The image quality is great and the focus ring is fantastic, as you can change easily between manual and auto focus. So if you're trying to take a macro picture and focus goes to infinity, you just pull focus back to a near point and auto focus finds the focus point nearby.

Announced concurrently with the OM-D E-M1 camera, the new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro lens introduces a new 'professional' series of Micro Four Thirds System lenses with high optical performance and dust- and splash-proof construction.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO ($999.99 direct) was launched along with the company's top-end OM-D E-M1 camera , adding a true professional-level zoom to its Micro Four Thirds lens library.

Maximum f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range; Very sharp from edge to edge; Focus clutch system; Protected from dust, splashes, and cold temperatures; Minimal distortion

Expensive; Lacks optical image stabilization

Gary Wolstenholme reviews this professional weather-sealed 12-40mm f/2.8 Olympus Micro Four Thirds lens.

Outstanding sharpness from maximum aperture; Compact and lightweight; Robust build; Dust and splash proof; Quick access for manual focus; Good value

Manual focus control easily nudged when changing lenses; Heavily affected by diffraction at small aperture settings

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO ($999.99 direct) was launched along with the company's top-end OM-D E-M1($999.00 at Amazon) camera, adding a true professional-level zoom to its Micro Four Thirds lens library. It's a pricey lens, but the constant f/2.8 aperture, sharp optics, and all-weather design justify its cost. It's an easy choice as an Editors' Choice for standard zoom lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system. The lens($899.00 at Amazon), which is on the large size for the Micro Four Thirds system, measures 3.3 by 2.8 inches (HD) and weighs in at 13.5 ounces. It's compatible with 62mm threaded filters and pairs well with the E-M1 and E-M5, but PEN shooters may find that it's a bit hefty for those slim camera bodies. There's no in-lens image stabilization; Olympus puts that feature into the body of the camera. You can use the lens with a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera, but unless you're shooting with the GX7 you'll be without stabilization. The 12-40mm z...

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f2.8 PRO lens lives up to its moniker, delivering professional results when paired with a Micro Four Thirds camera.

Maximum f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range; Very sharp from edge to edge; Focus clutch system; Protected from dust, splashes, and cold temperatures; Minimal distortion

Expensive; Lacks optical image stabilization

I love this12-40mm f/2.8 lens! With a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, I can take available light photos that previously would have required use of a flash. And, the photos at all focal lengths are noticeably sharper than what I was accustomed to with my previous lens.

It is big and heavy and operates buttery smooth. If you are looking for image quality close to the primes in this range, but would rather have weather sealing then this lens will get you closer to anything else on an Olympus camera.

Durable; Easy To Use; Reliable

Bulky

Micro 4/3's is not a very good at fast action photography, like sports or running children, this lens makes it more tolerable.

High quality piece of glass! Takes outstanding photos on my EM-5; Comes with a lens hood; This is truly a Pro lens

On the expensive side if your a novice

great lens with wide zoom range and fixed aperture throughout. Pictures appear to be very sharp, autofocus is very fast, good build quality (but lens extends when zooming). 62mm filter size.

fixed aperture; sharp images; weather sealed

lens extends with zoom

I bought this because it's received great reviews and I wanted to replace my kit lens, but after getting it, I returned the Olympus 12-40 2.8. Let me explain with some pros and cons.