Olympus has announced their new collapsable ultra-wide-angle zoom, the Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO is hugely versatile for an ultra-wide serving a 107-degree angle of view at its widest and narrowing to almost 47 degrees at telephoto.
Moreover, with its constant F4 aperture, impressive x0.44 maximum magnification, and reasonably light IPX-1 rated weather-sealed build, the Olympus 8-25 mm F4 Pro might be the first-ever ultra-wide-angle zoom fit for everyday photography. Jump to Conclusion
Table of Contents
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm f/4 PRO Overview
Weighing in at 411 grames, the 88mm long Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro is a rugged, IPX-1 rated weatherproofed ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Olympus 8-25 pro extends as you zoom the lens to 25mm.
Whilst the reach of many ultra-wide-angle zooms is limited to between 24mm and 35mm (full-frame equivalent), the Olympus 8-25 Pro will continue to zoom out to the equivalent of 50mm.
As a result, the Olympus can provide you with any angle of view between 107 and 47 degrees. Therefore, you can use the Olympus 8-25mm F4 to capture vast landscapes then zoom in and use it as a short portrait lens.
Furthermore, the Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro has an absurdly close focusing distance of 23cm and achieves an impressive maximum magnification of x.42 when set to 25mm. This is ideal for up-close photos of smaller subjects such as flowers and insects.
Unlike the recent Olympus 12-100mm F4 Pro, the Olympus 8-25 Pro does not feature its own in-built image stabilization.
Comparing the Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro
The Olympus 8-25mm F4 most immediate alternative is the larger, more expensive, Olympus 7-14mm F2.8.
Olympus 8-25 F4 Pro versus Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 Pro
With a maximum angle-of-view of 114 degrees, the Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 bests the newer lens when it comes to ultra-wide-angle photography. And with its constant F2.8 aperture, the Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 passes twice as much light as the Olympus 8-25mm F4.
However, set to 14mm, the Olympus 7-14 F/2.8 serves up a 75-degree angle of view – much too wide for everyday photography and is bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Furthermore, the 7-14mm has no filter thread to attach an ND filter.
On the other hand, the Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro features a 77mm filter thread and is a far more versatile lens overall.
That being said, the 7-14mm will still appeal to wide-angle loving landscape photographers whilst light-starved astrophotographers will benefit from the 7-14mm’s larger, brighter F2.8 aperture.
Conclusion
With the Olympus 12-100mm F4 Pro, Olympus demonstrated a superzoom need not trade fidelity for versatility. Now, with the Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro, we have an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens fit for everyday photography.
With its versatile zoom range, constant F4 aperture, semi-macro capabilities, and certified weather-sealed body, the Olympus 8-25mm ticks a lot of boxes.
Versus the Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 Pro, the 8-25mm F4 offers little added value. But if you have been waiting for a premium version of the older Olympus 9-18mm F4-5.6, the 8-25mm is the lens for you.
Overall, it’s a great time to own an Olympus camera. The Olympus 8-25mm F4 Pro is a hugely capable lens and a perfect fit for Micro Four Thirds’ compact and portable ethos.
Free Photography Guide
5 Amazing Photography Hacks everyone should know
