Opticallimits

I have seen a number of reports on the internet of poor copies of the 12mm, f/2 lens. I purchased one a couple of weeks ago and tested it against my Olympus 9-18mm micro zoom.   At f/5 it was not quite as sharp as my 9/18mm (at 12mm) and had less contrast.  This was contrary to the tests of both lenses here and at other test sites.  At f/2 there was a marked fall off in sharpness.  I excahnged the lens (B&H was great, of course I had to pay for return shipping).   I have now tested the replacement. It is slightly sharper at f/5 than my 9-18mm (I think my 9-18 is an excellent copy) and at f/2 it blows away the lens I returned.  I am now very satisifed with the image quality of this lens.

 

So, I thought I would post this for those consdiering this lens.  If at all possible, I recommend that you  make sure you have a chance to test the lens before you buy it or an option to return/exchange it.

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

I read about that on Jordan Steele's blog Admiring Light (pretty good one, btw).

 

http://admiringlight.com/blog/olympus-m-...f2-review/

 

Basically, he went through 3 samples to get a good one.



Shame to read that again. His review had severely put me off at the time and still does.



The 12-40 f/2.8 might change things a little, although it's not exactly a low profile lens.

Quote:Thanks for the confirmation.

 

I read about that on Jordan Steele's blog Admiring Light (pretty good one, btw).

 

http://admiringlight.com/blog/olympus-m-...f2-review/

 

Basically, he went through 3 samples to get a good one.



Shame to read that again. His review had severely put me off at the time and still does.



The 12-40 f/2.8 might change things a little, although it's not exactly a low profile lens.

Thanks Sylvain.  Here is another review involving an exchange.  It is by Ctein at The Online Photographer.

 

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com...eview.html

 

I just don't understand why Olympus can't get its quality control for this lens working.  It is such a beautiful lens and  design, with excellent image quality, if you get a good copy.  There is no excuse for the lack of quality control, especially when you consder how expensive it is.