Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4 SWD Review

The Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm is quite simply one of the best quality zoom lenses we�ve tested to date. Its optical performance is superb, delivering very sharp results across the frame at all focal lengths. The SWD auto-focusing is very quick and quiet, and unlike the motor-assisted manual focusing of most Four Thirds lenses, the mechanically-linked system here feels tactile and responsive. The lens itself is well-built, dust and splash-proof, while its flexible 5x range and bright f2.8-4 aperture will satisfy most photographers for day-to-day use.

In fact it�s quite hard to think of any downsides to this lens. In our optical tests there was some geometric distortion, but no more than you�d find with comparable ranges from other manufacturers. Indeed it delivered lower distortion and vignetting than most premium general-purpose lenses we�ve tested including the Sony Carl Zeiss DT 16-80mm and the Canon EF 24-105mm (the latter tested on both full-frame and cropped bodies). The Olympus lens may cost about 20% more than the Sony, but is about 15% cheaper than the Canon, while beating both models on focal ratio; (although to be fair, the Canon does have built-in IS and is corrected for a larger frame).

Physically you could argue the Olympus 12-60mm is best-matched to the larger Four Thirds bodies like the E-3. It�s acceptable on the E-5xx series, but arguably too big for the smallest E-4xx series where it feels front heavy. You should also beware of the lens barrel casting a shadow with the popup flashes on the smaller bodies when zoomed-out � see our Features page for an example taken with the E-420 � although to be fair this equally affects other larger non-kit lenses on most bodies. Like all bigger lenses, you really should try it for yourself on your body to see if it�s a good match in terms of size, weight and balance.

Gordon Laing

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