Terrific bokeh and amazing colour balence controle in any lighting situation accuratly reproduces the tones thaks to olympus.

This is an outstanding zoom lens for the 4/3 system. I use this lens often, second only to the 14-35 mm lens I leave on the camera for general use. It is outstanding as a portrait lens especially when used outdoors; the shallow depth of field allows for a pleasing bokeh. I use it primarily on the E3 body; this combination is weather resistant and I have used it in the rain and in all sorts of foul weather and adverse conditions. The optics are fantastic. It is heavy but still good for handheld use. I keep a neutral density filter on it to protect the optics.

I've owned this lens for a little more than 1 year and have shot about 8000 pictures with it. Each is gorgeous, with great sharpness, contrast and beautiful color saturation. What a treat this lens is to the art of photography! I was a Canon shooter in my film days, converted over 2 years ago for the Zuiko digital lenses. I was right in doing so. The Olympus E3 and these lenses are a magnificent match, and I'm getting the E5 soon. The pictures are simply phenomenal. My standard lens is the 12-60mm, and it's also a 5-star performer. This one has the range and brightness, though, that gets you "the shot" that you can enlarge and work with. Very beautifully made; tough in the field, terrific optics! Go get one!