about any photographic scenario could be covered and if you shopped on the used market the total price would still be cheaper than just one of the latest Nikon and Canon offerings.
The 12-45 f4 pro is my go-to. A tad bit more recent and "apparently" a little bit more sharp. With the great IBIS in the OM-5 I haven't found myself in need of a more open lens tbh.
While the 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro is my most used lens, my “perfect match” lens would have to be the 75mm f/1.8. No other telephoto does a better job, in any light, in such a compact package. It’s brilliant.
it has its limitations, of course, but the 7-14 pro lens is great for foreground interest and depth of field
I’d love that lens.
I am using this combo as well. Totally agree with your views.
The image quality is very good indeed. I use it for functions, especially for some formal photos. Very reliable.
I picked up a used Em1-ii and 12-40 2.8 pro lens about 2 months ago. That is an AWESOME setup, but I think I'm going to upgrade to the OM1 II. I'll be keeping that lens tho. I also purchased a 40-150 2.8 pro and MC-20. Now I have 24 to 600mm full frame equivalent with two lenses and an extender. I use my 77mm (from my canon lenses) magnetic filters from maven on the 12-40 lens, and they work great!
PanaLeica 12-60mm F2.8-4 is a great travel lens, has decent macro also. I prefer a bit of extra reach in my standard zooms it's suits my environment of street and urban
Don’t forget you need the electronic adapter for the Leica pany lens 12-60 2.8
@@tapptom no
@@javajolt4212 ??????what do u mean???
I have the 12-60 2.8-4 - it is MFT- I don't need an adapter
@@javajolt4212 Yes if that lens you have is MFT’s THEN you do NOT need an adapter on your MFT’ camera!
But if you have the original 4/3 2.8 that you are using on a MFT OMD EM1 for example you will need an electronic appropriate adapter!
Up to now I used canon 80D with 24-105 lens , but get fed up with the weight, anyway just got an old olympus em10 with a 12-50 lens love it great .
The E-M10 Mark ii was an awesome little camera.
I must be doing something right because I had the same Canon kit as you and went over to M4/3 with a Lumix G9 and Olympus 40-150 f4. It’s lighter, smaller and focuses well enough that I can dispense with relatively huge full frame glass that is extortionately priced.
Olympus 12-100F4 pro is amazing 👌
I too love that combo,but recently purchased to Oly 12-100 f4 Pro. Felt if I was travelling it would give a bit more reach, but does lose some light. That’s the beauty of this system. Can carry a few lenses and they still don’t take up much room. (Except for the 100-400 for birds which is a beast😁) Love your videos!
On my most recent trip, a 10 week excursion across the East Coast of Canada, my 12 to 40 MM lens stopped working! I got a "Check lens function" notification on the screen. I had to Post the lens to Sun Camera in Vaughan Ontario. Mike the Technician did an excellent job replacing the aperture block and main board. In all I was without the lens for about a month. Did I ever miss that lens. I have the 7-14 and the 40 to 150. I so missed that lens!!! It's excellent for so many uses. Mike
I've got the same combo and love it. In the tight streets of Lisbon, the I Leica/Lumix 9mm was a close second.
I just got my 12-40 couple weeks ago. Two days ago I suddenly came upon a building fire just as firefighters arrived my Kit 40-150 was on my “Taylor Swift,” body so that’s what I shot. I was lucky enough to be where no other photographer could get and shot what many are saying as “awesome” photos. I won’t be crying about kit lenses
Oly 12-40 f2.8 -> Legend. That lens alone got me into MFT. It's a perfect lens.
My 12-40 goes with me everywhere I go. recently went to S. korea with it and my Em5 II. phenomenal lens.
My usual M43 landscape kit is the E-M1 ii, Olympus 14-150mm mk2 and Olympus 9-18mm. If the forecast is for rain, I take the 12-40mm f2.8 pro instead. However, I really need to take this lens out more often, simply put, it's a beaut!
for the use case of landscape photography, micro four thirds lens is ideal. the corresponding 12 40mm lens for full frame is the Tamron 28 75mm F2.8 which weighs 540g vs the 382g of the Olympus lens. As a landscape lens that you lug around all day, the weight difference is a big deal. Of course, the depth of field for a micro four thirds lens at F2.8 is much deeper than full frame and helps to keep more distance in focus, another plus for the micro four thirds lens.
I have this lens and like you it's on my camera (G9) most of the time. I can us it in a tight space if I'm shooting portraits. It's a brilliant lens.
Great video Chris. I also use the 12-40mm f2.8 and consider the Oly 40-150mm f2.8 as the “other essential landscape zoom”. This is one of the sharpest, most versatile and unique lenses out there. It’s a bit heavy, but goes everywhere with me for landscape (excellent for portraits too).
