OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO

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Micro Four Thirds Super Zoom mft 2016

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Compare with

12-100mm

Focal length

f/4

Max aperture

561 g

Weight

14mm35mm85mm200mm600mm

▲ 12-100mm

Max aperture

f/2

f/4

f/8

Constant Aperture

Zoom Ratio: 8.33x
Zoom Method: external

Focal length50 mm

12 mm100 mm

Aperturef/4

f/4f/22

Near focus14' 9"

Far focus18' 6"

Total DOF3' 10"

Hyperfocal142' 4"

Subject distance16' 5"

Focal length50 mm

Aperturef/4

SensorMicro 4/3

Illustrative scene preview based on this lens's focal length, aperture, and sensor coverage.

This preview uses 50mm, f/4, and Micro 4/3. Subject distance is estimated to keep lens previews comparable.

Min aperture: f/22
Diaphragm blades: 7

Optics

Optical construction: 17 elements in 11 groups
Special elements: 1 DSA, 3 aspherical, 5 ED, 2 Super HR, 1 HR
Coatings: ZERO coating

Focusing

Minimum focus: 15 cm
Max magnification: 0.3×
AF motor: MSC

Physical

Weight: 561 g
Dimensions: ⌀78mm × 117mm
Filter thread: 72 mm
Hood included: LH-76B
Color: Black

Handling & Controls

Distance Scale: Yes
Custom Buttons: 1

Recommended Use

Ideal for: Architecture, Landscapes, Travel, Vlogging, Walkaround / Daily

Release year: 2016
Announced: Sep 19, 2016
Approx price: $1500 USD

The best

A premium 24-200mm equivalent travel zoom for one-lens shooting

Also

Constant f/4, Sync IS and 15cm close focus

Summary

OM System positions the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO as a wide-ranging Micro Four Thirds zoom for photographers who want one serious lens to cover much of a day. Its 12-100mm range gives a 24-200mm equivalent angle of view, while the constant f/4 aperture, optical stabilization and sealed PRO construction make it more controlled than a typical convenience zoom. The 17-element, 11-group optical design uses DSA, aspherical, ED, Super HR and HR glass, with ZERO coating to reduce flare and preserve contrast in changing light.

The photographic value is its balance: broad framing flexibility, close focus and dependable handling in a body that remains smaller than a full-frame 24-200mm equivalent setup. At the wide end it works for landscapes, interiors and travel scenes; through the middle it handles documentary work and environmental portraits; at the long end it gives useful compression for details and distant subjects. The 12-100mm range and in-lens stabilization are especially appealing on stabilized OM/Olympus bodies, where handheld shooting and video-like travel coverage matter more than maximum background blur.

In practice this is a strong single-lens option for trips, hiking, reportage, family events and compact hybrid kits. It is not the fastest choice for very shallow depth of field, indoor sports or demanding wildlife, and it weighs more than small kit zooms, but it earns that size with weather sealing, a supplied hood, a manual-focus clutch feel and a programmable lens function button. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is best understood as a premium all-rounder: versatile, stabilized and rugged enough to stay mounted for most real-world shooting.