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

7.4

▲Better than 74% of camera-lenses

7.1

▲Better than 70% of camera-lenses

8.7

▲Better than 63% of camera-lenses

5.5
Low-light photography
Low-light photography
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for low-light photography performance.
When it matters
When image quality, high display fidelity, and reliable cameras are essential for your daily workflow.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
70.0%
7.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization
7.5
Travel
Travel
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for travel performance.
When it matters
When prioritizing long battery endurance, compact weight, and dependable on-the-go connectivity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
8.6
Lens length
25.0%
8.8
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
1.0
Optical image stabilization

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

7.4

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Mount & Format

1.0

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Lens type

zoom

Lens mount

Micro Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

Micro Four Thirds

Filter thread size

62 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

Optics & Aperture

7.3

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Minimum focal length

12 mm

Maximum focal length

40 mm

Optical zoom

3.3xx

Maximum angle of view

84 °

Minimum angle of view

30 °

Focus & Controls

7.6

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Focus motor

MSC, linear motor

Minimum focus distance

Maximum reproduction ratio

Full-time manual focus

Internal focusing

Stabilization

1.0

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Optical image stabilization

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

N/A

Build & Handling

8.7

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Weight

Lens length

Lens diameter

Weather sealing (splashproof)

Metal mount

Lab Scores

8.0

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DxOMark overall score

DxOMark sharpness score

DxOMark transmission

DxOMark distortion

DxOMark vignetting

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
Focus hold button
yes
▲ Better than 83% of models
This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
2 more aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
4
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
4 vs 2
Newer release date
Release date
2022
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
2022 vs 2016
0.11 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.3 x
▲ Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.3 x vs 0.192 x
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
0.2 m
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens 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
7.1 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
69.9 mm
▲ Better than 73% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens 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
83 g lighter
Weight
427 g
▲ Better than 60% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (427 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
427 g vs 510 g

2 more aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
4
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
4 vs 2

Has focus hold button
Focus hold button
yes
▲ Better than 83% of models
This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
0.11 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.3 x
▲ Better than 82% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.3 x vs 0.192 x
0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
0.2 m
▲ Better than 79% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens 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

Newer release date
Release date
2022
▲ Better than 87% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This camera lens was released more recently than the average camera lens.
2022 vs 2016
7.1 mm narrower lens barrel
Lens diameter
69.9 mm
▲ Better than 73% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens 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
83 g lighter
Weight
427 g
▲ Better than 60% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (427 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
427 g vs 510 g
8.25 mm shorter lens
Lens length
84 mm
▲ Better than 60% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (84 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
84 mm vs 92.25 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
Aperture blades
7
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
7 vs 9

2 fewer aperture blades
Aperture blades
7
▼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <7 – >9
This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
7 vs 9

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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

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Technical Specifications of camera lens 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?

Expert reviews

Third-party reviews

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

What we don't like about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12 40mm F 2 8 Pro II

Verdict

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