For those looking to add a wide angle lens for 4/3 and still be able to use filters, Panasonic has a 9mm f1.7 prime and a 8-18 f2.8-4 zoom that are compact and do a nice job with photography.
I have both, I agree with your assessment
Looking get the 9mm 1.7 soon
That 8-18 also had me pick up the other 2 f2.8-4 lenses, they are a great trio for landscape work.
@@FieldingSmithI am thinking of the same three lenses. I have the 12-60 f2.8-4 already. What camera body are you using with the three PL lenses?
@ I’m mainly using the G9ii and the GX8 on occasion, I also have a GM1 but it only sees the smaller primes.
Got the 12-40 pro with my OM-1 kit and I can't fault it. (Also the only lens I've tried so far that lets me focus stack in-camera!) But my go-to lens in the 300mm f4. I wanted to upgrade from my ancient second-hand Lumix 45-200, and the Lumix 300mm was discontinued IIRC. I got the Oly 300mm, tested it, and the jump in image quality floored me. It was the most expensive bit of kit I'd bought at the time, even second-hand, and in the first five minutes I knew it was worth it.
I didn't abandon Lumix, I still have my original GX80, a bunch of (good) Lumix lenses, and I almost got the G9ii until I swerved towards the OM-1 at the last moment. The 300mm had a lot to do with that, and put me firmly in the OM fanboy circle.
I just need to check if it lets me focus stack too...
The 12-40 2.8 was my first Olympus/OM lens. And it is a fantastic lens. Nowadays the lens used most from my bag are in this order: 300 f4, 40-150 2.8, 30 macro, 60 macro, 17 1.2, 25 1.2 and the 45 1.2. I don't really use the 12-40 anymore as the prime lens are a bit better. And for landscapes it just makes sense to take the time to pick the best length and then match it to the best lens to fit that length. I rarely use the 7-14 but have it. After using larger lens for past few years to do landscapes it's become my preferred look. The wide landscapes where I live in Montana are just a dime a dozen now and it's fun learning to shoot landcapes with big lens. And so really more than anything I just want to say the 300 f4 and the 40-150 2.8 are each incredible and I hope you get at least one of these into your setup.
hi Chris
thanks for sharing your experiences with this set up. what post-processing did you do? and with what
I use Adobe Lightroom and the base preset for everything is called Presetty McPreset which is on my Etsy store 🤘🏻
Thats is literally my set up. Also great for portraits on location when you don't have any set up time as you can use the long end of the lens with f2.8 for great Bokeh. Also great cityscape lens for the same reasons you described as a landscape lens. Would love OM Systems to produce something like this at a 40 o 100mm focal range at constant F2.8. Lumix do have a 35-100 F2.8 and am tempted.
Totally agree! Have you not considered the 40-150 Pro lens?
@@ChrisBaitsonPhoto No, it's a big lump of glass that costs a shed load so can't really justify it. Also had some great results using the 40-150 plastic fantastic over the weekend.
I have the 40-150 f2.8 pro lens which I use for wildlife photography. I am planning on getting this 12-40 to be the perfect compliment. They should be the only two lenses I will ever need! Great video
The 12-40 2.8 Pro is also my standard zoom for candid photography. As you said, image quality is awesome, and the f2.8 allows me to use higher shutter spees at base 200 ISO. Never regretted getting this lens. Thanks for your video :)
I'm getting an OM-D5 with the 12-40 f2.8 as my everyday camera. I use a Pentax kf as well.
The lens is great, you won’t be disappointed.
How do you like the kf?
@williamhouse23 really like it. it's my first camera in 40 years and I find it well specced for the price, I've had some great photos with the kit lens.
Bonjour, jutilise également le 12-40 pro, mais avec le omd 5 mark III et c'est super
I use the 7-14mm f2.8 Pro on my E-M1X for shooting the panoramic landscapes here in western North Dakota and eastern Montana, plus the occasional jaunt down to Wyoming but after I bought the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro, I find it stays on my Oly more than all my other glass. It's a great performer and I never have to worry about the grueling conditions that are possible year-round in northern Plains, be it dust, thunderstorms or subzero blizzards.
Still using my EM-1 Mark II and and EM-1 X. Just like with landscapes, I love using MFT for macro because of the DoF (my 60mm 2.8 macro probably gets the most usage). My Panasonic Leica 200 2.8 gives me all the separation I want for the wildlife I shoot. My Olympus 75 1.8 is my go to for events. And the 40-150 2.8 is my all around.
