Olympus M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4.0 Professional
(Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Creators utilizing Micro 4 Thirds mirrorless cameras have entry to one of many largest, longest-running lens libraries, with extra choices than others because the system is backed by quite a few manufacturers, together with OM System and Panasonic Lumix. I have been testing lenses at PCMag for effectively over a decade and have tried numerous Micro 4 Thirds glass alongside the best way, so you may belief that my suggestions are primarily based on precise use and years of expertise. I’ve picked out a number of the greatest performers and values for Micro 4 Thirds cameras, so learn on in case you are attempting to determine what glass to get for the Editors’ Alternative-winning Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II, the retro stylish OM System OM-3, or every other Micro 4 Thirds digicam.
March 20, 2026: With this replace, we added the OM System 50-200mm F2.8 to our record of really useful telephoto lenses for Micro 4 Thirds. Our present picks have been vetted for foreign money and availability. Since our final replace, we reviewed and evaluated two new Micro 4 Thirds lenses for potential inclusion on this roundup.
First in Mirrorless
Micro 4 Thirds cameras first went on sale in 2008. On the time, the mirrorless idea was novel. As an alternative of utilizing an optical viewfinder and mirror, just like the 4 Thirds SLR system that preceded it, M43 takes the view from the picture sensor and sends it proper to an digital show.
Olympus (now OM System) and Panasonic began issues off, however a number of others have employed the mount over time. Cameras within the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema line, DJI drones, and even some smartphones have all joined the platform.
Panasonic Lumix G100 with 12-32mm lens (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Mirrorless expertise has grown so much within the time since. At present’s fashions leapfrog SLRs in autofocus pace and video capabilities. Many, together with these on the entry degree, function in-body picture stabilization, too.
At present, two producers drive the platform ahead. OM System carries the torch for the now-retired Olympus digicam model. Olympus remains to be round however not within the digicam enterprise. You may nonetheless discover merchandise with Olympus logos on retailer cabinets, however new releases all have OM System branding.
OM System OM-1 Mark II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Panasonic continues to help M43 beneath its Lumix imprint, although it has added a full-frame digicam system to its catalog. It makes use of the Lumix G designation for its Micro 4 Thirds cameras, which embrace mainstream fashions and specialty choices just like the tiny BGH1 video digicam.
Easy methods to Select the Proper Micro 4 Thirds Lens
Discovering a lens for a Micro 4 Thirds digicam is not tough—there have been lots of of various varieties over time. However there are some issues to take into consideration.
First up is the focal size. The millimeter variety of each lens denotes its angle of view, and lenses with a smaller quantity seize a bigger view.
Micro 4 Thirds cameras use a unique picture sensor format than full-frame and APS-C cameras, so you should do some math to match up focal lengths between the methods. Micro 4 Thirds additionally makes use of a 4:3 facet ratio. In contrast with the three:2 facet sensors of competing methods, these sensors do not translate as properly to extensive screens and are smaller in floor space.
Panasonic G9 II with Leica 12-60mm lens (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
As such, anticipate to see lenses with smaller focal lengths than you may anticipate. A 12mm focal size on a full-frame system is ultra-wide, for example, however captures a large commonplace view on an M43 digicam. That is about the identical as the principle lens in your smartphone or a 24mm lens on a full-frame digicam. The rule of thumb is to double Micro 4 Thirds focal lengths to immediately examine them with full-frame.
You do not have to assume an excessive amount of about it when shopping for a local lens for the system. We have damaged this information up by kind so you may leap down and select the perfect macro, telephoto, extensive, or different kind of lens to your digicam.
In case you’re planning on utilizing lenses initially made for SLRs, it is easy for those who’re prepared to take care of handbook focus and aperture management by way of a easy mechanical adapter. This information applies to lenses made for M43, however we now have a separate information for photographers who wish to use classic glass with a brand new digital digicam.
Customary Zoom: Your Every day Driver
Lumix Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 / Panasonic G9 II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The primary lens most photographers get with a digicam is a typical zoom. Starter choices emphasize measurement and worth. They’re usually additionally obtainable at a reduction for those who purchase them together with a digicam.
You are prone to get a Panasonic 12-32mm or Olympus 14-42mm EZ as a bundled zoom, however you may wish to transfer to a extra succesful zoom as you be taught to higher use your digicam, and in case your finances permits it. There are a lot of causes to improve your lens. The F3.5-5.6 entry-level zooms lose gentle once you zoom in and are not as powerful as premium choices, lots of which embrace climate sealing.
We just like the Olympus 12-45mm F4 and 12-100mm F4 as upgrades for fanatics. The previous is an effective possibility for those who wish to work with a smaller equipment, whereas the latter is what to get if you would like extra zoom energy with out altering lenses. The Panasonic Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 is one other good midprice zoom.
