Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras
The Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens is a high-performance digital specific standard zoom lens that provides the ideal focal length for general purpose use. It offers an equivalent focal length in 35mm terms of 24-120mm.
The lens' autofocus is powered by Olympus' innovative SWD focusing technology. SWD combines different technologies to provide both high speed and high precision autofocusing, while allowing the lens to be operated with lower noise than before. Optimized for use with the new E-3, this lens enables the camera to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing extremely fast focusing.
Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the 100% digital design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. This lens also boasts impressive close-up shooting capability, allowing users to shoot from as close as 9.8" throughout the entire zoom range.
- Supersonic Wave Drive Technology
- SWD technology has enabled an ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF system. Two compact, high-powered SWD devices power autofocus at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact 5.3mm x 4.3mm optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without reduction gear. This enables it to achieve a level of precision that's accurate to 5 microns (5/1000 mm). When used in combination with the new E-3, which offers improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD motors provide the fastest focusing speed of approximately 170 ms (0.17 seconds).
- High Optical Quality
- Features 1 Super ED lens element, 2 ED elements, 1 Aspherical ED element, and 2 Aspherical elements, to correct for various types of aberrations.
- Internal Focus
- Internal Focus system makes focusing smoother and faster.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
12 - 60 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 24 - 120 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 - 4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 84° - 20° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.8" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.28x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.57 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.13 x 3.88" (79.5 x 98.5 mm) |
| Weight | 1.27 lb (575 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 106 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (116)
- Strong construction (83)
- Consistent output (65)
- Durable (65)
- Rugged (56)
Cons
- Heavy (36)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (58)
- Weddings (37)
- Night photography (36)
- Sports/action (34)
- General purpose (31)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (43), Enthusiast (21), Semi-pro photographer (14), Semi-professional (9), Casual photographer (7)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (43)
Most Liked Positive Review
Superb lens
It was a hard call to make because of the price and for the first week or so I had the usual buyer's remorse but the more I used the lens the more I fell ...Read complete review
It was a hard call to make because of the price and for the first week or so I had the usual buyer's remorse but the more I used the lens the more I fell in love with it. This is a superb lens with very high IQ, beautiful rendering, sharp, shows very fine details. The portraits made with it are simply fantastic (it really excels around 60 mm). Until this lens, I was not a big fan of zooms preferring primes but this one really shines even in comparison with really fine primes that I have used. I use it with E-330, and it's a perfect combination. The weight is not a problem, gives a nice feeling and balances E-330 very well. This is my most used lens, especially for people. I go to kids parties and with this lens and E-330's LiveView mode A (I shoot from the waist level), I get terrific pictures. I use it often with AF-C, it focuses very fast and reliably and I get shots that I would have otherwise easily missed. You may say that 14-54 is half the price. Well, you get what you pay for. It is easily worth the premium.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Goon, not great with Panasonic AF100
The lens is sharp enough and does what I needed it to do, which is relatively good performance in low light. But its iris is clicking and there's some breathing as well. Good, ...Read complete review
The lens is sharp enough and does what I needed it to do, which is relatively good performance in low light. But its iris is clicking and there's some breathing as well. Good, but not great for video.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 106 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I have been using legendary Minolta G lenses as well as more recent Sony Carl Zeiss lenses for quite a while on the Alpha side of the world, but am quite new here in Zuiko Land. To make a long story short, this is my first best-ever experience in Olympus realm, by far! This 12-60mm f/2.8 actually seems to equal or beat even great primes from both 'worlds', and succeeds in mixing & matching the best optical qualities that I have encountered from all wide-to-medium telephoto zooms tested including the Sony CZ Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16-80 F3.5-4.5, Sony CZ Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70 F2.8 ZA SSM, Tamron - SP AF 17-50 F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical, Tamron - SP AF 28-75 F2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF, Tokina (Angenieux) AT-X 270 PRO AF 28-70 F2.6-2.8, or Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II! Considering everything, sturdiness, colors, contrats, sharpness, AF speed, feel: satisfaction galore!!! Nothing else to say, except maybe a very sincere albeit subjective advice: BUY IT, IT'S JUST AMAZING!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Now, I only need one lens for my casual use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I rented this lens years ago and have wanted to buy one ever since. Well I was finally able to buy it and it is everything I remember it being. On my E-5 it's so fast to focus, it seems instant. Color and sharpness is amazing. I also own the 50-200SWD and feel I now have the Olympus 1-2 winning punch.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Great product,high quality. I will use it for my workn at studio and outdoor.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Quiet focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- TACK SHARP
Cons
- A bit pricey
Best Uses
- General everyday lens
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
You will be hard pressed to find a better performing optic. Tack sharp, nice detail and contrast rendering and an extremely useful range for everyday use. Fast focus - instantly snaps - could be better in low light but this could be my older e510's influence. Very close focus and useful wide end make this the lens to reach for to cover most opportunities in a "photo walk-a-bout". Nice bokeh and great to use wide open in lower light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Have used in photographing flowers. Going on a family vacation in July and this will be the lense that will be used.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
This by far is the most versatile workhorse in my stable of several SWD and Standard Zuiko lenses.
