April 5, 2018.
Olympus M. Zuiko digital ED 25 mm 1:1.2 Pro has focal length equal to 50 mm for 36 mm film or image sensor. It is therefore a standard lens, the fifty, which is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated focal lengths, not only for me. Large lens speed here has a little to reduce the congenital disadvantage of the 4/3 system, a relatively deep depth of field.
The mechanical construction is as good as the previously referenced lenses with varying focal lengths. The metal prevails, the focusing ring rotates with reasonable stiffness. The lens hood is plastic, but robust enough.
The lens contains 19 elements, arranged in 14 groups. It seems to be quite a lot and, as we will see from the samples, it really is. Focusing is internal, front member does not move or rotate. Minimum aperture is f/16.
Diaphragm contain nine rounded blades, a proven standard in this category.
Diameter of the filter thread is 62 mm. Length of lens is 87 mm, diameter 70 mm, weight 410 g.
Together with the lens we will receive both caps and lens hood.
The retail price of the lens is currently 1300 EUR incl. VAT. Olympus is more than three times more expensive here than comparable lenses for DSLRs (Canon and Nikon 50 mm 1:1.4 is about 350, resp. 460 EUR). True, Canon EF 50 mm 1:1.2 is about 1500 EUR, but it can not compare with Olympus too much. Above all, because of the extremely shallow depth of field and the generally softer drawing, it is more about special lens than universal optics. Universal are these two lenses with a 1/3 EV smaller speed, which is in this case practically negligible. The Olympus price seems in this way a bit exaggerated.
We will see, let's create photographies.
↑ ENERGY. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/200 second, aperture f/8, ISO 200.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
In the terms of sharpness, this lens looks excellent. Photograph is very spatial (but clarity is set to +75 here, it very helps) and in smaller size (title photograph has 3000 px longer side) detailed also. I have this powerhouse on several photographies created with Canon EOS 5DSR, but comparing these images would not be fair to Olympus.
↑ BORDERLINE. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/80 second, aperture f/8, ISO 200.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Here I let the autofocus work independently and it was a mistake. As you can see, the columns and rail tracks in the background are relatively in focus, the rest not.
↑ 163. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/800 second, aperture f/4.5, ISO 800.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Nice details drawing and sympatic colors.
↑ MUV. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/800 second, aperture f/4.5, ISO 640.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Briefly: very good.
↑ IN A ATELIER. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/60 second, aperture f/1.2, ISO 1000.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Compared to APS-C, leaving alone 36 mm sensors, the depth of field is a bit too deep, at least bokeh is quite noble and creamy.
↑ IN FRONT OF THE RAILWAY STATION. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/60 second, aperture f/2.8, ISO 2500.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Cropping the top of the image is a bit unfortunate. That's why I did not want to publish this photograph at all, but later the excellent dynamics and overall pleasant atmosphere convince me. Deep depth of field is contrary the advantage here (f/2.8).
↑ BELOW THE LAMP. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/320 second, aperture f/1.4, ISO 1000.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
Here is many optical flaws. I would forgive the cheap lens, but that's not the case with this Olympus. Here are the negative aspects of too complicated optical construction.
↑ UNDER A ROOF. Focal length: 25 (50) mm, exposure time 1/125 second, aperture f/2.8, ISO 1000.
Second photograph is crop from 100% size at 150 dpi.
In the terms of sharpness, here are no flaws and it is very good visible here.
And that's all for today. In the ►eight part, we will introduce some sample photographies and summarize the findings.
© Martin Mojzis, 2018.
Photographies: © Martin Mojzis, 2018.
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