Jun
17
Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/2.8
This article is part of the small but growing Index of Pancake Lenses!
| Specifications for the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 "Honorary Mini Pancake" |
|
|---|---|
| Years Produced |
2009 - Still in production • This is one of the first prime lenses released for the Micro Four Thirds lens mount • Scheduled to be released in July 2009 |
| Street Price | US - $249.99 (In 2009) |
| Lens Type | Normal |
| Available Mounts |
• Micro Four Thirds |
| Optical Construction |
6 elements in 4 groups
• Gaussian type lens |
| Weather Sealing | No |
| Aperture Blades | 5 - Circular blade pattern |
| Focus Type | Automatic Focus with DC motor |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Min. Focus Distance |
• 0.20m • (7.87 inches) |
| Dimensions |
• 57.0 x 22.0mm • (2.24 x 0.87 inches) |
| Weight |
• 71g • (2.50 ounces) |
| Filter Size | 37mm |
| Hood | Not included with kit |
This is an exciting little lens from Olympus, masters of compact cameras (as opposed to the monster camera bodies and lenses from the likes of Nikon and Canon). It is one of the first prime lenses for the Micro FourThirds mounting, and hopefully a harbinger of excellent things to come.
However, it has not lived up to its expectations, performing a bit too softly wide open for comfort. It also suffers from some poor performance relative to its closest current competition- the magnificent Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens.
Still, there are many users who are perfectly happy with this lens despite its design compromises- and once stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6 it is quite sharp and currently there are no competitors for the light weight and small dimensions it offers.