For a professional wedding photographer this fast focusing lens with its wide focal range combined with a closeup distance down to 24cm at all focal lengths and low light ability is capable of covering an entire wedding event on its own.
For the landscape photographer the 12-60mm produces crisp, clear color rich images and suffices for all but extreme wide angle and long telephoto shots.
For the portrait photographer the 12-60mm encompasses the traditional focal length of a portrait lens and renders a soft creamy bokeh.
For Architectural work the 12-60mm at the short end has obvious advantages for interior low light situations.
Sports photographers will appreciate the benefits offered by the this fast focusing lens, especially when used on an E-5 in track focusing or video mode.
The construction of this lens with the inclusion of two aspherical elements delivers bright clear viewing through the ELV.
In conclusion, this is a stunning all-rounder that is to be recommended to any photographer who seeks no less than excellence.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
This is a great lens, equivalent to 24-120, a real walkaround lens. The pictures are very sharp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Fantastic resolution, colours are brilliant, definition in the highlight and lowlight is wonderful, great for landscape, dramatic cloud shots. The 60mm is really great for macro shots and portraits,pin point sharp in macro and it appears to handle the portraits very well, not harsh, quite soft and gentle.
I have also tried some action surf shots though I could not get in very close, though by looking at the results it is very good by blowing out the centre section of the image, so I would think a 1.4 tele converter could be an ideal extension for this lens.It is a must as your prime lens for your Olympus.
Good focal range 12- 60 for every day use, great for portraits.Used lens only for short time, can tell you more in 3 month time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
What can you say, Olympus optics are superior.
Bought this as a general carry around lens, and it is so much more than that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
The lens is sharp enough and does what I needed it to do, which is relatively good performance in low light. But its iris is clicking and there's some breathing as well. Good, but not great for video.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- High Quality
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Low-light Auto-focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Quick Auto-focus, Fast low-light lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
This is my first serious lens. I use this lens with e-620 and I get EXCELLENT RESULTS compared with Kit lens 14-42mm. I shot portraits of children and my dachshund, landscapes, urban scenes, animals in zoo. I like beautiful colors, super wide angle, quick focusing and image sharpness. Now this is my primary lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I LOVE this lens. I'm getting in to wedding photography, so I wanted to upgrade my kit wide lens (14-42mm). I ordered it in time to take with us on a family trip to Disney and this lens lived on my E-620 90% of the time. Fast, smooth auto-focus, nice range from 12-60mm lets you get wide enough to get everything and still get in close without having to change lens. There's minimal distortion at 12mm on the edges, but I think that's to be expected with a lens this wide. Overall, this is a great "piece of glass" and I would actually recommend it over the 50-200mm zoom for its versatility (although if you're like me you'll want both :).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Too many good shots
Best Uses
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I have had the 12-60mm for about 5 months now. Unreal. I just did a photo shoot of my kids at a local playground.....best photos I have ever taken. I also use the Oly 70-300mm, Sigma 50mm and Oly 9-18mm.
This lens makes me want to sell my 70-300 and get the 50-200. The focus is just awesome. The colors are unreal....just buy the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Price
- Pricey but worth it
Best Uses
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Best all round lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Quick focusing good range
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Costly relatively heavy
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I just bought the Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom. So far the pictures look great.
Was it worth the considerable cost? probalby. I have a perfectly good Olympus 14-42mm F/3.5 -5.6 Kit ln that came with the camera. the 12-60 focuses much faster, has a 1/2 stop larger lens opening, and a greater range (24-120 vs 28 - 84)
but it weighs a lot more. I have always liked olympus slrs becuase they ae light an compact, but the 12-60 lens and the e-30 body are considerably larger than the e510 body and 14-42 I started with.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I purchased this for use with the new Panasonic AF100 to shoot video. The overall quality of the image is so-so and it's the noisiest lens I have ever used. It makes a ton of surprisingly loud clicking sounds whenever the aperture or focus is used. Although they don't come in a 4/3s option, the Canon lenses are a much better, much quieter option for shooting video. A really poor lens for the money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
Cons
Best Uses
- Children portraits
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Pets
Comments about 12-60mm f/2.8-4 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Lens is used for landscape & pet photography
Has very useful wide angle for landscapes, no noticeable distortion or vignetting. Quick, accurate focus for photographing puppy on the move.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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