Name: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II
Brand: Olympus

Technical Specifications of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II

Overall score

7.8

Hide

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

1.0

Hide

Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Micro Four Thirds

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

62 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.1

Hide

Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

12 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

40 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

3.3x

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

84 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

30 °

Focus & Controls

7.2

Hide

Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

MSC, linear motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

4.2

Hide

Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

9.5

Hide

Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

7.6

Hide

DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II vs the average camera lens

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II better than the average camera lens?

Hide

Has focus hold button
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Newer release date
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II was released more recently than the average camera lens.2022 vs 2016
2 more aspherical elements
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.4 vs 2
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.2 m vs 0.3 m
98.4 g lighter
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is lighter than the average camera lens (427 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is lighter than the average camera lens (427 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.427 g vs 525.4 g
7.1 mm narrower lens barrel
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is slimmer than the average camera lens (69.9 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is slimmer than the average camera lens (69.9 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.69.9 mm vs 77 mm
8 mm shorter lens
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is shorter than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is shorter than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.84 mm vs 92 mm
2 more aspherical elements
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
Has focus hold button
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.11 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Newer release date
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
98.4 g lighter
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is lighter than the average camera lens (427 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
7.1 mm narrower lens barrel
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is slimmer than the average camera lens (69.9 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
8 mm shorter lens
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II is shorter than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II worse than the average camera lens?

Hide

2 fewer aperture blades
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
1 % higher optical distortion
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.3% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
0.2 T-stop higher transmission value
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.3 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
2 fewer aperture blades
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
1 % higher optical distortion
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.3% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher optical distortion than the average camera lens (1.3% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.1.3 % vs 0.3 %
0.2 T-stop higher transmission value
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.3 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (3.3 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.3.3 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop

Total

Optics & Aperture

Lab Scores

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

11/04/2023

Summary of the review

OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm F/2.8 PRO II Lens Review

The OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II is highly praised as a top-tier general-purpose zoom lens, offering outstanding, uniform sharpness, minimal distortion, and impressive IP53-rated weather sealing. The lens, which features a fast, near-silent autofocus system and a convenient manual focus clutch, is lauded for its compact, lightweight design. Conversely, the review notes the lens lacks built-in image stabilization (IS), relying entirely on the camera's body-based system, and notes uneven zoom ring tension during use. It is also incompatible with teleconverters, limiting its maximum magnification to 0.3x.

dpreview.com

03/03/2022

Summary of the review

Hands-on with the OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II and 40-150mm F4 PRO www.dpreview.com

The OM System 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II improves upon its predecessor with enhanced IP53 weather sealing, a fluorine coating, and the retention of the manual focus clutch, though optical performance remains the same. The 40-150mm F4 PRO is noted for its compact, retractable 382g design, IP53 rating, and excellent sharpness, but lacks a focus clutch, teleconverter support, and has a slower F4 aperture.

photoreview.com.au

19/04/2022

Summary of the review

M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens - Photo Review

The Photo Review assessment highlights the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II as a professional-grade standard zoom, offering outstanding sharpness across the range and a constant f/2.8 aperture in a portable, lightweight build. Key advantages include upgraded IP53-rated weather sealing, a fluorine coating, and a versatile 1:3 magnification ratio, with 7-bladed bokeh that transitions to 14-pointed sunstars at f/22. However, the review notes minor drawbacks, including noticeable lateral chromatic aberration at maximum aperture—particularly toward 40mm—and highlight outlining in the bokeh, though these are easily corrected. Additionally, its close-focus capability reduces at wider focal lengths, and since it shares the same optical formula as its predecessor, it is a less compelling upgrade for owners of the original, with high pricing noted.

systemkamera-forum.de

27/12/2022

Summary of the review

OM System 12-40mm F2.8 ED Pro II Review

The OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 ED PRO II is a premium standard zoom featuring the same 14-element optical formula as its predecessor, enhanced by improved IP53-rated weather sealing and advanced ZERO/fluorine coatings to reduce ghosting and moisture. Key benefits include exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, a versatile 20cm minimum focus distance, and a fast autofocus motor, making it an ideal, durable companion for bodies like the OM-1. Conversely, the review notes that the lens lacks optical image stabilization and offers no significant resolution improvement over the original version. Furthermore, users may find the push-pull manual focus clutch prone to accidental engagement, and the lens carries a higher weight compared to f/4 alternatives. For the full discussion, visit the Systemkamera Forum review forum.

