Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO
Announced September 10, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO is a robust, weather-sealed standard zoom that delivers professional-grade sharpness and contrast across its entire focal range. Although it lacks built-in optical stabilization and can feel heavy compared to smaller lenses, its versatile performance and fast autofocus make it a standout choice for Micro Four Thirds shooters.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
- Versatile manual focus clutch and close-focusing capabilities
- Exceptional sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range
- Sturdy, weather-sealed build quality
- Constant f/2.8 aperture in a compact form factor
Cons
- Noticeable vignetting and light falloff at wide-open apertures
- Performance softness or distortion at specific focal extremes
- Lack of built-in optical image stabilization
- Relatively large and heavy for the system
- Susceptibility to flare and internal reflections in certain lighting
- Launch price $999.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 12-40mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 20 cm (0.3x)
- Filter thread 62mm
- Weight & size 382g (13.5 oz) · 69.9 x 84 mm (2.75 x 3.31 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- OpticalLimits 7.5/10
Upon first contact you will immediately fall in love with the Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm f/2.8 as the mechanical implementation is exemplary and meets the expectations of a pro lens.
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The M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO falls into the last category and is essentially Olympus’ top-of-the-line standard zoom.
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The Panasonic G X VARIO 12–35 mm f/2.8 ASPH. P.O.I.S set the standards pretty high in this category but the Olympus company managed to meet them without any problem. First of all they produced a bit cheaper lens with a wider focal range.
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Those looking for a professional specified standard lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera are now spoilt for choice with offerings from Panasonic, and this lens from Olympus.
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The Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is the perfect partner to the OM-D E-M1, forming a fast, well-built, weather-proof system that delivers excellent image quality.
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The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens lives up to its moniker, delivering professional results when paired with a Micro Four Thirds camera.
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This is proof enough to me that it can quickly become your everyday lens.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
The 12-40mm f/2.8 lens is an impressive performer, delivering quality that rivals that of many DSLR+fast zoom pairings that target serious enthusiast photographers. But its great advantage is being able to do this in a more compact, lighter-weight unit.
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It might be the overall sharpest standard zoom I’ve had the pleasure to use.
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Of course full frame sensors offer better everything but in the Micro 4/3 world, THIS 12-40 f/2.8 PRO ZOOM is a must own if you want ONE lens to take out that will deliver prime lens image quality.
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Having all this in mind I would personally go for Olympus lens.
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Whether you professional, amateur, or someone who's just starting out in a Micro 4/3 world, and if you have the budget for it, this is definitely one of the lenses you should consider getting it first.
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It is a lens that I really recommend.
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I do think that the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 Pro lens is a great lens, suitable to be used by anyone.
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When looking at the 12-40mm samples, it's quite clear that this is a lens that is designed for shooting at full aperture. One has to look very closely to see much difference between f/2.8 and f/5.6, even in the corners.
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I still think this is a good option if you're looking for a standard zoom lens for your Micro Four Thirds camera. The build quality is really solid and pro grade, it's weather sealed, the optical quality is great, so what's there not to like?
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[I]t is all in all the best all-rounder of Micro Four Thirds plethora of standard zooms.
- Darren Miles 49/50
[I]t gets a 49 out of 50 and earns our editor's choice award. It's also the new high-score champion out of any lens that we've reviewed, so congratulations Olympus, great job.
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This lens has outstanding MTF50 performance wide open from 12mm through 35mm focal lengths with no appreciable geometric distortion or chromatic aberration.
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From stills to video, it's a superbly well behaved tool and a tool I'd gladly welcome into my kit bag any day or indeed any night.
