GLOBAL PRO GALLERY

Getting my hands on the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO was not only exciting but something I had been waiting for a long time. I’m a big fan of the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm F1.8 and it’s definitely one of my most used lenses. Even the 17mm F1.8 is great, but getting a PRO lens with this focal length is just amazing. I specialize in rock and music photography where I tour with bands and am in very demanding situations and light conditions. Having a PRO lens with weather sealing and even more light at F1.2 makes all the difference. I was also happy to notice that the lens is sharp even at maximum F1.2 aperture.

Where maybe the biggest advantage of the lens comes in is not the sharp subject but the smooth background. Shooting at wide apertures the lens creates very smooth bokeh which Olympus calls feathered bokeh. This is actually something that indeed needs its own word. Comparing the 17mm F1.2 PRO to other lenses on the market, I noticed that the lens creates a nice and smooth bokeh compared to normally seen hard bokeh.

Build quality of the lens itself is on par with the other PRO lenses, with a focus ring that is both smooth and sturdy. It is also weatherproof so dust and rain (or drinks on the tour bus) won’t be a problem. This brings comfort while being on the road, and makes it a perfect partner for my OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

I’m very happy for this addition to my camera bag. I’m pretty sure it will make room and bump its way into my top three most-used lenses. In most cases I will cover my needed focal range with three lenses -- M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO, M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1.2 PRO and my trusty M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 which I use for most of my work.