Olympus Launches 2 F/1.2 Micro Four-Thirds Lenses

2017.10.31

One of the biggest announcers at Photo Plus Expo 2017 was Olympus. Right from the entrance and stairways, huge signs were introducing the Olympus M.Zuiko F/1.2 family, now with two new members.

Joining the M.Zuiko 25mm F/1.2 PRO, introduced 13 months ago, are the M.Zuiko 17mm F/1.2 PRO and M.Zuiko 45mm F/1.2 PRO. These prime lenses are part of the professional series of Micro Four-Thirds lenses, complete with a direct manual focus ring in weatherproof bodies.

The 17mm F/1.2 is a high-end lens with an ultra-bright F/1.2 maximum aperture. It gives an equivalent 35mm F/2.4 on a full-frame camera yet is considerably lighter. The fly-by-wire focus-ring slides down to become mechanical and reveal a focus scale with depth-of-field markings.

The 45mm F/1.2 is a high-grade portrait lens with maximum F/1.2 aperture. It is equivalent to a 90mm F/2.4 lens on a full-frame which is an ideal focal-length and aperture for producing flattering portraits. It offers the same dual fly-by-wire and mechanical focus-ring as the 17mm F/1.2 above. Both these lenses have an optimized 9-blade aperture to deliver ultra-smooth bokeh.

While these lens both retail for $1200 USD, the M.Zuiko 45mm F/1.2 PRO is scheduled to be available by the end of this month while the M.Zuiko 17mm F/1.2 PRO is expected to ship by February 2018. These lenses are available for pre-order already:

M.Zuiko F/17mm F/1.2 PRO: Amazon.com, Adorama, B&H Photo

M.Zuiko F/45mm F/1.2 PRO: Amazon.com, Adorama, B&H Photo

Pre-ordering helps being one of the first to get these professional lenses but you credit card will not be charged until the items ship. Canadians may order from B&H Photo with Free Shipping (since the items are above $99 USD) and even get the items pre-cleared through customs.

• Photo Plus Expo
• Lens