Best OM System Lenses | 2025

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Looking for the best OM System lenses, or indeed the best Olympus lenses? The two things are effectively one and the same, following the sale of the Olympus image division to OM Digital Solutions in 2021, and its subsequent phoenix-like rebirth into OM System. The new system has been a big hit, retaining everything that photographers and videographers loved about Olympus kit while bringing a few new features to the party.

If you haven’t followed all this too closely, don’t worry. Compatibility isn’t an issue; all OM System lenses will still work on Olympus-branded cameras and vice-versa. OM System cameras are part of the Micro Four Thirds standard, co-developed with Panasonic, meaning that all these lenses will also work on Panasonic Lumix G cameras, and again, vice versa. All this gives you a huge amount of freedom and flexibility in building up your kit. Remember that Micro Four Thirds has a 2x crop factor, meaning the stated focal length of a lens is effectively doubled — a 100mm lens behaves like a 200mm lens. 

You may want to take a look at our guide to the best Panasonic lenses, as it includes a whole section of Micro Four Thirds lenses that will also fit your OM System or Olympus camera. Bear in mind that here, as with all our guides, we’ve also taken price and value into account when making our picks — this isn’t just a list of the most expensive OM System lenses you can buy, but the ones we feel provide the most sensible value for most users.

Best OM System portrait lens:

OM SYSTEM/Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.2 PRO Lens

£1,199.00 View

Pros:

  • Flattering 90mm equivalent focal length
  • Beautiful bokeh from F1.2 aperture
  • Superb sharpness with no distortion to speak of

Cons:

  • On the bulky side

Aperture: f1.2 maximum

Focal Length: 45mm (equivalent to 90mm on Micro Four Thirds)

Features: Weather sealing and smooth bokeh rendering

Autofocus: High-speed MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus system

Build Quality: Premium, durable metal construction with weatherproofing


This premium portrait lens is a superior option for people who take pictures on OM System or Olympus cameras. Producing an equivalent focal length of 90mm, it pretty much exactly hits the sweet spot for flattering portraits with crisp separation of subject and background, and with that maximum aperture of F1.2, you’re going to get lovely shallow depth of field with creamy bokeh. 

The image definition and clarity from the OM SYSTEM/Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f1.2 PRO are also truly excellent — with effectively no distortion across the frame. Also, you may not need this too much as a portrait photographer, but on the off-chance you do: the lens is fully weather-sealed

If you need a more affordable option, consider the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f1.8 Digital. It's a bargain of a lens at the same focal length, with a maximum aperture that allows for good separation of subject and background. It’s also a beautifully lightweight lens, weighing just 116g, which is great if your portrait photography involves a lot of travel.

Best OM System lens for wildlife:

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4 IS PRO Lens

£2,099.00 inc. Cashback View

Pros:

  • Much lighter and more affordable than a 600mm full-frame lens would be
  • Works with teleconverters
  • Manual Focus Clutch allows quick switch from auto to manual focusing
  • Superb sharpness

Cons:

  • Some may prefer the flexibility of a zoom

Aperture: f4 maximum

Focal Length: 300mm (equivalent to 600mm on Micro Four Thirds)

Features: Built-in image stabilisation and weather-sealed design

Autofocus: High-speed, precision AF with MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism

Build Quality: Robust, weatherproof metal construction


Exhibiting all the best things about Micro Four Thirds, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4 IS PRO delivers an equivalent focal length of 600mm in full-frame terms, but in a package that is both lighter and cheaper than the equivalent would be for a full-frame system. It’s a stunner of a lens from top to bottom, delivering crisp image quality, fast focusing and a weather-sealed build.

Flare is brilliantly controlled thanks to the Z Coating Nano, and should you need it, there’s an effective stabilisation system to make the telephoto focal length more manageable. Wildlife photographers will also be pleased to learn that the handling of the lens is first rate — we particularly like the manual focus clutch that makes it the work of moments to switch from autofocus to manual. In some situations, you’re best off taking over the focusing yourself.

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, try the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f5-6.3 IS, a stabilised zoom that provides excellent shooting flexibility. Or, if you’ve got a little more budget to spend, the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is a stunning lens that offers incredible range thanks to its built-in teleconverter. 

Best OM System landscape lens:

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 II Lens

£599.00 View

Pros:

  • Affordable and compact
  • Can take front-mounted filters
  • Good sharpness throughout range

Cons:

  • You may prefer a wider angle of view
  • Not weather-sealed

Aperture: f4.0–f5.6 variable maximum

Focal Length: 9-18mm (equivalent to 18-36mm on Micro Four Thirds)

Features: Compact, lightweight design with ultra-wide-angle versatility

Autofocus: High-speed contrast-detection AF for quick, accurate focusing

Build Quality: Sturdy plastic construction with a retractable barrel for portability


Offering a solid wide-angle zoom range equivalent of 18-36mm, this OM System lens is an excellent choice for landscapes that won’t break the bank. It’s much less bulky than many similar lenses for other systems, and with a constant aperture of F4, gives you plenty of flexibility. Also, unlike wide-angle with bulbous front elements, it supports the attachment of front-mounted filters with a 52mm thread, bringing circular polarisers and ND filters into play.

