Traveling with camera gear can be a daunting task. Unless you’re headed out on a dedicated photo excursion, the idea of lugging an entire backpack of gear around is just not feasible. For that reason, we’ve compiled this list of super zooms that make for the perfect travel companion. No matter which camera you’re using, there’s likely a lens for you.
In this guide, we’re looking at the most practical Micro Four Thirds (MFT) lenses for travel, from all-in-one zooms to lesser-known options that offer fun albeit niche features.
What Is a Micro Four Thirds Sensor
Aside from the better known full-frame and APS-C cameras that dominate the market, a smaller option exists in Micro Four Thirds. This format features an imaging area, or sensor, that is roughly half the size of those found in full-frame cameras. We’ve covered variations in sensor size in greater detail before, but the concept here is simple: the smaller the sensor, the smaller the camera system.
This size advantage is what makes Micro Four Thirds so popular among the travelling photo enthusiast. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the lenses alone can be half the size (if not smaller) than their full-frame counterparts, all while maintaining the same aperture and speeds. Without any further ado, let’s look at five of our highly recommended Micro Four Thirds travel lenses.
Micro Four Thirds does have one major trick up its sleeve, and that’s compatibility. Even across different manufacturers, MFT lenses are compatible with all bodies. What this means is that an OM System lens can be mounted on a Panasonic body and vice versa. Leica and even the cinema camera company Black Magic Designs have dabbled in MFT format cameras as well. And yes, that means we can use any of the following lenses on those cameras.
The Lenses
1. OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/4 IS PRO
Micro Four Thirds users already have the benefit of a smaller, more portable system, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get one lens to do it all. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is just such a lens. It has an effective focal length of 24-200mm, making it the perfect choice for everything from landscape photography to portraits and even some distant sports or wildlife.
One area where Micro Four Thirds lenses excel is their feature set versus their size. The 12-100mm lens is equipped with a constant f/4 aperture, ensuring optimal light gathering capabilities throughout it’s zoom range. Additionally, the lens offers optical stabilization, which allows users to shoot indoors and without worry. If you have a camera with in-body stabilization, the pair will support Synchronized IS, which pairs both stabilization systems to control shake even more.
2. Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f.3,5-5.6 II ASPH Power O.I.S.
While not as wide at the short end as the OM, Panasonic's own 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH Power O.I.S. still packs a punch despite being a relatively older lens. It offers even more reach at the long, providing an effective focal length of 28-280mm. This versatile range is perfect when you have a need to photograph distant subject matter, while keeping your kit exceptionally compact.
The lens also features optical stabilization in the form of Panasonics POWER O.I.S. system, but more impressively it does all of the above while only clocking in at 9 ounces. If weight is a serious factor, this is the lens for you.
3. OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II
For those looking to keep their outfit uniform to one brand, OM System has a more affordable option. That said, what this lens sacrifices to meet a lower price point, it makes up for in reach. The OM System Digital M.Zuiko ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II lens is a great solution, offering an effective range of 28-300mm.
One drawback of not having a constant aperture like the 12-200mm above, is less light-gathering capabilities. On the other hand, this feature makes the lens smaller and lighter, even with the greater zoom range. At just 10 ounces, this lens Is perfect to pair with a small camera body. Whether this kit is hung over your shoulder, or tossed in your backpack, it won’t weigh you down.
4. OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens
300mm is great, and it’s often significantly more than we need. In fact, many full-frame travel lenses max out in the 200-300mm range, with only a few rare optics pushing beyond. That said, there are certainly times where more reach is a good thing. Whether you’re headed out on safari or just a fan of bird watching, having a longer lens can be essential to your trip.
Introducing the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens. This is the perfect Safari companion, offering up to 400mm of effective focal length at the long end and 24mm at the wide end for landscapes and scenic shots. This is truly the most versatile lens on the list, providing everything you’d need for wide-angle landscapes, all the way down to portraits of small birds and other distant subject matter.
5. Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASP
Our last pick, and certainly the odd one out of the bunch, is the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH prime lens. While it’s not an all-in-one zoom lens like the other contenders on this list, it is one of the sharpest, most ergonomically pleasing lenses to use for the Micro Four Thirds mount. It’s small, durable, offers a 30mm effective focal length and it's fast too, with a maximum aperture of f/1.7.
Developed by Panasonic to meet the high standards of German camera manufacturer Leica, this prime features a mechanic aperture ring on the front of the lens, reminiscent of Leica’s own hand-made optics. Additionally, the glass is some of the best Panasonic has to offer, delivering bright, vibrant colors even in some of the toughest lighting conditions.
Take Your Pick
If you’re interested in a lens for travel, consider one of the above options! No matter if you’re shooting Panasonic Lumix, OM system, or even a Micro Four Thirds Leica camera, these lenses will deliver stellar results. They offer versatile zoom ranges and do so in small packages that make trekking around with them all the more bearable. To learn more about all things photography, check out our other articles and guides on the B&H Explora page!
