Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens is a super-wide-angle lens compatible with Micro Four Thirds System cameras. It offers a 100° angle of view, and overturns the rule that super wide-angle zooms have to be big and heavy. With a length of just 1.9" (49.5mm) and a weight of just 5.5 oz (155 g), it is less than half the size and 60% of the weight of the Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6. With its wide angle of view, it makes it easy to include background scenery in group photos, and can be used to create unique images with a sense of dynamically exaggerated perspective.
A Dual Super Aspherical objective element, used at the front of the lens, makes it possible for the lens to offer a 100° angle of view, and dual aspherical elements are used at the back, to correct aberration and ensure superior image quality. Thanks to efficient optical design, the lens delivers an uncompromising combination of compact size and high quality, with clear imaging all the way to the periphery.
- Excellent Close-Focusing Performance
- At the wide-angle end of the zoom range, the lens offers a minimum working distance of just 6" (15cm), making it possible to capture dramatic, wide-angle macro images.
- Dual Super Aspherical Objective Element
- A Dual Super Aspherical objective element, used at the front of the lens, makes it possible for the lens to offer a 100° angle of view, and dual aspherical elements are used at the back, to correct aberration and ensure superior image quality. Thanks to efficient optical design, the lens delivers an uncompromising combination of compact size and high quality, with clear imaging all the way to the periphery. 1
- Full Multicoating of All Elements
- All lens elements are multi-coated to ensure maximum light transmission and image clarity, with minimal ghosting and flaring in backlight.
- Circular Aperture Mechanism
- A circular aperture mechanism is used to assure smooth, even background defocusing.
- High-Speed Autofocus
- The inner focusing mechanism uses a light, compact, single-element unit to enable exceptionally fast, quiet autofocusing for smooth, stress-free still-image and movie shooting.
- Smooth Manual Focus
- The manual focusing mechanism is designed to offer a responsive feel, with just the right amount of resistance to enable smooth, precise operation.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
9 - 18 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 18 - 36 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4.0 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 100° - 62° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" (25 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.1x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:10 |
| Groups/Elements | 8/12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Exposure Control | None |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.22 x 1.95" (56.5 x 49.5 mm) |
| Weight | 5.47 oz (155 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (28)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (22)
- Easily interchangeable (21)
- Consistent output (16)
- Strong construction (7)
Cons
- Poor in low light (6)
- No lens hood (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (27)
- Low light (6)
- Video (6)
- Weddings (6)
- Night photography (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (23), Semi-pro photographer (5), Casual photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (22)
Most Liked Positive Review
Panny 7-14mm or Oly 9-18mm?
Probably everyone is wondering the same thing as I did: The Panny 7-14mm, or Olympus m.zukio 9-18mm?
So I bought both. While testing showed in daylight they are about the ...Read complete review
Probably everyone is wondering the same thing as I did: The Panny 7-14mm, or Olympus m.zukio 9-18mm?
So I bought both. While testing showed in daylight they are about the same, low light was interesting. First the size.
When you see these diminuitive lenses, you may think, I spent how much for this?? But this is one of a few cases where less really IS more.
The Oly lens is about the size of a small jar of baby food, the Panny is probably a about the size of those half cans of Coke. Both are so small/light (compared to the GH1 14-140mm) you may think you forgot the lens. GH1 feels like a toy, but it's really a powerful tool I can carry all day, no sweat.
These ultra-wides beg to be used indoors. Needless to say, you don't always get good lighting indoors. So speed of the lens was a concern. I shot 200 photos in a high end hotel lobby--dim lights, wonderful artwork, walnut bars, you know the place. I shot ISO100 and 400 in raw and on tripod w/ timer to ensure minimal external influence.
Both WA lenses produced RW2's that were brighter than what I saw with the naked eye. Also, both are significantly sharper than the stock GH1 14-140mm lens. While both are pretty sharp lenses, I found the Olympus to be slightly sharper in just about every test I ran. I was astonished I could see details on a wine bottle label 15 feet away in Adobe Bridge.
On balance, the Oly seemed to give me 1/2 stop more metering in same scene (dark hotel lobby). As a result, I found the F4-5.6 of the Oly vs f4 of the Panny to not be significant. The Oly hunted slightly as it was focusing, but the photo betrayed no loss of focus. I still wish they were f/2.8 though, as I was shooting 1/15-1/25 at ISO 400 in the dark hotel.
7mm vs 9mm on WA is significant on m4/3, at least about a foot extra width on either side shooting down a 15' wide entrance hall. If you must have maximum WA, stop reading, go with Panny, if you want slighty sharper pix, go with Oly. I suspect a good RAW workflow could largely equalize these two differences.
Oly screw-on filter nice, but not a must have, unless outdoors a lot. I also wish Oly included a lens hood.
Video out of both lenses gives you what you want, amazing perspective. Slight up/downward angle induces some interesting distortion, straight on (level) with nothing near the lens looks almost widescreen anamorphic. The Panny might be a better choice for video, again the 7mm making a difference.
One recurring thing I saw on message boards was how many missed a shot because they didn't carry their too big/heavy DSLR around. So, size/weight largely led to my taking the risk on largely unproven m4/3 platform. Those of us who took a risk on m4/3 vs the traditional DSLR route are being validated by lenses such as these.
