Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 review

The Olympus M.Zuiko17mm f/1.8 is a super-teeny Micro Four Thirds lens with real bite

Olympus PEN-F + Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8
(Image: © James Artaius)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Available in black or silver, the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 is barely bigger than a pancake lens. Thanks to the 2x crop factor of Micro Four Thirds cameras, it has an entirely natural, slightly wide viewing perspective, similar to a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera. Focusing is elegant both in auto and manual focus modes and it’s super lightweight despite featuring a high-quality metal build. All in all, it’s a great lens for walkabout shooting and for candid street photography.

Pros

  • +

    Useful focal length

  • +

    Fast f/1.8 aperture

  • +

    Small, lightweight construction

Cons

  • -

    No weather-seals

  • -

    Pricey hood sold separately

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With an effective focal length of 34mm, the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 is almost the same as using a 35mm f/1.8 lens on a full-frame camera, at least in terms of field of view. That’s where the similarity ends, however, as the Olympus is comparatively tiny, measuring just 36mm long and weighing in at a mere 120g.

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 mounted on the Olympus PEN-F. Here, the manual focus clutch is pulled down (Image credit: James Artaius)

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.

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