Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS Pro M.Zuiko Digital ED

Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS Pro M.Zuiko Digital ED User Reviews

• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by dalexander (2 reviews)
  Sharp, Great IS, Very wide zoom range

  I've only had this lens for about 3 weeks - and I do not do any type of testing other than actually use the lens in real life situations - and so far I am very impressed. The range from wide angle to telephoto zoom is extremely handy. Normally, in order to have this type of zoom range, lenses have been optically compromised. That Olympus was able to produce this lens and have the sharpness and overall quality be so good thru the entire zoom range is remarkable. And the IS - combined with the Olympus IBIS on the E-M1 - is really an eye opener. I took a few hand held shots with a 1 to 2 second exposure and they were sharp. I really thought similar comments I had read about the IS in other reviews was just hype - but it is real! Probably the best lens I have ever owned - by far!

  reviewed August 3rd, 2017
• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by mwpresley (1 reviews)
  Sharp, even wide open. IS is very good, even on Lumix bodies. Close focusing makes for a very versatile travel lens. OOF areas is very smooth.

  Larger than some may want, though smaller than the 12-35/2.8 and 35-100/2.8 combo.

  There's not really a lot to say that hasn't been said many time over concerning the quality of this lens.
  
  Almost all reviewers are mounting it on the E-M1 II which is understandable, but I don't have that body to shoot with. I shoot with the Panasonic GX7 and the GX85. The GX7 has a limited 2-axis IBIS while the GX85 has a 5-axis IBIS. Mounting the 12-100 on either of these bodies results in the IBIS options being grayed out in the camera menus, leaving only the lens IS active. The lens IS is considerably better than the IBIS of the GX7 and has given that camera a new lease on life. I have the J.B. Camera Designs grip on each of my camera bodies which do aid in using a larger lens like the 12-100.
  
  I travel professionally and carry one of the Lumix bodies, the Panny 7-14 with the 12-100 in a small Tenba bag, making for a wonderfully small, quality kit. I have fast primes when I need the speed, but otherwise, the 12-100 @f/4 covers such a wide range of circumstances.
  
  If you are looking for the best travel lens - this is the one. Don't think you have to have the E-M1 II to use it!

  reviewed June 12th, 2017 (purchased for $1,299)
• 10 out of 10 points and recommended by RichardT (1 reviews)
  Pro build quality Very Sharp Great rendition Versatility

  None yet

  I use all the Olympus Pro's and Primes (except the 25mm f/1.2) and have really been looking forward to trying this lens because when I'm hiking in the hills or travelling I don't like to carry a load of gear. I changed to Olympus because of the weatherproof construction and light weight make the whole system much more usable and all round less hassle. I have been more than happy with the change and I have always been amazed by the quality of Oly a Pany glass.
  
  First outing, I put the 12-100 on my favourite travel camera the EM5 mk2. As soon as I started shooting I knew this lens was something special and by the time I had looked at the shots in lightroom I knew I had found my dream travel lens.
  
  Sharp - Oh yes, very sharp across the frame, even shooting wide open.
  
  Colour rendition - For me this is really the most important factor, it simply takes the most gorgeous images. Seeing is believing.
  
  Background Blur - Well, MFT is different from a larger sensor and need different technique, use longer focal length, get in closer, open up the aperture wide and just watch the background disappear. Just like using the 75mm f/1.8 for portraits. It works brilliantly and the zoom range allows so much framing versatility.
  
  Image stabiliser - With the sync- IS using lens IS and Olympus body IBIS together it's like having a built in tripod.
  
  My travel kit - The 12-100 f/4 with the tiny Oly 9-18 f/4 - 5.6 and the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 prime. Thats it, thats all the kit I would take any trip now, such is the versatility and quality of this lens.
  
  Value for money - Well, its not cheap, but it is very very good indeed and when you consider just how versatile it is covering a focal range from wide to med telephoto it represents very good value for money. Its definitely a professional or serious enthusiasts lens and anybody who buys it will not be disappointed.
  
  I am loving it, if your photo life needs a lift then I highly recommend you try this lens. Happy shooting.

  reviewed November 23rd, 2016 (purchased for $1,367)