Roberts Camera offers several standout MFT lenses for diverse photography needs. The Olympus M.14-42MM F3.5-5.6 excels as a lightweight travel zoom, while the Panasonic LUMIX G II 100-300MM provides impressive telephoto reach with weather sealing. Budget-conscious photographers may consider the compact 7artisans 18MM F6.3 Mark II (58g) or the manual 35MM F1.4 Mark II for low-light shooting. The 25MM F10 Pancake lens delivers unique lo-fi aesthetics in an ultra-lightweight (0.882oz) package. Additional selection factors merit further examination.
Key Takeaways
- The Olympus M.14-42MM offers versatile 28-84mm equivalent range with silent MSC autofocus, ideal for travel and beginner photographers.
- Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario provides impressive 200-600mm reach with weather-sealing and image stabilization for wildlife photography.
- The 7artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark II delivers premium build quality with impressive sharpness from F2-F8 at an excellent value.
- For ultra-lightweight options, the 25mm F10 Pancake Lens weighs just 0.882 ounces with a unique lo-fi aesthetic.
- The 7artisans 18MM F6.3 Mark II offers wide-angle capability in an extremely portable 58g UFO-shaped design for street photography.
Olympus M.14-42MM F3.5-5.6 2R Zuiko Camera Zoom Lens Black
- Collapsible wide to portrait lens
- 7 aperture blades (circular aperture diaphragm for natural background blurring)
- 3x zoom range covers everything from landscapes to portraits
The Olympus M.14-42MM F3.5-5.6 2R Zuiko serves as an ideal entry-level lens for photographers seeking portability without sacrificing versatility. This compact lens weighs just 3.95 ounces with dimensions of 1.9 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches, making it an excellent travel companion for your Micro Four Thirds system.
The lens features a 14-42mm focal range (equivalent to 28-84mm), providing you with 3x zoom capability that handles everything from wide landscapes to portrait photography. Its 7-blade circular diaphragm creates natural background blur, while the silent MSC auto-focus technology guarantees quiet operation for both stills and video. You’ll appreciate the close focusing distance of 9.84 inches for macro-style shots at an attractive $99 price point.
Best For: Entry-level photographers or experienced shooters seeking an affordable, lightweight zoom lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera that delivers versatility for travel, landscapes, and portraits.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight (3.95 ounces) and compact design makes it ideal for travel photography
- Silent MSC autofocus technology works well for both still photography and video recording
- Versatile 3x zoom range (28-84mm equivalent) covers wide-angle to short telephoto at an affordable $99 price point
Cons:
- Limited maximum aperture range (f/3.5-5.6) restricts low-light performance and depth-of-field control
- Some users report issues with sticky zoom ring and stiff manual focus ring
- Plastic construction includes a front ring that detaches easily, raising durability concerns
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MM for Micro Four Thirds
- Updated Panasonic LUMIX 100 300mm zoom lens replaces H FS100300
- 100 300mm F4.0 5.6 (1 ED), closest Focusing Distance : 1.5m / 4.92feet
- Upgraded support for harsh weather conditions (Splash proof / Dustproof)
Wildlife and sports photographers seeking extreme reach in a compact package will find the Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario 100-300mm lens an exceptional value proposition. This 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 lens delivers a 200-600mm equivalent range in 35mm terms, capturing subjects with its 12°-4.1° diagonal angle view. Power O.I.S. with Dual I.S. 2.0 technology enables sharp images even at high shutter speeds (1/640), while the weather-sealed construction withstands challenging environments. Built-in 240 fps linear motor provides reliable focusing down to 1.5m, though it occasionally hunts in low light. The lens performs better at shorter focal lengths, exhibiting some softness at 300mm.
Best For: Wildlife and sports photographers seeking exceptional reach in a lightweight, weather-sealed package for Micro Four Thirds systems who prioritize portability over low-light performance.
Pros:
- Impressive 200-600mm equivalent focal range with effective image stabilization (Power O.I.S. with Dual I.S. 2.0)
- Weather-sealed construction with compact, lightweight design (only 4.49×4.49×8.23 inches)
- Excellent value under $500, outperforming comparable Canon/Olympus alternatives for reach
Cons:
- Struggles in low-light conditions with variable F4.0-5.6 aperture
- Autofocus occasionally hunts, particularly at the longer focal lengths
- Noticeable softness at the 300mm end compared to sharper performance at shorter focal lengths
7artisans 18MM F6.3 Mark II UFO Lens for M4/3 Mount Cameras
- Portable lens: The 18mm F6.3 Mark II lens from 7artisans isa compact, wide-angle pancake camera for street photography and documentary photography, as well as casual...
