Ranking the best TINY Micro Four Thirds lenses!

Micro Four Thirds Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Tiny Lenses

• This video is sponsored by KN&F Concept, focusing on tiny lenses for micro four thirds cameras.

• The presenter emphasizes the importance of having compact yet high-quality lenses for everyday carry.

Pancake Stock Lens Options

• The two main pancake lens options available are from Lumix and Olympus, both being small and versatile.

• The Olympus 14-42mm lens offers more range compared to the Lumix 12-32mm lens, making it a preferred choice currently.

• Key differences include the motorized operation of the Olympus lens versus the more tactile experience of the Lumix lens, which can lead to missed photo opportunities due to its startup delay.

• For users with non-stabilized Lumix cameras (e.g., GM1, GM5), the Lumix stock lens provides stabilization that the Olympus does not offer.

Comparison of Lumix Leica and DJI Clone

• The presenter highlights their long-standing admiration for the Lumix Leica 15mm f/1.7 but notes its high price point (~£500). Recently discovered a DJI clone priced around £100 that closely resembles it in design and functionality.

• Differences between them include coating; DJI's is designed for drone use with anti-flare properties while Lumix focuses on color accuracy typical of Leica lenses. In practical use, image quality may be indistinguishable between them.

• Continuous autofocus performance varies; some users report issues with older versions of the DJI lens, but it has worked well on newer models tested by the presenter across various cameras.

Features and Usability Insights

• Both lenses feature an aperture ring; however, only the Lumix version functions correctly with compatible cameras while DJI’s may only work with drones. This presents a potential usability issue for photographers using different brands.

OM System 17mm F1.8 Overview

• The refreshed OM system 17mm f/1.8 is highlighted as one of the most used lenses in early 2025 due to its excellent image quality and portability compared to its predecessor which had a manual focus clutch feature that was less user-friendly for some photographers.

• The new version includes weather sealing which adds durability benefits over older models without this feature; thus offering pros and cons depending on user needs and preferences regarding manual focus engagement experiences during usage situations like travel photography in diverse environments such as Tokyo or Valencia where it performed excellently capturing video clips as well as still images effectively despite any creative choices made during shooting sessions like mist filters applied post-capture rather than inherent characteristics from optics themselves!

Conclusion & Additional Offers

Lenses for Micro Four Thirds: A Comprehensive Overview

Favorite Filters and Compatibility

• The speaker highlights the compatibility of various lenses, specifically the Olympus 17mm f2.8, Lumix Leica/DJI 15mm, and 25mm lenses, all sharing a 46mm filter thread.

• The KN&F Concept Nano X series filter is praised for its multifunctionality, including mist filtering, variable ND, and circular polarizer features.

• For those who prefer not to use variable ND filters, a magnetic version of the mist filter is recommended for convenience.

Compact Lenses for Everyday Use

• The Olympus 17mm f2.8 pancake lens is described as extremely compact and pocketable when paired with cameras like the GX800.

• Despite having a slightly smaller aperture (f2.8 vs. f1.8), this lens is noted for its sharpness and affordability.

• The Lumix 14mm f2.5 pancake lens is mentioned as another option but may be too wide for some users.

Ultra Wide Lenses: Options and Considerations

• The speaker shares excitement about acquiring the Lumix Leica 9mm F1.7 lens, known for edge-to-edge sharpness and lightweight design.

• A price increase is noted when moving to wider lenses due to challenges in creating them on crop sensors like micro four-thirds.

• While zoom lenses are generally more affordable on crop sensors, wide-angle options tend to be pricier but offer exceptional quality.

Unique Creative Lenses

• The LA 6mm lens is introduced as an ultra-wide option that requires adjustment in perspective due to its extreme width; it’s manual focus but offers creative potential.

• Although heavier than expected given its size, the metal build adds durability while providing unique photographic effects.

Personal Favorites Among Micro Four Thirds Lenses

• The Lumix 20mm f1.7 lens stands out despite its flaws such as poor continuous autofocus; it's favored for its compact size and image quality.

• This lens serves as a go-to choice for testing new cameras due to its excellent performance in photography despite being one of the oldest models available.