M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8

More than from a zoom or any other lens, I want superior optical performance from a prime lens, and this lens has it. The MTF charts for this and the M.Zuiko 25mm Pro show that this lens is the better of the two in the performance aspects that matter to me, and my experience with it bears that out. As a WWII living historian portraying a Signal Corps officer, I shoot a lot of B&W, and I am well pleased with the results I get from this lens on my PEN-F. The sharpness falls off very much like that of the human eye, like an old Zeiss Tessar. I love all of my M.Zuiko lenses, wouldn't trade them for anything else, but this 25mm ƒ/1.8 lens is the one I wouldn't be without.

I've only recently received this lens, so I intend to follow up with a second review in due course, after I've spent more time with it. First impressions match what others have posted here, so no need to rehash. Suffice it to say that either it, or the new new 12-25 F4 PRO lens will be on my OMD E-5 Mark III, 99% of the time (I'm leaving that other 1% for a future lens, probably a prime). As this is my first prime, I will need to get use to it a bit more compared to a zoom, but even so, the few test shots I've taken in absolutely horrid light have been impressive so far. Quick to focus, words are sharp and certainly legible, etc. I'm clearly in the enthusiast group of photographers, and am no pro, nor do I have such aspirations. But I'm fortunate enough to have this particular camera/lens combo (I bought the E-5 kit w/the 12-45, so the 25mm is an add-on). But with these two lenses, I can accomplish much of the types of photography I'm into. The 25mm in its own right could be an awesome "kit" lens with this camera body as well, it's so versatile--though I understand why short zooms tend to be the norm. Anyway, it's an excellent one-two punch for whatever constitutes your lens collection as I expect that most of us have a go-to lens (for me that'll be the 12-45 much of the time), but the 25mm could satisfy that role too; having both at one's disposal is icing on the cake.