We've mentioned before that the 2.0x crop factor of the Four Thirds system makes it tricky to get a tight depth of field, but it bears repeating. While a lens like the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 (also reviewed) can give you a moderately tight DOF towards the long end of its zoom range, you can often feel...

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

With excellent test results, this is a no-brainer of a conclusion - it's a great and inexpensive addition to your Olympus PEN kit, especially if you're a portrait shooter.

"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.

I am no photography equipment expert but am very pleased with this lens. It creates very sharp photos at a distance, and great depth of field and bokeh at a closer distance. I have gotten great photos with it.

Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Nice Bokeh; Strong Construction

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.

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.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm features a metal-like design and a beneficial maximum aperture

Cheapest portrait lens from olympus Mft is costlier than dslr/apsc counterparts but size is very essential to me. Don't want to carry a huge dslr for show off. A camera shouldn't come in way of my normal life Coming to lens extremely sharp, slight cooler tones with panasonic G5 I think panasonic...

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