Ideal walkaround Micro Four Thirds camera lens

Recently I was asked “what is the ideal walkaround micro four-thirds camera lens?”. Of course the answer varies by the style and taste of the individual photographer, but for me the ideal walkabout lens is the Olympus 17mm f1.8 prime lens (34mm equivelant).

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 (Black) for Olympus and Panasonic Micro 4/3 Cameras

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 (Black) for Olympus and Panasonic Micro 4/3 Camerashttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CI3R4VUThe lens works well on the OM-D-EM1, wonderful first lens for the camera. With micro 4/3 the 17mm is the same as a 34mm lens on the full frame specs […] Personally I think that this and the Olympus 45mm 1.8 are two lenses you must have if you own a m4/3 camera… Read more
Olympus 17mm lens (forefront) and 12-40mm (background)

Olympus 17mm lens (forefront) and 12-40mm (background)

The size, weight and construction of the lens all lend themselves to easy handling in a variety of circumstances. The focal length and lens speed are useful in many settings: street photography, family photos, landscape/nature photos… and overall it just provides a very ‘real world’ look to photos.

Paired with a nice Olympus or Panasonic camera body, it is hard to go wrong with the 17mm lens 🙂

A sample photo from the Olympus 17mm F1.8 lens:
wpid-P1300097.JPG

PS If you do not mind a zoom lenses, then the olympus 12-40mm is a capable performer. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive and a tad bulky. A kit lens might serve one better if zoom, small size, and affordability are a requirement.

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