Olympus 12-200mm / E-M5 Mark III (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Execs are extra seemingly to decide on a lens with an F2.8 aperture. We have not examined the OM 12-40mm F2.8 II however appreciated the outdated Olympus model of the lens. Panasonic has 12-35mm F2.8 you can nonetheless choose up secondhand, however we have not examined the up to date Mark II version. They’re higher selections for working in dim gentle—a lens captures twice the sunshine at F2.8 than at F4—and snapshots with a bit extra background blur, too.
The Micro 4 Thirds system additionally helps the quickest aperture zoom on sale right this moment. The Panasonic 10-25mm F1.7 is greater than twice as shiny as an F2.8 lens and does not lose gentle once you enhance the focal size. Its $1,800 value is on the excessive finish for the system, however so is the lens.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm F4 Professional
MSRP $649.99
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS Professional
MSRP $1,299.99
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mmm F2.8-4.0 ASPH. Energy O.I.S.
MSRP $999.99
Extensive Angle: See Extra
Olympus 7-14mm / Panasonic G9 II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Extensive-angle lenses seize an epic, broad view of the world and are perfect for landscapes and architectural imaging.
For Micro 4 Thirds, search for lenses that cowl angles wider than 12mm. The Olympus Professional 8-25mm F4 zoom is one in all our favourite choices, and you may step as much as the 7-14mm zoom if you would like an f/2.8 aperture. Panasonic additionally sells a premium extensive lens with Leica-certified optics, the DG 8-18mm F2.8-4.0, for round $1,100, however I’ve not examined it.
If you’d like a large lens that gathers extra gentle, you should take a look at fixed-focal size selections. Most extensive primes for the system are handbook focus. Samyang and Venus Laowa aren’t family names however cowl an area through which OM System and Panasonic do not play.
There are a couple of wide-angle primes with autofocus for the system. For instance, the Olympus 8mm F1.8 and Panasonic 8mm F3.5 seize fisheye views, whereas the Lumix G 9mm F1.7 is a rectilinear extensive angle that reveals straight strains in images. We have not but examined it, but it surely appears to be like like , inexpensive possibility for round $500, and is effectively regarded by photogs who’ve tried it.
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 7-14mm F2.8 Professional
MSRP $1,299.99
Olympus M.Zuiko 8-25mm F4.0 Professional
MSRP $1,099.99
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye Professional
MSRP $999.99
Olympus Fisheye Physique Cap Lens 9mm
MSRP $99.99
Venus Optics Laowa 7.5mm F2
MSRP $499.00
Telephoto: Get Nearer
Olympus 300mm F4 / Panasonic G9 II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
The Micro 4 Thirds system is particularly interesting for photographers who use telephoto lenses. These varieties have longer focal lengths, in order that they seize a narrower angle. They’re supreme for photographing wildlife and for getting nice pictures of workforce sports activities from the sidelines or stands.
These lenses are available each zoom and prime varieties. Primes usually have brighter apertures and work with teleconverters to increase their attain—the Olympus 300mm F4 and Panasonic 200mm F2.8 are two positive examples. Each are firmly in fanatic or professional territory, although, with costs within the $3,000 ballpark.
In case you’re simply beginning, the Olympus 40-150mm F4-5.6 is inexpensive, but it surely does not focus rapidly and its aperture means you should stick with shiny environments. The OM System M.Zuiko 40-150mm F4.0 is an effective step-up possibility and one in all our favorites for the system.
An F2.8 zoom is a better option for those who ceaselessly work indoors. If you’d like higher pictures in dim gentle or extra management over depth of area, think about the Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 or Panasonic 35-100mm F2.8. The OM System 50-200mm F2.8 is the perfect telezoom we have examined for the system, however is costly.
Olympus 300mm F4 / Panasonic G9 II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Wildlife specialists seemingly want one thing longer. The Panasonic G Vario 100-300mm II is an effective place to begin. It consists of climate sealing and is lengthy sufficient for yard birders and tight pictures of mallards on the park for simply $650. If you’d like extra attain, the OM System M.Zuiko 100-400mm II ($1,500) impressed me sufficient to earn an Editors’ Alternative advice, it is an amazing possibility for birds and critters.
OM has a few pro-priced zooms, too. The M.Zuiko 150-600mm F5-6.3 ($2,600) comes with unimaginable telephoto attain and total good image high quality, however its value, slender aperture, and overly cumbersome, telescoping design make it a troublesome promote for Micro 4 Thirds system homeowners, particularly weighed towards teh 100-400mm II. The M.Zuiko 150-400mm F4.5 prices an arm and a leg at $7,500 however works to justify its value due to inside zoom optics and an built-in rear 1.25x teleconverter, which swaps it over to a 190-500mm F5.6 zoom with the flick of a change. I’ve not examined it, however the outcomes I’ve seen others get with the lens have impressed me.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS Professional
MSRP $3,699.99
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 300mm F4.0 IS Professional
MSRP $2,499.99
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm F2.8 Professional
MSRP $1,799.99
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 Professional
MSRP $899.99
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II
MSRP $1,499.99
Get Our Greatest Tales!
