Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 Lens is a prime telephoto optic for the Micro Four Thirds camera system, and as such can be used on interchangeable lens cameras manufactured by Olympus and Panasonic.

The lens itself is large when compared to other Micro Four Thirds lenses. At 2.5 by 2.7 inches (HD) in size and 10.8 ounces in weigh, it's larger and heavier than the 14-42mm zoom included with the Olympus PEN E-P3 and other PEN cameras.

The build quality is excellent. The M.Zuiko 75mm has a metal lens barrel with a large focusing ring. Its design allows for very quiet focusing, which is a boon for video use, and the ring is there if you prefer the near silence of manual focus.

I used Imatest to measure the image sharpness recorded by the lens. At its widest aperture it managed 2,545 lines per picture height when paired with the Olympus PEN E-P3, which is well in excess of the 1,800 lines required for a sharp image.

Imatest also measures distortion, which is a negligible 0.3 percent in a pincushion pattern.

If you're a Micro Four Thirds shooter and want a fast telephoto optic for low light shooting or portraiture, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8 is an excellent performer.