There are several equivalents of full frame 85 mm instruments in the Micro 4/3 system so we didn’t have any problem with compiling the following chart. We added the Samyang 1.2/50 to it; it was designed for the APS-C sensor but the Micro 4/3 mount version provides similar angles of view as the tested Olympus 1.2/45.
After comparing all basic parameters you see that the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45 mm f/1.2 PRO is very similar to the Panaleica 1.2/42.5 when it comes to its weight, dimensions and complexity of optics; only its filter diameter is smaller.
In the photo below the tested lens is positioned next to another system 45 mm device, the M.Zuiko Digital 45 mm f/1.8, and a standard zoom so the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 12-40 mm f/2.8 ED PRO.
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The M.Zuiko 45 mm f/1.2 PRO starts with a metal mount surrounding contacts and a rear element, 22 mm in diameter. The element doesn’t move and is situated on the same level as the contacts; its edges and the area next to them are blackened very well. On the black part containing contacts you find information that the lens was produced in Japan.
The proper body of the lens, made completely of metal, starts with an immobile ring on which you see a red dot, making an alignment with a camera easier. Below there is the name and parameters of the model and on the opposite site from the dot you find information about the weather resistance of the lens (SPLASH PROOF) and its focusing range (0.50m/1.64ft –∞). Further on there is another black, metal ring which doesn’t move, with an L-Fn function button on it.
Then you find a manual focus ring, 30 mm wide. It works in different modes depending on its position. When the ring is pressed toward the front element it is a focus-by-wire construction. If you pull it back toward the mount you reveal a distance scale and the lens is switched into mechanical focus mode. The ring’s performance is beyond reproach – smooth and properly damped. Running through the whole distance scale needs a turn through an angle of 100 degrees.
Then you see a part of the casing which doesn’t move; it includes a depth of field scale and markings by f/5.6, f/8.0, f/11 and f/16, the name and parameters of the lens and two thin rings, a blue and a grey one.
The front element is 46 mm in diameter and it doesn’t move. Round it you find a filter thread, 62 mm in diameter, and a hood mount.
When it comes to the optical construction you deal here with 14 elements positioned in 10 groups. The lens doesn’t lack special elements: you get as many as four high refraction index elements (HR), one low dispersion ED glass and one aspherical element. Inside there is also a round aperture with nine blades which can be closed down to a value of f/16.
Buyers get both caps, a hood and a soft pouch in the box with the lens.