Hi Chris, the lens I use 95 percent of the time olympus zuiko digital 4rds 12.60 mm on my Beautifull olympus E 5 DSLR, f 2'8 to f4
Was all good until the internal flex cable gave in and I lost aperture control for most of the zoom range😢
I also have the EM1ii...actually, I have 2 of them. And the 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro. But more recently, I acquired the newer 12-45mm f/4. I wanted to use it on one of the bodies and set up remotely with a cheap radio trigger. Out of curiosity, I tested the new smaller lens to compare it to its big brother, hoping it could match it at the higher f stops. To my surprise, the newer lens was a tiny bit sharper...everywhere. 12, 25, 40mm and f/4. 5.6, 8, 11. Okay the difference is quite small; you'd have to pixel peep to ever notice. Okay, the f/2.8 is nicer in low light, but I wasn't shooting the new lens in low light, so I didn't care. Plus it is smaller, lighter, and cheaper. Really a great travel lens.
You are one of those rare TH-camrs, that confess to preferring a zoom to a prime lens. I agree with that perspective, and I have been occasionally trying to ask those that prefer the primes to give me a good reason for that. I have yet to hear any reason good or bad. The only reason one could defend would be that the primes are usually much quicker, but in bright light that advantage vanishes. A zoom lens allows you to frame your picture correctly from the outset, reducing the need for cropping and as far as I'm concerned that advantage of shadows quickness. Just wondering if you are in the same mind-frame. Thanks.
Nice pictures Chris!
I had to recognise that 12-40 mm is too short. Now I'm lucky with the DG Leica Vario-Elmarit 12-60 mm f2.8-4.0 Asph.
My only complaint with the 12-60 is that it doesn't use the same 67mm filters as the other 2 f2.8-4 PL lenses... adapted easily, but grrrr....
@@FieldingSmithyeah it’s a Leica! Great lens!
Agreed. I didn't understand why Olympus created the m43 12-40 when the previous 43 lens was 12-60 (and was a great lens).
Olympus E-M1 Mark II and 12-40 f2.8 is exactly my gear. I use it for video and photography. It's a really great pair.
The lens attached on my E-M1II for the most of the time is Panasonic 35-100 f2.8. It really a match made in heaven when used as a secondary camera while using FF/APS-C camera with 24-70 f2.8 (equiv) as a primary camera. You got a secondary camera with the FoV of 70-200 at the weight slightly over 1 kg, that is over a kg saving comparing to having a FF with 70-200 f2.8 as a secondary camera.
When used as a primary camera, nothing beats the versatility of Olympus 12-40 f2.8 for sure. Its close up capability is insane for non-professional macro/close up shot.
That's a great lens, I've had it for years. Thanks for sharing.
Ive got that exact combo and I really like it. Though i prefer my ever growing collection of primes.
Current got the Olympus 12mm f2 and 17mm f1.8 and Panasonic 25mm and 42.5mm f1.7. Gonna get the 9mm Panasonic and Olympus 75mm some day.
I have the EM- 1 mark iii with that lens, love them both.
Ive got that exact combo and I really like it. Though i prefer my ever growing collection of primes.
Current got the Olympus 12mm f2 and 17mm f1.8 and Panasonic 25mm and 42.5mm f1.7
It has been my always on lens until I got the 12-100mm f/4. Now that sits on my OM-1 like 90% of the time. Quite a bit heavier but the additional reach and stabilisation just can’t be beat 😂
I use the 12-45 f4 on my EM-1 Mark II. It's a perfect walk around size lens when I want something smaller than the 12-200.
The light vs crop factor is a fantastic advantage of m43rds. It benefits me most with wildlife, where with the 300f4, I am getting a 600mm equivalent with f8 depth of field but f4 aperture. This is fantastic in early morning and late evening low light.
Yes! I have this lens! Super!
Just ordered that kit!
I have the 12-40 and the 40-150 2.8 pro's. Love both of them. With the teleconverters on the 40-150 it gives me a huge range of focal lengths. I do have a question though. Why didn't it seem like anything was moving in the background? Water, clouds, waves? Looked so odd. lol
Yep, the 12-40 pro is pretty much bolted on, but I recently got the 40-150 f2.8 so thats my ttravel kit sorted. Oddly enough (in reference to your opening) i used a Canon L 70-200 on a viltrox and it was very impressive, if heavyish.
Did you try the OM-1 MkII software graduated ND filter? You can selectively darken a portion of the image selecting the angle and the position of the ND section in camera.
Do you see any lens diffusion when shooting at f10 or lower?
f10 does start to show a softness.
Use the 12-60 and 40-150, it’s all I need😊
the 40-150 is surprisingly good!
I have the same camera (mark 3) and I also shoot with the 12-40 lens most of the time. Do you turn off the IS when shooting high res?
I have 12-40 and omd em5 mk2 since 2015 and its been very rear occasions that I wanted to change the lens on camera.
Was your b&w conversion in-camera or in post-processing?
That was done on the computer.