So now I offer a grateful thanks to both OLY/Panny for making selection so darn difficult. First by having a camera that is practical to carry easily and now by astonishing lenses such as these at a fraction of the weight and size and every bit as good as the DSLR for the average shooter. It was difficult to decide.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great size and weight
I wanted a wide angle lens for frequent interior architecture shots and was impressed by the write-ups I've read on this unit. Although the sharpness is OK I failed to find enough to warrant the...Read complete review
I wanted a wide angle lens for frequent interior architecture shots and was impressed by the write-ups I've read on this unit. Although the sharpness is OK I failed to find enough to warrant the price. I love the weight and size but don't like the plasticky feel of the lens or its aesthetic. At 14mm focal length, I could find little advantage of this lens over the wide end of my 14-140 Panasonic Zoom.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 34 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Flash
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Street photography
- Video
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
I use this lens as my general walk-around lens on a Panasonic GF-1 in stead of the usual kit lens.
I purchased this lens refurbished from B&H. It arrived in great condition, and unlike some negative reviews elsewhere, I found my copy pin sharp. Build quality is good, and I expect many years of good use.
Only small issue is that the lens extends forward about twice its length when in use, and it causes the built-in flash of the Panasonic GF-1 to cast a shadow on the subject. A separate flash has to be used with this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Small
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
I love this super-wide lens. It's much more usable than the Panasonic 7-14mm: no huge, bulbous front element, and much smaller and more portable, with a more useful zoom range. Even though it's 9mm narrower, it's still plenty wide and distorts like an ultrawide should.
Optically, this lens is also quite decent. I hear it's not quite as sharp as the Panasonic but still more than good enough. (You won't notice anyway.) The zoom ring is also nicely damped and the focus turns quickly. The aperture isn't constant like the Panasonic though.
Do note that this lens uses a collapsible design, so in usage the lens is about 1.5x longer than it is in its collapsed position.
Obviously for those wanting the best and widest lens, the Panasonic is probably a better choice, but it's nearly twice as expensive. If you just want to shoot wide, the Olympus is definitely the way to go. I'm reluctant to give it five stars, though, because although the optics are very good for the price, they're not quite world-class.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Barrel distortion
- No lens hood
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
I use this lens with my Panasonic GH2. With the 2x crop factor this lens behaves like a 18-36mm. I went with this lens instead of the Lumix Vario 7-14mm because this lens allows the use of filters. I needed the ability to use ND filters and Polar filters. This lens is perfect for outdoor landscape photography. This lens is not good for indoor photography or for shooting buildings/people. It has a lot of barrel distortion at the edges which makes people/buildings look strange. Also, it's a little slow at f4 so shooting indoors will require a slow shutter speed (around 1/30 sec) which is limiting. So seeing as this lens is best outdoors it really needs a hood for sun protection. However it ships without any hood. I tried purchasing a generic "wide angle" hood meant for 16mm lenses but I can see the hood in the frame corners at the lens' widest setting. So I cut out the corners of the lens hood with a hole puncher and now it works fine. Another benefit of this lens is its compact size. It pops out to a long length when you use it and then it collapses into a small package for storage. This gives me more room in my camera bag for other things.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Since I purchase this I have shot about 100 pictures with it. It handles extremely well and the photos have been great. The lens is lightweight and with one other lens I can cover 9-150mm in just two lenses. For travel this is going to work beautifully.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- No lens hood
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Landscapes, closeups. Use it for Panasonic Lumix G1. Cheaper than Panny 7-14mm, tho not quite as wide. Suits my purposes. Would be nice with an included lens shade.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Things that are great about it
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
The question for me was always do I get the Olympus or the Lumix wideangle lense. Having a Panasonic GH1 I was unsure whether there would be any issues using the Olympus lense. I'm happy to say there wasn't! This is a great little wideangle lense and i'd highly recommend it to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Collapsible design
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
This lens provides the same field of view with the lenses with 12-24mm focal length on APS-C body, and its weight is only one third of those lenses. The collapsible design is brilliant. It is definitely one of the must-have lens for M43 user.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
This tiny lens gives fantastic results
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
This lens is small enough to take anywhere and good enough to take stellar photographs! Olympus Zuiko optics do not disappoint. I take this on vacations and trust it to get excellent images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
outdoor landscape
t
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Good Good Good...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compactlightweight
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Sharp
Cons
Best Uses
- Handheld and architecture
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Used with a hacked Panasonic GH1 mostly for video. Super sharp and fast auto focus. Incredibly compact and lightweight. I just wish it were a bit faster.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Great for interiors and landscapes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
is wonderful
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
There is quite a bit of distortion wide open at the edges as expected for a lens this compact and cheap. Very lightweight and compact and for the price, it is adequate.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Little or no distortion, smooth and very quiet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
I use this lens for street shooting, architecture, interiors.
The size and weight is amazing, I cannot think of any wide angle lenses that are even close to this for convenience.
The collapsing barrel is something that some people hate. I appreciate the size benefits of collapsing it and it feels way more solid than the 14-42. Also AF is way faster..the 2 major complaints about the Olympus kit lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
Great for group shots indoors
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Wide angle lens
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 Lens:
I own the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 lens and the 14-45mm that shipped with my GF1.
Since I bought the 9-18mm Olympus lens I use it as my day lens, and the 20mm at night or when I need nice bokeh or really sharp images.
The wide angle is very useful, I'm doing more star trail photography and this lens is what I needed.
It's very light and small, even though it's collapsible it's ready to use in an instant.
I did not expect or care for it to be sharp at all in the corners and it isn't, but I wish it was a bit sharper in the center.
Maybe I just got used to the 20mm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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What's in the Box
- Front and Rear Lens Caps
- Instruction Manual
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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