Review on Olympus M Zuiko 17Mm 2 8 Lens by Jennifer Collins

This lens is too often criticized by many reviewers. And yes, some of the arguments they make are correct, like the noisy autofocus motor and not very good optical performance. Because of this, many people just skip it to get a 17mm f/1.8 without even checking it carefully. I beg to differ. And I hope this review gives this lens the chance it deserves. == Background ==1. I have owned and used this lens for about 2 years. Camera bodies I have worked with include the Olympus E-M10, E-M1, E-M5 Mk II and Panasonic GX13. Other lenses of similar focal length that I have had in the past are the Panasonic 14mm f/2.5, 20mm f/1.7 and 25mm f/1.74. I paid about $120 for one in used condition which seems a bit under the current price == Pros == 1. Pancake portability: This is the smallest lens in the Olympus line with a 35 equivalent focal length mm FF. Combined with the matching camera body, it becomes a jacket bag2. Useful minimum focusing distance: It gets you closer to your subject up to 20cm away, helping you capture detail3. Good Bokeh: A very pleasing blurred image with perfectly round bokeh balls4. Smooth manual focus ring: not silky smooth, but very well cushioned and comfortable to use5. Looks beautiful on silver camera bodies: This lens goes very well with the retro style of black on silver camera bodies. The color looks much better in real == Cons ==1. Slow and Loud Autofocus: Yes, it's really noisy when focusing. Focusing may seem slower than later lenses, but much faster than the Panasonic 20mm f/1.72. The blurry rendering angle is wide open: although it works well when the aperture is closed. Center sharpness is also good, even at f/2.83. Less Star Shaped Design: This is one of the few lenses where the front element moves as you focus. The lens has a plastic feel and some matte black plastic parts on the front attract dust. == Conclusion == This lens deserves more stars in my opinion than the pixel peeps would give it. This is the cheapest, lightest and most compact option. to get a 35mm FF equivalent universal focal length at Micro Four Thirds. When attending an event, I often pair it with my E-M10 and give it to people and then have them hand it over to take their shots. It's so simple but easy even kids can handle it. And the honest photos that come out are no less valuable. I find this lens to be the perfect companion for the Olympus PEN and OM-D series (except the E-M1) as well as the Panasonic GX series cameras. == Accessories == Note that the LC-37C lens auto open/close cap works with this lens. [.] Olympus LC-37C Silver Lens Cover Auto Open for 14-42mm EZ (Silver)