July 8 2019 update
After two years of using it, I have not changed my impression of the lens. I have since added an Oly 12-40 f/2.8. I found that I do need f/2.8 sometimes. But for travel, the 12-100 is still the best option.
Original review:
I am a dual system user. My m4/3 system was originally aimed at travel and my primary system is a APS-C based DSLR.
Past experiences showed me that zooms with large zoom ratios were compromises at best, so I would only consider zooms with ratios typically =<3. In the recent years, I relaxed this constrain to =<5 as optical design has significantly improved. The down side is that decent zooms with larger ratios are typically large and heavy and require large filter. It kind of negates the benefit of using zoom. My APS-C system has reached a point that I no longer want to bring it for trips especially overseas trips.
This was the reason for building a m4/3 system. I started out with a e-pm1 and soon replaced with a e-pm2 and now added a GX85. The kit zoom are OK but limited in zoom range. I hate to change lens when traveling. I replaced the kit zoom with a 12-60, which was a big improvement. I especially like the 12mm on the short end. However, I found out that I also used focal length between 60mm and 100mm on a 40-150 zoom. This was the reason for looking at this 12-100.
This lens has a zoom ratio of 8+ which should be outside my range for consideration. The fact that so many people like it and reviews are great, it cannot be too bad and so I gave it a try. I think the smaller m4/3 form factor makes it possible to design high quality zooms with larger zoom ratios. This lens is big for m4/3 platform. I can live with it because I now have a one-lens travel solution.
This lens is extremely well built, heavy and substantial. The lens mount is not as smooth as I am used to and neither is the zoom ring. The focus ring is very smooth (no resistance) when using the focus by wire and relatively stiff using the mechanical linkage. These are the not so great aspects of this lens. AF is fast and accurate on both e-pm2 and GX85. Close focus distance is excellent and can almost be a macro lens. Optical performance is the best strength of this lens. My limited experience confirms reviews findings. Even though it is a heavy lens, I don't find it unbalanced even when using it on e-pm2.
This is now my go to travel lens. Highly recommended.
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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f4.0 PRO Lens, Black (Renewed) $834.95 & FREE Shipping
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This Item  OM System OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO For Micro Four Thirds System Camera, High Magnification Zoom lens, Weather Sealed Design, MF Clutch, L-Fn Button |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -14% $1,199.99 List: $1,399.99 | -27% $799.99 List: $1,099.99 | -20% $799.99 List: $999.99 | -13% $1,299.99 List: $1,499.99 | -22% $699.99 List: $899.99 | $599.99 |
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| Customer Ratings | ||||||
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| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | True Modern Electronics | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| lens type | Wide Angle, Normal, Telephoto | Wide Angle | Standard | Telephoto | Telephoto | Standard |
| compatible mountings | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| lens design | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Prime |
| focus type | Auto Focus | — | Automatic Only, Manual Only | Auto Focus | Automatic Only, Manual Only | Auto Focus |
| minimum focal length | — | 8 millimeters | 12 millimeters | 40 millimeters | 40 millimeters | 20 millimeters |
| fixed focal length | 100 millimeters | 25 millimeters | 51471 millimeters | 35 millimeters | 150 millimeters | 20 millimeters |
| real angle of view | 84 degrees | — | — | — | 57 degrees | 57 degrees |
| model name | OM12100F4K | m.zuiko | m.zuiko | M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO Lens | m.zuiko | ED 20mm F1.4 PRO BLK |
| max aperture | 4 f stop | 4 millimeters | 2.8 millimeters | 2.8 f stop | 4 millimeters | 1.4 f stop |
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Tough sell at $1299 when Olympus 12-40mm pro is $647 and Olympus M. 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 $124
I expected more from this lens. I wanted a zoom lens and I was looking at both 12-40mm pro , and this lens. The fact that this lens has great reviews and new dual IS sync, I bought it despite the hefty price closed to $1420 including tax(in California). I tried this lens and dual IS sync is really good and it's almost like it on a gimbal. However, widest at F4, it is not good for indoor and bokeh is weak unless you stretch it out at 100mm and have a portrait shot.I really would have kept it since it still has really sharp images outdoor daylights but when you can get Olympus 12-40mm pro for $647 new (no tax on this one in California), I returned it and ordered 12-40mm instead. I think it is a 4 and a half star quality if not counted the price. But at $1450 with tax, I opted for 12-40mm which is less than half the price. I might get Olympus M. 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 if I need a zoom for $124.My review is closely relative to price and value for your money.The picture is 20 sec hand held leaning on fence! Dual IS is truly amazing.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2023
The product is great! 5/5
Shipping 1/5
I spent nearly $1000 on this used like new Olympus lens and it arrived in an empty box slightly bubble wrapped. I included the picture. I rarely leave reviews. Too lazy. However, this one felt like it should be seen. This is what happens when a company becomes a monopoly. Quality suffers greatly for the love of profit and corporate greed. I would say do better Amazon, but we know the way this story ends. DISAPPOINTING service. Great lens though.
Shipping 1/5
I spent nearly $1000 on this used like new Olympus lens and it arrived in an empty box slightly bubble wrapped. I included the picture. I rarely leave reviews. Too lazy. However, this one felt like it should be seen. This is what happens when a company becomes a monopoly. Quality suffers greatly for the love of profit and corporate greed. I would say do better Amazon, but we know the way this story ends. DISAPPOINTING service. Great lens though.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2020