- APS-C Lens :7artisans 18mm F6.3 II Designed for mirrorless cameras in APS-C format, providing 27mm equivalent focal length.
- Prime lens: fixed f/6.3 aperture, fixed focus, minimum focus distance 30cm, UFO shaped design.
Street photographers seeking an ultra-lightweight, inconspicuous wide-angle option will find the 7artisans 18MM F6.3 Mark II particularly appealing due to its distinctive UFO-shaped design and minimal 58g weight profile. This compact pancake lens offers a 27mm equivalent focal length on Micro Four Thirds cameras, making it suitable for documentary and casual shooting scenarios.
The fixed f/6.3 aperture and metal construction provide durability, while the lens’s compatibility spans across numerous Panasonic and Olympus models including the GM, GX, G, GH, GF, EPM, EP, EPL, PEN, and EM series cameras. Users report acceptable image quality for its price point, though potential buyers should note reported issues with vignetting, lens flare, and a focus mechanism that’s limited to either infinity or a minimum 30cm distance.
Best For: Street photographers who prioritize an ultralight, inconspicuous wide-angle lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera and are willing to sacrifice some image quality and focusing flexibility for portability.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at just 58g with a unique UFO-shaped pancake design that remains unobtrusive for street photography
- Wide compatibility across numerous Panasonic and Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera models
- Durable metal construction at an affordable price point makes it accessible for creative and experimental shooting
Cons:
- Limited focusing capability with only two focus zones (infinity or minimum 30cm)
- Prone to vignetting and lens flare issues that affect image quality
- Some users report reliability and durability concerns with poor manufacturer support
7artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark II Manual Focus Fixed Lens for MFT Cameras
- 【CLEAR & DELICATE】5 groups of 8 elements optical structure, 35mm F1.4 Mark II adopts the classic double Gaussian structure and modified to effectively reduce the...
- 【RECORD THE WORLD IN YOUR EYES】The standard 35mm focal length is equivalent to about 50mm. The angle of view on the camera is actually similar to that of the human...
- 【F1.4 APERTURE】7artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark II lens adopts F1.4 aperture, filter diameter is 49mm, pursuing dream Without compromising on image quality while blurring
Manual focus enthusiasts seeking a budget-friendly prime lens with premium build quality will find the 7artisans 35mm F1.4 Mark II an exceptional value proposition for Micro Four Thirds systems. The all-metal construction, weighing just 228g, delivers a substantial feel while remaining portable for everyday use.
This lens features a double Gaussian optical design with 5 groups and 8 elements, providing a 50mm equivalent focal length that closely matches the human eye’s perspective. Image quality shows impressive sharpness from F2 to F8, with peak performance between F2.8 and F5.6. The F1.4 maximum aperture creates beautiful background blur, though slight vignetting appears at wider apertures. Compatible with numerous Olympus and Panasonic models, it excels in portraits, street photography, and low-light conditions.
Best For: Photography enthusiasts looking for an affordable, well-built manual prime lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera who enjoy the challenge of manual focusing and want a versatile 35mm (50mm equivalent) focal length for portraits, street photography, and low light shooting.
Pros:
- Premium all-metal build quality with smooth focus and aperture rings in a compact, lightweight (228g) package
- Excellent optical performance with impressive sharpness from F2-F8 and beautiful bokeh at wider apertures
- Outstanding value for the price compared to autofocus alternatives, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike
Cons:
- Manual focus only, which can be challenging for beginners or in fast-moving situations
- Exhibits some vignetting and distortion, particularly at wider apertures, though fixable in post-processing
- Non-clicked aperture rings make precise aperture settings more difficult to maintain consistently
25mm F10 Pancake Lens for Micro Four Thirds (M43) Mount Cameras
- 25mm F/10 Focus Free Pancake Lens, get Lo-Fi retro look. great for that casual portrait vibe.Fun little lens and so lightweight.
- The lens recycle from disposable camera and transform it to a body cap lens. it could be one of the best weapon for street photography.The Fixed aperture and focus free...
- The lens does not have and does not need to focus, the depth of field is basically 1.5meters away to infinity.
The XuanLens 25mm F10 Pancake Lens represents an ideal option for photographers seeking a minimalist, low-profile lens that delivers distinctive lo-fi aesthetics. This focus-free design weighs merely 0.882 ounces with dimensions of 0.5 × 2.3 × 2.3 inches, making it exceptionally portable for street photography and casual portraiture.