Image quality is stellar across the board, with a construction of 12 elements in eight groups suppressing distortion and chromatic aberration. Also, it’s nice to see the lens packaged with a lens hood — not all manufacturers do that. If you have a bit more budget and are looking for a premium landscape lens, it’s also worth considering the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm f2.8 PRO, which gives you an even wider angle of view and a constant aperture of f2.8

Best OM System lens for video:

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm f4-5.6 II Lens - Black

£599.00 View

Pros:

  • Flexible zoom range
  • Minimal focusing noise
  • Full weather-sealing and lightweight build

Cons:

  • Vloggers may want a wider angle of view

Aperture: f4–f5.6 

Focal Length: 14-150mm (equivalent to 28-300mm on Micro Four Thirds)

Features: Weather sealing and versatile zoom range for all-purpose use

Autofocus: High-speed MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus system

Build Quality: Lightweight, durable construction with weather resistance


Specifically optimised for video use, the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital 14-150mm f4-5.6 II delivers ultra quiet focusing to ensure that noise doesn’t interfere with your recording. Its equivalent focal range of 28-300mm is nicely flexible for video shooters — you’ll likely be hanging around the wider end mostly, but that telephoto reach is nice to have if you need it. The lens is also completely weatherproof, with comprehensive sealing, and it packs down nice and small into a kit bag, making it a good option for travelling videographers.

If you do want a little more play at the wide end, then you can also consider the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 Mk II PRO, an impressive lens that’s optimised for movie capture as well as stills. It also has a constant F2.8 aperture, whereas the 14-150mm offers a variable F4-5.6 aperture — though of course, all this does mean it costs a bit more. 

Best OM System lens for travel:

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3 Lens

£679.00 inc. Cashback View

Pros:

  • Flexible zoom range
  • Superb image quality throughout range
  • Effective stabilisation
  • Close focusing distance

Cons:

  • Not the best for blurring backgrounds

Aperture: f4 maximum

Focal Length: 12-100mm (equivalent to 24-200mm)

Features: Built-in image stabilisation and weather-sealed construction

Autofocus: High-speed MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus system

Build Quality: Rugged, weatherproof metal construction


Many travel photographers find they like the idea of a do-it-all superzoom lens, in theory, but just can’t find one that offers the level of quality they need. Well, the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f4.0 IS PRO is that lens. Not only does it offer a 24-200mm equivalent zoom range that is practically going to cover the majority of subjects you’ll shoot on your travels, but it’s also absolutely dazzling throughout that entire range in terms of sharpness, contrast and image quality.

OM System has also done plenty of work to make the lens useable for travel shooters. At 561g, it’s not overly light, but nor is it prohibitively heavy. Plus, the image stabilisation system is an absolute standout — it’s hugely effective, especially when paired with a compatible OM System body offering its own stabilisation, and allows you to use lower ISOs and slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This compensates very nicely for the F4 maximum aperture, which is a little narrower than some users may like, and also means this may not be a lens for those who really like to shoot with a shallow depth of field.

If your budget is a little tighter, consider the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-200mm f3.5-6.3, which offers even more zooming power and a lighter build at 455g, though you don’t get that silky-smooth built-in stabilisation. 

Best OM System street lens:

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f1.4 PRO Lens

£524.00 inc. Cashback View

Pros:

  • Great focal length for everyday photography
  • Weather-sealed
  • Does well in low light

Cons:

  • No manual focus clutch

Aperture: f1.4 maximum

Focal Length: 20mm (equivalent to 40mm on Micro Four Thirds)

Features: Weather-sealed design and smooth bokeh rendering

Autofocus: High-speed MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) autofocus system

Build Quality: Premium, lightweight metal construction with weatherproofing


This is just a great lens. Delivering a 40mm equivalent focal length, it feels like a real throwback to the classic era of street photography, and anyone looking for a day-to-day prime for that kind of work should definitely consider it. A 40mm focal length is nicely balanced, giving a little more field of view than a standard nifty fifty without compromising on that naturalistic-feeling perspective. 

Also, the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 20mm f1.4 PRO has one big ace in the hole — that F1.4 maximum aperture, which makes it so much more versatile and useable in low light, meaning you can continue your shooting more easily even when the sun starts to dip. There’s something of a paucity of physical controls, with no manual focus clutch or Fn button to speak of, but having the full OM System weather-sealing goes some way to making up for it. 

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FAQs

Are OM SYSTEM lenses compatible with all Olympus cameras?

Yes, OM SYSTEM lenses are designed to be fully compatible with Olympus Micro Four Thirds cameras. They use the same mount system, ensuring seamless functionality and excellent performance across the range.

Are OM SYSTEM lenses weather-sealed?

Many OM SYSTEM lenses offer robust weather sealing, with protection against dust, moisture, and freezing conditions. Always check the specific lens specifications to confirm its weather resistance.

Do OM SYSTEM lenses have image stabilisation?

Some OM SYSTEM lenses include built-in image stabilisation, which works alongside Olympus cameras’ in-body stabilisation for enhanced performance. This feature is particularly beneficial for handheld shooting and low-light conditions.

Are OM SYSTEM lenses good for professional photography?

OM SYSTEM lenses are highly regarded for their optical quality, durable construction, and advanced features, making them suitable for professional use in various genres, including portraiture, wildlife, and landscape photography.

How do OM SYSTEM lenses compare to third-party lenses?

OM SYSTEM lenses are optimised for Olympus cameras, ensuring superior integration and performance. While third-party lenses can be a cost-effective alternative, OM SYSTEM lenses are often preferred for their build quality, weather sealing, and optical precision.



How do we decide?


Our in-house photography experts, store staff and partners all work collaboratively to pour over our guides and tips articles. We also consider emerging trends and customer feedback to make sure our guides are always up-to-date and reflective of what people are truly looking for. By curating only the best products, our guides provide trustworthy recommendations, making it easier for customers to make informed choices with confidence.

If you would like more advice on any purchase our contact centre staff are here to help. Alternatively, you can reach us via email or social media. And don't forget. If you were to purchase anything based on our recommendations you'll be covered by our full returns policy