connect.de

29/05/2024

Summary of the review

OM System M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 ED PRO II review

The OM System M.Zuiko 2.8/12-40 mm ED PRO II standard zoom lens scored 94 points in lab testing, earning a "Kauftipp" (buying recommendation) for its improved overall optical performance compared to its predecessor. Priced at around 800 euros, the lens maintains the exact physical dimensions and optical construction of the first generation but introduces heavily optimized weather sealing and a new fluorine coating on the front lens to repel dirt, dust, and water splash effectively. It utilizes fast linear stepping motors for auto-focusing. Lab measurements revealed that the lens features a higher contrast overall, significantly reduced edge-to-edge sharpness drop-off across the focal range, and vastly reduced vignetting at the wide open F2.8 aperture. However, the review highlights specific technical trade-offs in its optical performance. The primary downside is a slightly lower center resolution at the 12 mm wide-angle setting—registering 1665/1685 LP/BH, which is about 100 line pairs lower than the original model whether shot wide open or stopped down. Additionally, at the 40 mm telephoto end, the center resolution drops slightly to 1635/1666 LP/BH, and there is a noticeable 24%...

digitalkamera.de

27/12/2022

Summary of the review

OM System 12-40 mm F2.8 ED Pro II Review - Digitalkamera.de

The Digitalkamera.de review highlights the OM System 12-40 mm F2.8 ED Pro II as a robust, high-performance standard zoom featuring an updated IP53-rated weather sealing, a fluorine coating, and a manual focus clutch. Optically, it offers excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and reduced flare, supported by a fast autofocus motor and a 20 cm minimum focusing distance. YouTube · Key drawbacks include the lack of built-in optical image stabilization and an external zoom design that some users find less premium. Furthermore, because the optical formula is identical to the 2013 predecessor, the lens offers minimal image quality improvements, making it a limited upgrade for existing users, though it remains a top-tier performer.

lesnumeriques.com

24/04/2023

Summary of the review

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 mm F2.8 PRO II Review: The Renewed Standard Zoom for Micro 4/3 Mirrorless Cameras

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40 mm F2.8 PRO II is a highly versatile, bright standard zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras, offering a 24-80mm equivalent focal length range. Structurally similar to its 2014 predecessor, this updated version features a robust, premium build quality that balances well on larger camera bodies. It is highly praised for its exceptionally fast, quiet, and precise autofocus system, which tracks subjects seamlessly in both photography and videography. Additionally, it features a practical manual focus clutch mechanism that allows users to quickly override autofocus by pulling the focus ring backward. The review highlights distinct technical advantages and drawbacks. On the positive side, the lens delivers a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range, making it reliable in fading light, and it achieves peak image sharpness across all focal lengths starting at f/4. It also provides excellent vignetting control and an upgraded IP53-rated weather sealing that provides superior resistance to dust and moisture compared to the older model. Conversely, the cons include prominent distortion at the widest 12mm focal length,...

micro43italia.it

29/09/2023

Summary of the review

OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II - Micro 4/3 Italy

The OM System 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II is a high-performance standard zoom lens reviewed as a versatile, professional-grade "all-rounder" that mirrors the exceptional optical DNA of its highly praised predecessor. The main upgrades in this second edition include an official IP53-rated weather sealing certification (upgraded from the original's uncertified baseline) and a new fluorine lens coating that sheds water droplets and improves performance at the edges of the frame in backlit conditions. Tested heavily during portrait and studio sessions, the lens demonstrates outstanding center-to-corner sharpness even wide open at f/2.8, with peak optical performance resolving around f/5.6. It retains its iconic close-up focusing capabilities and mechanically robust build quality, making it a reliable workhorse capable of replacing prime lenses across an equivalent focal range of 24-80mm. Pros & Cons Breakdown Pros: Exceptional, prime-like image sharpness from edge to edge, especially at f/5.6. Versatile focal range (24-80mm equivalent) paired with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Official IP53 weather resistance when paired with a matching body like the OM-1. Enhanced backlight performance and water-shedding capabilities via a new front lens coating. Excellent close-up...

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II Review | 54 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II vs the average camera lens

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II better than the average camera lens?

Why is Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II?

What customers dislike about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II with