Olympus OM-Zuiko 40mm f2.0 Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

Adamski
( Intermediate)

Review Date
December 10, 2007

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 1 of 8

Price Paid: $499.00 from Ebay

Summary:

Ok this lens is expensive for what it is! But i wanted one bad and somehow hit the buy now button before I knew what I was doing! Any regrets? Hell no! This lens is sharp! It is the perfect focal length for most people shots and it lives permanently on my OM4Ti. Its contrasty as hell and is just so small.

The known filter problem isn't an issue at all. You just have to be aware that turning the aperture turns the filter thread, Big Deal! It takes 2 seconds to readjust and its just one of those quirks that kinda makes me love this little lens more.

I cant rave on enough about this wee gem of a lens. To me the 50mm was always just a tiny bit too tight. 40mm solves this perfectly.

I'm giving this wee cracker 4 stars for value just because I have easily got my moneys worth from it already.

Strengths:

Super Sharp and contrasty from f4 up. Super compact. Perfect 'everything' lens.

Weaknesses:

None.

Similar Products Used:

zuiko 21mm,24mm,28mm,35mm,50mm,100mm,200mm

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Rating
Reviewed by:

dos_ojos
( Intermediate)

Review Date
November 13, 2006

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 2 of 8

Price Paid: $160.00 from Fom Shutterbug Ads 1

Summary:

I bought this lens because the 50mm wasn't quite wide enough for street and outdoor photography. It's sharp even at f2, and it's got a small, flat profile, light weight which is perfect for backpacking. Having used a Nikon F, I must say the OM cameras and their lenses are the most underrated of all SLRs. Small, light, bright viewfinder, and durable.

One of the best features that oddly enough no one has mentioned is that this lens focuses much closer than the 50mm lens. It's not quite a macro, but it's a pleasant added bonus.

I don't know why Olympus made so few of these lenses. It's become very expensive on Ebay. I've been looking for a 2cd one so I can mount 2 OM1s side x side as a stereo camera.

Strengths:

Small size, low weight, sharpness, speed, close fucusing capability!

Weaknesses:

Absurd prices on the second hand market.

Similar Products Used:

Zuiko 24mm, 28mm, 50mm.

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Rating
Reviewed by:

hvlems
( Intermediate)

Review Date
August 21, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 3 of 8

Price Paid: $240.00 from Tokyo

Summary:

I bought the 40 mm lens in 1988 mainly because it was so small. It's sharp, as fast as a standard lens, and has, barely visable, a somewhat wider angle of course. I hardly use the 50 mm lens any more.

Strengths:

Low weight, small size and excellent imaging properties (sharp, brilliant).

Weaknesses:

If there is a Zuiko without fault than this is it!

Similar Products Used:

none

Customer Service:

It's still in near mint condition.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Abid Hussain
(Intermediate)

Review Date
March 24, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 4 of 8

Price Paid: $0.00 from Campkins Camera Exch

Summary:

By now, this outfit has moved out of history and into legend! An astonishing little lense that gives sharpness almost indistinguishable from top of the range professional lenses. Use a tripod and a shutter release and you will see detail you never thought was possible! Use a good ISO-100 film (avoid Kodak if possible) and get it developed at a reputable developer - avoid those 1-hour shops on the High Street and especially supermarkets!

Strengths:

Sharp, sharp, sharp. I know I said that three times, but its so true I thought I'd re-inforce it.

Weaknesses:

Not possible to attach a lens hood.

Similar Products Used:

None in this range/age.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Cliff LeSergent
(Expert)

Review Date
May 31, 2001

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 5 of 8

Summary:

It's now considered more of a collector's item, so prices for used ones are a bit silly, but this lens delivers superb photos!

Strengths:

Superb sharpness and contrast, great tonal range. Comparable to the best Leitz and Zeiss lenses.

Note: The Zeiss 45 f2.8 is the "pancake" lens, much smaller than the Penax or Olympus versions

Weaknesses:

None!

Similar Products Used:

Pentax 40mm f2.8 - poor sharpness, not much contrast

Customer Service:

Not needed

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