Camera Basics
Camera Choosing
Camera Models
Camera Buying
DSLR Buying
Olympus Micro Four-Thirds Lens Roundup Results
Conclusion
The M.Zuiko lineup is presently the most compact set of interchangeable lens. It only takes 3 lenses to cover the 9 to 300mm range: the M.Zuiko 9-18mm F/4-5.6, 14-150mm F/4-5.6 and 75-300mm F/4.8-6.7. These 3 lenses weigh 865g together with a combined volume of 841ml, an incredible feat for lenses covering the equivalent of 18-600mm in 35mm-terms!
When weight is a primary concern, this triplet delivers a set suitable for photographic subjects from landscape and architecture to wildlife and birding. Even a relatively small top-loading back can keep the entire set close at hand while on the field.
In terms of performance all is not perfect though, nor did we expect it to be for such extreme compactness. What we see is that is most M.Zuiko lenses are really strong performers at the center of the frame, even at their maximum aperture. Corners softness is a notable problem which is consistently more pronounced near wide-angle, probably a side-effect de designing lenses with such narrow barrels. It is important to know that any form of softness is visible in proportion to display size. So, corner softness which can be seen at 24x18" may not be visible at 12x9".
For improved optical performance, one may take on a bit of weight by replacing the 14-150mm ultra-zoom with the 14-42mm F/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm F/4-5.6. This gives a good jump in optical performance while covering the same range and even delivering an increased aperture range at some focal-lengths. The cost in terms of weight: 60g.
In some way, the M.Zuiko 17mm F/2.8 is the flagship lens of the Digital PEN series since it is both the smallest lens and one of the first two Micro Four-Thirds lenses available. Olympus even made a dedicated optical tunnel viewfinder for this lens. This is also the brightest lens in the lineup. At F/2.8 corners are soft again but stopping down a little produces acceptably sharp results for most uses.
The ultra-wide 9-18mm F/4-5.6 is particularly compelling. On any system, such ultra-wide zoom is difficult to design but Olympus managed to create a good performer which becomes reasonably sharp by closing down one stop.
Lens ReviewsPlease Support Neocamera
All information on Neocamera is provided free of charge yet running this website is a huge endeavor. Purchases made via affiliate links found throughout the site help keep it running and up-to-date. There is no additional cost to you, so please consider buying via these links to our affilates:
Thank you for your support!
Updates
2025.11.13
Best Gifts for Photographers in 2025 by Budget
The annual Neocamera Photography Gift Guide updated to 2025. Find great gifts for photographers with any price budget.
2025.07.07
Stellar Photo Recovery Review
Review of Stellar Photo Recovery V12. This Windows and MacOS software can recover photos and videos in a huge number of formats from memory cards, USB drives, SSDs and HHDs.
2025.05.14
Huion Kamvas 13 Gen 3 Review
In-Depth review of the Huion Kamvas 13 Gen 3 Pen Display Tablet for photographers and graphic artists.
2025.01.18
Fujifilm GFX 2025 Lens Roundup
Lens Review roundup of Fujifilm GFX Medium-Format lenses. Quality, performance and handling of the GF20-35mm F/4R WR, GF30mm F/3.5 Tilt-Shift and the GF55mm F/1.7.
2024.11.18
Best 2024 Photography Gifts for Every Budget
Great gifts for photographers and photo enthusiasts selected for every budget among the best products of 2024.
2024.08.07
Eye Protection Tips for Professional Photographers
The four main considerations for professional photographers regarding eyewear.
2024.07.14
Fujifilm X100VI Review
Flagship fixed-lens compact digital camera with a 40 MP sensor and Image-Stabilization, a first for the series. Retro design featuring dual control-dials, plus direct ISO, Shutter-Speed and EC dials. Its hybrid viewfinder can switch between EVF and OVF mode.
2024.05.09
Fujifilm GFX100 II Review
Flagship 102 Megapixels Medium-Format Mirrorless Digital Camera with 8-Stop 5-Axis IBIS, 8 FPS Drive, 8K Video and 400 MP Super-Resolution capture in a weatherproof and freezeproof body with dual control-dials and dual memory-card slots.
2024.04.03
Fujifilm X-T5 Review
Newest Fujifilm flagship boasting a 40 MP APS-C sensor, 5-axis IBIS with 7-stop efficiency, 15 FPS continuous drive, 6.2K Video capture, dual control-dials and dual SDXC UHS-II slots in a sturdy weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.11.20
Best Digital Cameras of 2023
Find out which are the Best Digital Cameras of 2023. All the new Mirrorless Digital Cameras from entry-level to high-end professional.
2023.07.10
Fujifilm X-H2 Review
40 Megapixels APS-C Hybrid Mirrorless Digital Camera with 7-stop IBIS. Fastest shutter ever and 8K video capture. Large builtin EVF with 0.8X magnification and 5.8 MP, plus an Eye-Start Sensor. Packed with features and large number of controls in a weatherproof and freezeproof body.
2023.05.07
Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G Review
Review of the unique Sony FE 20-70mm F/4G lens. The optical zoom of this lens spans ultra-wide-angle and medium focal-length coverage, making it one of the most versatile Full-Frame lenses on the market.
2025.11.13
2025.07.07
2025.05.14
2025.01.18
2024.11.18
2024.08.07
2024.07.14
2024.05.09
2024.04.03
2023.11.20
2023.07.10
2023.05.07
Camera Bag
Your camera bag is empty. To add a camera or lens click on the star next to its name.
Your camera bag is empty.
Add cameras or lenses by clicking on the star next to their name.
NEWS
2025.12.02
Sony Upgrades Alpha 7 to 5th Generation
Digital Camera ○ Lens
2025.11.29
Venus Optics Releases New Zero-D Tilt-Shift Macro Lens
Lens
2025.11.23
Best Digital Cameras of 2025
Digital Camera
2025.11.14
Photography Gift Guide 2025 Edition
2025.11.06
Canon Announces Third-Generation R6 Mirrorless
Digital Camera ○ Lens
2025.10.23
Fujifilm Launches X-T30 III Plus New Wide Zoom
Digital Camera ○ Lens
2025.10.21
Peak Design Unveils Field Plate and Form Straps
2025.10.16
Nikon Unveils Z-Mount DX Lens Duo
Lens
2025.10.16
Venus Optics Unveils Fast Telephoto Prime Lens
Lens
2025.10.01
Think Tank Photo FocusPoint RollTop Backpacks
Bag
2025.09.30
Sony Produces Super Macro GMaster Lens
Lens
2025.09.17
Venus Optics Created First Telephoto Ultra-Macro Lens
Lens
