Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro review: the essential trinity lens

The Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is a not so standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras

Olympus M.Zuiko 12‑40mm f/2.8 Pro lens on a wooden surface in front of green foliage
(Image: © James Artaius)

Digital Camera World Verdict

With an effective zoom range of 24-80mm in full-frame terms, and a fast constant aperture of f/2.8, this is a pro-grade standard zoom lens for Micro Four Cameras. It has a suitably tough, weather-sealed construction, high-end handling characteristics and excellent all-round performance. It’s pretty pricey to buy but the standard of quality throughout makes it good value for money.

Pros

  • +

    Fast, constant aperture

  • +

    Excellent build quality

  • +

    Push-pull focus ring

Cons

  • -

    Relatively large for an MFT lens

  • -

    Quite pricey

  • -

    Push-pull focus ring

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A holy trinity lens, the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is equivalent to a 24-80mm in full frame terms – making this the standard zoom that's the workhorse of many a professional kitbag.  

However, at just 382g, the Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is a lot less heavy than most f/2.8 zooms for cameras with larger APS-C format or full-frame image sensors. Which also makes it a fantastic choice for travel, street and everyday photography.

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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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