Olympus 12-45mm f4 - The BEST Travel lens for m4/3?

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This video was made with the following gear:
My video gear:

Camera:
Olympus OM-D E-M1 MKII

Lens:
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f1.2 Pro

Microphone:
Rode Wireless Go

Light:
Dörr flexible LED light

Memory card:
Sandisk Extreme Pro 64GB

Tripod:
JOBY GorillaPod

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(disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Using these links when doing purchases, you support this channel. You pay the same price and I get a few bucks to finance this channel.)

[bgalouskin]

Having used most lenses (e.g., 12-40, 12-100, 40-150, etc) my favorite is the little appreciated 14-150mm f/4-5.6 ii lens. Cheap, light, small, good reach, weather sealed and takes great pictures. Started with M5, then M1 and now M1 Mark II. In my opinion, THAT is the best all-around travel lens!

[sandbilly]

The images you took tell the entire story for me, because I am like many OM photographers a wildlife, nature, macro shooter which OM excels at. I began in film in '82 shooting black and white, processing everything, so my first love. What you shot though in color was rendered beautifully. The difference between 4 and 5.6 wouldn't change the story. It's lovely regardless of f stop. I don't need the speed but I do want to continue in black and white on the side, this lens will be perfect for that. So this video clarified things for me nicely. Thank you.

[catrionathomson]

The last time you made a video like this was when you reviewed the 12-50mm. For me this lens is Olympus’ attempt to update that lens so a comparative video would be great.

[petersmitham]

This is the lens I’ve been waiting for....🌈😎🇬🇧....I have the 2.8 and it is just too big for the smaller Olympus cameras...if I need a wider aperature I’ll use one of my primes..

[mattisulanto]

That is a really pretty little lens and to me it makes perfect sense. Small size and pro quality in one package. I wish more manufacturers, also full frame, would realize the need for this type of lenses. Not everyone needs fast apertures and I'd buy this lens right away, if I was not a Lumix user😀

[ProfessorCamera]

I enjoy your videos very much and appreciate the fair and truthful points that are made.

[jutubjestzlem]

I think this lens is a very reasonable choice for someone who is mainly a prime lens shooter, like me. Believe it or not, I don't own any zoom lens currently. This 12-45 f4 lens is very tempting considering that it is small and light.

[marklaurendet]

Looks like a nice lens
I notice on the forums some people choosing the slightly smaller Panasonic lenses over the Oly Pro's for their size so these lenses may help to keep the Oly users brand loyal who want the smallest possible. I hope they keep both lines as I really like the 12-40 pro and for me suits me better, and a lot cheaper as well.

[jimslens]

The Olympus 12-45mm compares well to all the other mid-range zooms.

[David_Bell_growing]

It can't be used without adaptation on the Oly STF-8 macro flash which has a 62mm filter ring for the 12-40 f2.8 (and a 46mm ring for the 60mm macro).

[Scottishboy-ggbc]

Can't see me buying one, as it is too close to my 12-40 f2.8. Maybe if I had one of the other smaller EM cameras.

[gabithemagyar]

I am considering it. My main use would be as an urban walkaround lens outside for stills, perhaps in cloudy/rainy weather so weatherproofing is a definite plus. For my purposes the extra cost of going to the f2.8 seems unnecessary. Just not sure if it has any advantages over the 14-150 besides the constant f4 aperture or if it would be redundant.

[hanzkilian]

Hi Peter, for me weight is important. Being one who uses a wheelchair for my photography, I do not want heavy cameras and lenses around my neck. But I do want quality and fast lenses. For me the 15-150mm would be a better buy. I have the 15-150mm as well as the 12-40mm pro. Quite frankly I see no need for this lens. Thanks for you videos.
Cheers

[teridzard]

Nice introduction the lens. I'd love to see a comparison to the 12-40 Oly and the Lumixes 12-32 and 12-35. Maybe you could do something together with Matti?

[johncarder]

I have an OMD EM1 MkII with and 12-40 f2.8. That combination balances really well, and the better light gathering helps a lot while shooting concerts. So, no, I'm not buying the lens. It's a great lens for the smaller bodies at a better price, but I'm very happy with what I have.

[gerrymac]

My opinion is this lens will be perfect for the smaller em-5 mkIII.

[wilkbor]

It seems like a fantastic lens, but Panasonic makes a 12 - 60 mm that is $100 less expensive. I'll likely go with that alternative.

[valdiskrebs]

So, how does this lens compare in IQ to the Olympus 12/17/25/45 non-Pro primes???
Might be a good topic for the next video... it would be good to not constantly change lenses.

[rhiwderinraytube]

I have to agree that the lack of MF Clutch is not good. Not a lens for me as I have the superior f2.8

[Skrellington]

Since I do a lot of long distance hiking together with my landscape photography, this lens seems like it will be just the thing for me. I'll certainly be thinking hard about getting one.