Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8
Announced February 8, 2012
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 75mm f/1.8 is a high-performing telephoto prime that delivers exceptional sharpness and smooth bokeh for portrait photographers. Although it commands a premium price and lacks weather sealing, its compact metal construction and fast autofocus make it a standout choice for the Micro Four Thirds system.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Premium all-metal build quality
- Compact and lightweight design
- Beautiful, creamy bokeh
Cons
- High price point and lack of included lens hood
- Absence of weather-sealed construction
- Limited manual focus controls and lack of focus clutch
- Minor optical issues like bokeh fringing or chromatic aberration
- Absence of optical image stabilization
- Launch price $899.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 75mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 84 cm (0.1x)
- Filter thread 58mm
- Autofocus motor Micromotor
- Weight & size 305g (10.8 oz) · 64 x 69.1 mm (2.52 x 2.72 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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[E]ven with these caveats it remains a highly desirable lens especially for serious portrait photographers.
- OpticalLimits 9/10
The Olympus M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 ED is, by quite a margin, the best micro-four-thirds lens that we have tested to date.
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Some people are put off by the price, at least from the discussions I’ve seen online. My perspective is that sometimes things are expensive because they’re worth it. This seems to be one of those times.
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Micro Four Thirds system camera owners who are already looking at this lens probably don't need any more convincing of it's worth, but those who hadn't yet considered it may be interested to see just how well this optic performs.
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All we can say is you seldom come across a lens that is so close to perfection as the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8.
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The 150mm ‘effective’ focal length of this lens, combined with a fast f/1.8 aperture, make it a good choice for tight head-and-shoulders portraiture. It’s super-sharp while also delivering deliciously soft bokeh, and is wonderfully compact and lightweight.
- CNET 9.5/10
The Olympus 75mm f/1.8 is undoubtedly a premium lens for the Micro Four Thirds format, but it’s worth the money for a terrific piece of optical engineering.
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The M.Zuiko 75mm is a lens I haven’t regretted purchasing. In fact, I’ve used more than I originally thought I would. It is not just the optical quality, which is obviously superb, but also its compact size that made me choose it over other similar telephoto lenses.
- Photo Review 9/10
Buy this lens if [y]ou’re looking for a fast, medium-tele prime lens for a Micro Four Thirds system camera.
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At $899, this lens is expensive for both a Micro 4/3 lens and for a lens of this focal length and aperture compared to many other manufacturers 85mm f/1.8 lenses.
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This lens is an all out Olympus masterpiece.
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So I think it is really good for people who are into portraits, this is a really good Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 to get.
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The lens is really, really sharp. Even with the f/1.8, you can get really exceptionally sharp images with this lens. It's really, really great.
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I know most people do not find it easy to compose with such a long focal length, especially if you are shooting in limited/tightc paces. However if you do find a good use for this lens, the images you get from this can be extremely rewarding.
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I think the 75 is one of those that manages to cross the excellent threshold into exceptional – at least in my mind.
- Darren Miles 8/10
If you're a serious portrait photographer and you want to get into this kind of a camera, you have to get this lens. It offers some pretty amazing results.
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Simply put, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm f/1.8 is one of the strongest prime lenses in the Micro 4/3 system. It is still expensive for such a specialized focal length, and it clearly won’t suit every photographer. This is not an entry-level lens.