Technical specifications include a fixed F10 aperture with 1.5m-to-infinity depth of field, constructed from ABS shell with a resin lens in a simple 1-group, 1-element configuration. You’ll need to enable “Shoot without lens” in your camera settings for proper functionality. Performance characteristics resemble disposable camera output, with intentionally soft images that create a retro aesthetic experience.
Best For: Micro Four Thirds camera owners seeking an ultra-lightweight, budget-friendly lens that creates nostalgic, lo-fi images with a distinct retro aesthetic for street photography and casual portraits.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight (0.882 ounces) and compact design makes it ideal for everyday carry
- Focus-free operation eliminates the need for adjustment, allowing for quick and spontaneous shooting
- Creates unique, soft images with a vintage disposable camera look that’s difficult to replicate with modern lenses
Cons:
- Fixed F10 aperture severely limits low-light shooting capabilities
- Reported focal length discrepancy (actual ~22-23mm rather than advertised 25mm)
- Soft image quality may be too limiting for photographers who need sharper, more technically precise results
Factors to Consider When Choosing Olympus Panasonic MFT Lenses at Roberts Camera
Selecting appropriate Micro Four Thirds lenses requires careful evaluation of focal length requirements, which determine compositional possibilities ranging from wide-angle landscapes (7-14mm) to telephoto wildlife photography (100-400mm). Aperture range considerations influence low-light performance and depth-of-field control, with premium options offering f/1.2-f/2.8 capabilities that greatly outperform kit lenses in challenging lighting conditions. Build quality assessment, weight considerations, and the inevitable budget-versus-performance compromise complete the essential decision matrix when browsing Roberts Camera’s extensive MFT lens selection.
Focal Length Requirements
Understanding focal length represents a foundational consideration when selecting Olympus Panasonic MFT lenses at Roberts Camera, as this measurement directly determines the field of view and overall visual character of resulting photographs. The Micro Four Thirds system’s 2x crop factor effectively doubles the apparent focal length compared to full-frame equivalents, requiring careful calculation when switching between systems.
For landscape photography, MFT lenses between 7-17mm (14-34mm equivalent) deliver expansive perspectives with minimal distortion. Portrait photographers should consider 25mm (50mm equivalent) for natural rendering or 45-75mm (90-150mm equivalent) for flattering compression effects. Wildlife and sports applications benefit from telephoto options starting at 40mm (80mm equivalent), with premium options extending to 300mm (600mm equivalent) for maximum reach while maintaining the compact form factor characteristic of the MFT system.
Aperture Range Options
Essential to every Micro Four Thirds lens selection, aperture range specifications determine both light-gathering capability and creative control available to photographers working with Olympus Panasonic MFT systems at Roberts Camera. Premium fixed focal length options, featuring maximum apertures of f/1.2 to f/1.8, deliver superior low-light performance while producing the shallow depth of field prized in portrait and detail work.
Standard zoom lenses typically offer variable aperture ranges (f/2.8-4.0 or f/3.5-5.6), with higher-end models maintaining constant f/2.8 apertures throughout their zoom range, ensuring consistent exposure values when changing focal lengths. The MFT system’s smaller sensor benefits from aperture versatility, as photographers can utilize f/8-f/11 for maximum sharpness while retaining adequate depth of field for landscape photography. Specialty macro and telephoto lenses provide aperture ranges specifically calibrated for their intended applications, balancing light transmission with necessary depth characteristics.
Build Quality Assessment
Durability ranks among the most critical considerations when evaluating Olympus Panasonic MFT lenses, with construction materials directly influencing both performance longevity and investment value. Metal-constructed lenses demonstrate superior resilience compared to plastic variants, particularly in high-usage scenarios where mechanical stress accumulates over time.
Weather-sealing specifications merit thorough examination, as advanced models feature extensive dust and moisture protection—critical factors for photographers working in variable outdoor conditions. Weight considerations range considerably across the MFT lineup, from ultralight prime lenses weighing under one ounce to professional zooms approaching 8 ounces, affecting handling during extended shooting sessions.
Mechanical elements require careful assessment, particularly focus and zoom ring operation, which should maintain consistent resistance without developing stiffness or play. Component integration quality often predicts long-term reliability, with premium models exhibiting superior tolerance engineering and reduced susceptibility to operational degradation.
Budget Vs Performance
Financial investment in MFT lens systems corresponds directly with performance capabilities, creating a spectrum of options where photographers must evaluate price-to-quality ratios against their specific needs.