When I bought my EM-1 Mark ii this is totally the lense I wanted but opted for the cheaper 14-150mm f4 thinking it would cover a wider range and save me some $ but I still wish I had gone with 12-40mm... I scored a deal on a m. zuiko 12mm f2.0 prime though that is now the workhorse on my camera and basically lives on the it... i had to get a giant 46-77mm stepup adapter though to fit all my filters to that tiny lense...
The 14-150 is a great lens. Mkii is weather sealed too!
@@fundamentallymartin9656 yes it is i just hardly ever use it as i use the camera for video the 12mm prime lives on it now but when i do take pics i switch it out.
I’m partial to the 12-100 f4 Pro.
About landscape and hi resolution mode .. is this still work OK in case the wind blows through the trees ? Or in a rough sea?
I am a rally photographer and today I would buy a lumix g9mk2 .. canon serves me extremely well with sigma lenses, but the weight in the bag and the feeling of depth in group pictures where the f-stop picks up the light are two very bad points ..
If you ever have the opportunity, you should try a Panasonic Lumix 35-100 f2.8 lens. It's my absolute workhorse.
I'll have a look into that one. Looks like a one and done for all kinds of things.
hhhh i clicked in because of the title...... cheers
That’s absurd… you fool.
On your high res pic of the log etc, where was your point of focus. I have recently moved to Olympus and have usually focused a third of the way into a landscape scene at f11, so this is all new, thanks
The focus was set towards the "back of the frame" on the tower in the distance.
I have just got this lens, still in a settling in period with it, but I'm sure it will be my goto lens in the future.
4:04 Are you sure you are getting the light of f2.8? I believe you're getting both DoF and the amount light of f5.6, since your mft sensor is smaller than a full frame one.
FieldingSmith explained it to me below in the comments, valid point, no more questions.
As the previous commenter explained to you. F2.8 is F2.8 no matter the lens or the sensor. Aperture its a mathematical thing. Length / diameter.
🤫 I'm waiting to buy this lense for e-m1 markii, you will push the prices up! 😂
Hopefully not, if mine breaks I’d be stuffed 😂
I will keep the secret if you do! 😉
Still miss my Zuiko 12-60. The 12-40 is great, but it lacks 20mm focal length.
Wouldn’t halving the aperture from f/2.8 result in f/4, not f/5.6?
Maths was never my strong suite. You’re right and I think that’s why I fumbled for the answer in the video.
Wasn't the point that F2.8 gave you 5.6 full frame fov?
And full frame photographers probably stop down from F4 to F8 or stop their 5.6 lens down to F11 to get everything in focus.
Thus taking away some of full frames advantages?
Or did I miss something?
@@letni9506it might have been, but if the idea is that m4/3s offers twice the magnification but at the cost of twice the aperture, then twice the aperture from f/2.8 is f/4. It’s all nonsense of course since depth of field is about focal length and distance from the subject as well as aperture. From experience it’s also about lens design too. But yes, if I use a 35mm sensor camera, then getting things in focus can be harder than on my Olympus/OM gear. The biggest difference is that the M4/3 “crop factor” so easily outweighs megapixel advantages. We have essentially the same 100-400 lens in both m4/3 and L mount. It’s fantastic for aerial photography on the OM1 Mk2, pretty useless on the Leica SL3, despite its three times mp advantage.
@@patrickhopkinson1851 Yes, m4/3 lens offer twice the magnification, but the depth of field is equivalent to two stops more than full frame, not one. So, Chris was correct in the video. F2.8 on his 12-40mm gives the same depth of field as f5.6 on a full frame lens. If you don't believe me, look it up on the internet.
@@evenhandedcommentor6102thanks, that’s why I find 35mm sized sensors so awkward to use compared with mft. I find myself at f/8 to try to get enough in focus. Even then the Leica APO summicron-SL lenses still conspire against me.
Imagine an optical system with a single lens element f=25mm, and a 25mm aperture, and let it focus an image onto a m4/3 sensor. It's a 25mm f/1 lens by definition. Now keep everything the same and only swap the lens element for a f=50mm lens and focus the SAME image onto a full frame sensor further back. It's a 50mm f/2 lens by definition. The image captured by both at a given shutter speed is the same, photon-for-photon, all that has changed is the sensor is twice as far away, and is larger. The image on the m4/3 sensor is four times as bright because it's the same image projected onto a quarter of the area, but it is the same image and so the total light captured, the photometric exposure, which is what really matters, is identical.
Yep that beaut was born on the omd em1 and still their best. But Chris is it good for growing rug rats? I know your public pictures are landscape and street but I do neither,love compression and only take pictures of people. Would you recommend this lens over the Panasonic 35-100mm 2.8????? Still loving your work
For landscaping, just get the 12-100mm. And for wider angle, add the 8-25mm. Why bother with the 2.8 zooms for landscape work...