M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f2.0

If you own a M4/3 camera then you should know about this lens. Arguably one of the sharpest lenses available for the M4/3 system. The picture quality you get from this lens is professional quality. It’s not cheap at $800 but if you’re looking for pro quality then your going to have to spend a little more money. The 12mm lens is considered a wide-angle lens and is perfect for landscape shooting, street photography, architecture, food, and well it’s just a really versatile lens. Out of all the lens’ you’ll own this one will probably spend the most time attached to your camera.

My review of the best travel camera talks about the benefits of a M4/3 system and how the camera’s are on par (and better than some) with the massive professional DSLR’s out there. This lens is no different, the photographs you are able to get out of this piece of glass are amazing. The size is perfect for throwing in your coat pocket as you hike down the trail or wait for your bus in the city.

If you’re a street photographer you will appreciate Olympus’s addition of the distance scale for instant manual focus enabling you the ability to take your ~~voyeuristic~~ candid shots without having to look through the view finder. If you aren’t a street photographer then you will still appreciate the quality of this lens and it’s ability to give you extremely crisp and vivid photos.

Head over to Amazon and read the reviews from others who have had a chance to use it. I agree with the 4 and 1/2 stars it has received (loosing half a star for cost, only because I don’t hate my money). This lens is my top pic and one of the top rated for the M4/3 system.

Update