Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO Review
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO ($1,299.99) is one of a pair of ultra-wide zooms available for the Micro Four Thirds camera system—the other being the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH. ($899.99). The Olympus lens is more expensive, but captures twice the light at its widest aperture, and is sealed against dust and moisture. It's an excellent performer, especially when you consider its extremely wide field of view and zoom design, and earns Editors' Choice honors.
DesignLike the other lenses in Olympus' top-end PRO series, the 7-14mm ($1,299.00 at Amazon) makes no compromises in build quality. It features a metal barrel and is sealed against dust and moisture, pairing well with a sealed body like the OM-D E-M1 ($999.00 at Amazon) . The lens measures 4.2 by 3.1 inches (HD) and weighs 1.2 pounds. That's a bit heavy for a Micro Four Thirds lens, but it balances fine on the E-M1, which has a deeper handgrip than many other mirrorless models.
The bulbous front element ...
The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO is a top-performing ultra-wide zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
Sharp; Fixed f/2.8 apeture; Ultra-wide zoom design; Manual focus clutch; Weather sealed; Metal barrel
Some distortion at widest angle; Dim corners at f/2.8; Lacks native filter support; Heavy; Pricey