The Olympus 45mm f1.8 is a short telephoto lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras including Panasonic Lumix G, Olympus PEN and Olympus OM-D models. Mounted on a Micro Four Thirds body it delivers an effective focal length of 90mm, making it a classic portrait lens, while the maximum aperture of...

Superb image quality; Sharp right into the corners at f4, f1.8 focal ratio ideal for shallow depth of field (relative to MFT lenses), Great value for money, Incredibly small and light, No compatibility issues to report on Panasonic or Olympus bodies

Modest closest focusing distance of 0.5m means it's no macro lens; Lens hood not supplied as standard - it's an optional extra; Lack of optical stabilisation may be an issue for Panasonic owners; No weather-sealing

Olympus M. Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 This medium telephoto optic for Micro Four Thirds compatible cameras sports a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, internal silent focusing and a low price of around ￡250.

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification This medium telephoto optic for Micro Four Thirds compatible cameras sports a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, internal silent focusing and a low price of around ￡250.

Very good value; Excellent sharpness; Compact & lightweight; Good build quality

Lens hood is an optional extra

At the first glance, the build quality of the lens is very good as it is assembled with very tight tolerances. However, keep in mind that this is an "out of the box" impression and that we can't make any statements about the long term durability of the lens.

"Pancakes" aside, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 is one of the smallest lenses in the Micro Four Thirds system, which is no mean feat considering that this is a fast-aperture telephoto lens.

Really should have been weather sealed. The designers were overly focused on this as a studio lens.

Incredibly sharp wide open; Almost scary sharp if the subject has, say, rough skin; Amazingly small size and light in weight

Not weather-protected; Silver color

As good as they get - definitely one of the must-have-lenses for µ43rds. Just bought a second one for myself, because our first one almost never leaves my wife's camera. Yes, they are that good.

sharpness; microcontrast; speed; price; about everything

lens hood is extra; and expensive as well

I keep this lens on my camera all the time . It has replaced all my other lens due to its sharpness and amazing bokeh. I have much more expensive lens that don't work half as good .

So sharp and amazing bokeh

Phenomenal little lens. Sits in the palm of your hands. Very well built, solid materials. Focus speed is incredibly fast. Tac sharp and the colors are brilliant. Silver color matches my silver OMD-EM1 flawlessly. Two small downfalls about this lens that warranted the 4 stars. No lens hood.

this is a fabulous portrait/venue lens: sharp, fast, and light. The lighter weight of the lens allows for good balancing on small micro 4/3 bodies, and personally I don't believe a metal casing would add value.