All of the Newest Tech, Examined by Our Specialists
Join the Lab Report to obtain PCMag’s newest product critiques, shopping for recommendation, and insights.
Join the Lab Report to obtain PCMag’s newest product critiques, shopping for recommendation, and insights.
By clicking Signal Me Up, you verify you might be 16+ and comply with our Phrases of Use and Privateness
Coverage.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Control your inbox!
Customary Prime: Blur the Background
Olympus 45mm F1.2 / E-M1 Mark II (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Prime lenses, these with a set angle of view, are usually a bit slimmer than zooms and collect extra gentle. In case you love snapping household images in typical house lighting and getting a pleasingly blurry background within the course of, take into consideration a primary.
The Micro 4 Thirds system consists of primes that cowl well-liked angles of view. Each Olympus and Panasonic provide comparatively light-weight F1.8 and F1.7 lenses, lots of which are available beneath $400.
If you’d like extra management over depth of area, take a look at the Olympus Professional F1.2 sequence or the Panasonic Noctictron. They’re definitely on the large facet for the system but in addition get nearer to the extraordinarily shallow depth of area look that full-frame methods create.
In case you’re open to handbook focus, you may have choices with even brighter apertures for terribly shallow depth of area. Venus Laowa has a couple of F0.95 Argus sequence lenses for the system, and Voigtlander consists of each F0.8 and F0.95 lenses in its Nokton line. As with the Olympus F1.2 lenses, these extra-bright lenses are greater than the F1.8 primes.
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2
MSRP $1,599.99
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 Professional
MSRP $1,199.00
OM System M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 II
MSRP $549.99
Olympus M.Zuiko ED 25mm F1.2 Professional
MSRP $1,199.00
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Up to date
MSRP $528.98
Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8
MSRP $499.99
Macro: Enlarge the World
Olympus 30mm Macro / PEN E-PL8 (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
Some lenses can focus nearer than others. If you wish to hone in on minuscule topics, search for a macro. These lenses can enlarge topics at life-size or higher at their close-up focus distance, with out giving up the power to snap images of distant topics.
We suggest the Olympus 30mm F3.5 Macro for its low price, better-than-life-size focus (1.25:1), and light-weight construct. The one disadvantage is that it requires you to get actually near your topic. If you’d like a bit extra working distance, the Panasonic 45mm F2.8 and Olympus 60mm F2.8 are each value a glance.
Our favourite macro for Micro 4 Thirds is a high-end possibility, the $1,500 OM System 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO. It is the one lens of its kind that features each 2:1 magnification and autofocus. It additionally helps teleconverters for a tighter body and 4:1 magnification.
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F3.5 Macro IS PRO
MSRP $1,499.99
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro
MSRP $299.99
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 ASPH.
MSRP $899.99
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro
MSRP $499.99
Flashes, Tripods, and Different Equipment
Lensbaby Omni Filters (Credit score: Jim Fisher)
A lens is not the one accent you may add to your digicam to develop its performance. A number of totally different instruments can take your images, vlogging, and cinematography to the following degree.
For photographers, we suggest getting an add-on flash to your digicam. Many Micro 4 Thirds fashions do not embrace a built-in flash. We just like the Godox V1; its spherical head and rechargeable battery set it aside from most opponents.
You can even add a radio transmitter accent for extra lighting choices. In case you actually favor off-camera lighting, think about a extra highly effective strobe with battery energy. The Flashpoint Xplor 300 is an effective match for gentle stands and tripods, whilst you can mount or handhold the smaller Xplor 100.
tripod is one thing each photographer ought to personal. The in-body stabilization on cameras just like the OM-1 is excellent, however tripods are helpful for high-resolution multi-shot modes, astrophotography, and video work. There are a great deal of good ones obtainable, although our favourite mannequin for mirrorless cameras is the Peak Design Journey Tripod.
We additionally just like the Lensbaby Omni filter sequence. It places modifiers in entrance of your lens for artistic lighting results. It is helpful for video in addition to stills.
Vloggers shopping for a Micro 4 Thirds system for 4K capabilities also needs to take into consideration an exterior microphone, as clear audio is as necessary as sharp video. For video stabilization, the DJI RS 4 is our favourite gimbal for mid-sized and bigger mirrorless cameras, however Micro 4 Thirds homeowners are higher served by the slimmer RS 4 Mini.
Peak Design Journey Tripod
MSRP $599.99
MSRP $169.00
MSRP $259.00
Flashpoint Xplor 100 Professional TTL R2
MSRP $299.00
Lensbaby Omni Inventive Filter System
MSRP $99.95
MSRP $369.00
