Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO reviews roundup: is it worth the price?
Released in 2015, the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is a super wide angle lens (almost a fisheye) designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, with a fixed aperture of f/2.8 that allows to work in difficult lighting conditions and a focal range equivalent to a 14-28mm on a full frame camera.
Even if there’s no image stabilization included in the lens, it’s optimized to work with the Olympus camera’s internal stabilization system. It’s resistant to water, dust and shock.
Its very wide focal range is useful for confined spaces, architecture but also for landscape photography.
Specs:
- Mount: Micro 4/3
- Full frame eq.: 14-28mm
- Optical stabilization: No
- Weather sealed: Yes
- Weight: 534 g (1.18 lb)
- Min. aperture: f/2.8
- Max. aperture: f/22
- Minimum focus distance: 20cm
- Filter size: No filter thread
- 7 14 millimeter(14 28 millimeter 35 millimeter equivalent) lens with splash and dustproof construction. Angle of view 114° 75°
- Closest focusing distance at just under 7. 5 centimeter, maximum image magnification: 0. 12x, focal length: 7 14 millimeter
- Manual focus Clutch Mechanism and l fan button for assignable functions
What do the critics think of the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO?
Overall, the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is one of the best ultra-wide lenses in the MFT range. Most reviews on the web say that it’s an amazing wide angle lens for its optical performances, but also incredibly robust. It offers images with unique perspectives and the constant aperture f/2.8 is a big plus if you need to work in difficult lighting conditions. The autofocus is fast and precise, while remaining very silent.
It’s also entirely tropicalized. Add to that superb image quality, and you have a must-have for Olympus cameras owners who are looking for a durable and creative wide angle lens.
The only real downside that come up most often is that there’s no filter thread so you always have to be careful not to damage the front lens (plus it’s not really a lightweight considering it’s designed for Micro 4/3 cameras).
Most reviews like…
- Gives amazing effects
- Outstanding sharpness
- Great build quality
- Weather sealing
- Constant aperture of f/2.8
- Comfort of use
- Relatively compact
- Relatively low distortion
- Fast and quiet focusing
Most reviews don’t like…
- Doesn’t accept filters
- Bulbous front element easily affected by dust, rain or snow
- Vignetting at the largest aperture
- Prone to flare
- Relatively heavy
- Expensive
For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO, check out the selection of reviews below:
Websites Reviews
Pcmag.com – 4.5/5 (‘ It’s sharp throughout its zoom range and shows nominal distortion for a lens of this type. Add a sturdy build, an excellent manual focus experience, and a weather-sealed design and you’ve got a big chunk of glass that’s worthy of Editors’ Choice honors.’)
Photographyblog.com – ★★★★½ Highly recommended (‘The Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO is a great lens for those Olympus Micro Four Thirds users who want a weather-proof wide-angle lens that delivers great results.’)
Thephoblographer.com – 5/5 – (‘This lens is absolutely incredible. It handles distortion well, it’s sharp has great colors, focuses quickly, has a small form factor that makes it a true companion lens, and is so very capable for many photojournalists. It’s also great for landscapes, food, interior, oh so much! There is very little to complain about here and what’s there is just an adjustment in the way that you shoot.’)
Ephotozine.com – ✪✪✪✪½ Highly Recommended – (‘During testing this lens proved itself worthy, by delivering images with outstanding sharpness, whilst handling well and sporting a robust dust and moisture resistant construction. The lens may be a little prone to flare, but given the extreme angle of view on offer and the compact size of the lens, this flaw may be something many will be able to forgive, or even forget.’)
Photoreview.com.au – 8.8/10 (‘ The 7-14mm f/2.8 lens is an impressive performer and a worthy addition to the Olympus M.Zuiko PRO range. The relatively high price tag reflects both the build and optical quality of this lens. Neither comes cheap but if you’re prepared to pay the price and you need an ultra-wide zoom lens for your OM-D camera, you’re unlikely to regret it.’)
Amazon users reviews
- 7 14 millimeter(14 28 millimeter 35 millimeter equivalent) lens with splash and dustproof construction. Angle of view 114° 75°
- Closest focusing distance at just under 7. 5 centimeter, maximum image magnification: 0. 12x, focal length: 7 14 millimeter
- Manual focus Clutch Mechanism and l fan button for assignable functions