Higher-tier Olympus and Panasonic lenses, commanding premium prices at Roberts Camera, deliver superior low-light performance with maximum apertures of f/1.2-f/2.8 and advanced image stabilization systems rated at 5-6.5 stops of correction. Mid-range options (typically $400-$800) balance optical performance with reasonable autofocus speeds of 0.08-0.12 seconds. Entry-level MFT lenses, while affordable at $200-$350, exhibit compromises in edge sharpness and chromatic aberration control, particularly at wider apertures. Weather-sealing features, found exclusively in professional-grade options, guarantee 85% greater operational reliability in challenging conditions, though they add approximately 25-30% to overall cost.
Weight Considerations
The weight differential across the MFT lens lineup represents a critical decision factor for photographers selecting equipment at Roberts Camera. Olympus and Panasonic MFT lenses exhibit significant mass variations, with ultralight options starting below 100g and professional-grade alternatives exceeding 400g. Weight distribution affects camera balance, handling dynamics, and shooter fatigue during extended photography sessions.
Compact prime lenses, particularly those in the 25-45mm range, offer the most favorable weight-to-performance ratio, typically measuring between 120-200g. Professional zoom lenses, while heavier at 300-500g, remain substantially lighter than equivalent DSLR counterparts that often exceed 800g. Roberts Camera’s inventory categorizes MFT lenses by weight class, allowing customers to select options aligned with their mobility requirements, shooting duration expectations, and stabilization needs.
Autofocus Capabilities
Autofocus performance represents a defining characteristic when evaluating Olympus and Panasonic MFT lenses at Roberts Camera, building upon the weight considerations previously examined. These systems demonstrate variable focusing speeds, with premium models achieving rates up to 240 frames per second, critical for capturing fast-moving subjects in wildlife or sports photography.
MFT lenses equipped with linear motor technology deliver superior responsiveness and tracking precision, maintaining focus during dynamic shooting scenarios. Silent focusing mechanisms, particularly prevalent in Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology and Olympus’s MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) system, minimize operational noise during video recording sessions.
Performance in suboptimal lighting environments varies between models, with higher-end lenses demonstrating reduced hunting behavior in low-light conditions through implementation of advanced algorithms and larger maximum apertures that enhance focus detection capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do MFT Lenses Compare to Full-Frame Lenses in Low Light?
Like stars that appear dimmer through a smaller telescope, Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses generally underperform compared to full-frame counterparts in low-light conditions. MFT sensors, being approximately 4x smaller than full-frame sensors, gather less total light. This physical limitation typically results in 1-2 stops poorer low-light performance, despite equivalent aperture numbers. For example, an f/1.8 MFT lens provides light-gathering capability closer to an f/3.5-4 full-frame lens when accounting for sensor size differences.
Can I Use Olympus Lenses on Panasonic Bodies Without Losing Functionality?
Olympus lenses can be mounted on Panasonic Micro Four Thirds bodies with generally excellent compatibility. Most core functions, including autofocus and aperture control, operate seamlessly across brands. However, users may experience limitations with:
- In-body image stabilization coordination (dual IS systems)
- Certain lens-specific features like focus clutch mechanisms
- Advanced firmware-dependent functions
For ideal performance, Panasonic’s DFD autofocus system works most effectively with Panasonic’s own lenses, potentially resulting in slightly slower focusing with Olympus optics.
What’s the Weather Sealing Quality on Budget MFT Lenses?
Budget Micro Four Thirds lenses typically offer minimal weather resistance compared to their premium counterparts. Most entry-level options ($100-400) lack formal weather sealing gaskets at mount points, focus rings, and barrel joints. Environmental protection varies by manufacturer, with Olympus generally providing better sealing at lower price points than Panasonic. Users should note that even “splash-proof” budget models rarely offer complete protection against dust ingress or sustained moisture exposure.
How Does In-Body Stabilization Work With Non-Stabilized MFT Lenses?
In-body image stabilization (IBIS) functions independently with non-stabilized MFT lenses by using sensor-shift technology. The camera’s gyroscopic sensors detect camera movement along five axes (pitch, yaw, roll, X and Y shift), then precisely shift the sensor in the opposite direction to compensate. Most Olympus and newer Panasonic bodies offer 5-7 stops of stabilization with non-stabilized lenses, effectively reducing motion blur from hand-held shooting.
Are Manual Focus Lenses Worth Considering for Video on MFT Systems?
Manual focus lenses offer significant advantages for MFT video production. Their mechanical focus rings provide precise, repeatable focus pulls without the hunting or breathing common in autofocus systems. Many vintage manual lenses deliver distinctive character, superior build quality, and cost effectiveness compared to modern equivalents. Focus peaking and magnification aids in MFT cameras effectively compensate for manual operation challenges. For videographers prioritizing creative control over convenience, manual lenses represent a compelling option within the MFT ecosystem.
