Overview of Four Thirds Lenses

Developments in advanced lens design have arguably been at the center of Four Thirds. Olympus and Panasonic conceptualized their lenses for the new imaging system from the ground up for digital photography. In particular, they chose to produce lenses that are telecentric, so that the light rays hit the digital sensor orthogonally. As a result, FT-lenses show a very high and even sharpness from corner to corner. Also, FT-lenses tend to reach a high level of contrast and sharpness already at their widest aperture, so that there is little need to stop the lens down in order to improve image quality.

Moreover, the relatively small sensor in FT cameras has made it possible to reduce the size and weight of 43-lenses, so that many optics are more compact than corresponding lenses for APS-C or full frame systems that provide the same angle of view. Four Thirds lenses have a format factor of 2, meaning that an FT-lens with a focal length of 25mm provides the same field of view as a 50mm lens on a 35mm-full frame camera. Moreover, the Four Thirds lens delivers a depth of field that is 2 aperture stops wider than a 35mm-full frame lens with the same angle of view, so that it is easier to get the main subject in sharp focus. On the other hand, using FT-lenses makes it more difficult to achieve a very narrow depth of field that is sometimes desired in portrait photography.

Since the launch of the FT-system in 2003, the lens catalog expanded quickly over the following years. It grew to comprise a total of more than 50 optics with native FT-mounts. In 2008, Micro Four Thirds was created as a mirrorless camera system with an even shorter flange-focal-distance, thus making it possible to realize substantial further reductions in lens size and weight. While mFT quickly superseded FT, all FT-lenses can be operated on mFT cameras with full aperture control when using an FT to mFT adapter. However, the autofocus performance of FT-lenses will fall short of that of native mFT lenses on mFT cameras, unless the camera has on-sensor phase-detect pixels (like the OMD-EM-1) or the FT-lens has an Imager-AF module designed to work with contrast-detect autofocus systems (like the newer Olympus 2.8/25mm, 4-5.6/9-18mm, 3.5-5.6/14-42mm, 2.8-3.5/14-54mm II, 4-5.6/40-150mm, and 4-5.6/70-300mm).

Olympus released a total of 24 FT-lenses, Panasonic 4, Sigma 14, and Samyang 15. Three of the 57 optics are revised versions of earlier lenses: The Olympus 50-200mm SWD received the silent and quick Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus motor in 2007, the Olympus 14-54mm II was upgraded with the Imager-AF module in 2008, and the Samyang 85mm was redesigned with internal focus mechanisms. Production of the original lens-versions stopped when the new designs arrived.

Olympus grouped its Four Thirds lenses into three categories: Super-High Grade (SHG), High Grade (HG), and Standard Grade (SG). SHG lenses are optically excellent primes and constant maximum aperture zooms, including the world's first interchangeable f/2 zooms (the 14-35mm and the 35-100mm). They are of exceptional build quality and feature environmental seals against dust and moisture. The HG lenses are also weather sealed and provide very high optical performance, with the 12-60mm and the 50-200mm being particularly popular among enthusiast photographers for their versatility and imaging quality in a compact package. The SG lenses lenses are affordable, highly portable optics that nevertheless can offer very high optical performance. For example, the 9-18mm or the 35mm Macro are very well regarded as quality lenses at budget prices. Olympus officially discontinued its FT lens line in March 2017.

None of the Sigma or Samyang lenses were custom-made for FT, but represent modified versions of their APS-C or full frame lens offerings. They do not provide a telecentric design, but as they are conceived to cover a larger imaging circle, only the central, "sweet spot" of the lens is used on FT-cameras, so that aberrations towards the borders and edges of the projection frame are not visible. The Sigma lenses support autofocus, while the Samyang offerings (also sold under the Rokinon brand name) require manual focusing.

Due to the relatively short flange-focal-distance of 38.67mm, lenses from many other camera systems can be mounted and used on FT-cameras via adapters. These adapters (see here on ebay) are purely mechanical devices that do not transmit any exposure or focusing information between the lens and the camera, so that aperture and focus have to be set manually. However, some adapters have a "dandelion" chip installed, which reveals lens-specific EXIF data to the camera, makes it possible to use AF confirmation, and indicates the correct focal length, so that the in-body Image Stabilization can work properly. Adapters corresponding to lenses for Olympus OM, Leica R, Nikon F, Minolta MD, M42, Pentax K, and Yashica/Contax exist. There are also adapters for Canon FD lenses, but these adapter-lens combinations do not achieve infinity focus (as the flange-focal-distance of Canon FD is only 3.3mm longer than FT, and a sufficiently robust adapter needs to be thicker), so that they are mainly of interest for macro photography. Also, the bayonet mount and flange distance of Konica AR lenses is very similar to FT and some photo enthusiasts have converted Konica Hexanon lenses for use on FT-cameras.

Below is a grouped listing of all lenses with a native Four Thirds mount and their core specifications. The manual Peleng 3.5/8mm fisheye lens (here on ebay), is included, even though it is mounted onto FT-cameras via an M42-to-FT mount adapter and thus strictly speaking not a native 43-lens. However, it has been quite popular with Four Thirds users trying to explore the fisheye perspective at a reasonable price and, thus, deserves honorable mention in this compendium.

Four Thirds Lenses

		Lens Designation	Focus System (type)	Filter Type (size)	Weather Sealing (y/n)	Lens Dimensions (dia x len)	Lens Weight (net)	Product Launch (year)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)
1		Olympus ZD 7-14mm f/4 ED	AF	n	Y	87 x 120 mm	780 g	2004	1,799	ebay.com
2		Olympus ZD FE 8mm f/3.5 ED	AF	n	Y	79 x 77 mm	485 g	2005	799	ebay.com
3		Samyang 8mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fisheye	MF	n	n	75 x 80 mm	428 g	2009	299	ebay.com
4		Peleng 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye	MF	n	n	73 x 66 mm	370 g	2010	229	ebay.com
5		Samyang 8mm f/3.5 UMC Fish-Eye CS II	MF	n	n	78 x 80 mm	430 g	2012	329	ebay.com
6		Olympus ZD 9-18mm f/4-5.6 ED	AF	72	n	80 x 73 mm	275 g	2008	599	ebay.com
7		Samyang 10mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS CS	MF	n	n	87 x 111 mm	610 g	2013	599	ebay.com
8		Sigma AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM	AF	77	n	84 x 86 mm	495 g	2008	479	ebay.com
9		Olympus ZD 11-22mm f/2.8-3.5	AF	72	Y	75 x 93 mm	485 g	2003	799	ebay.com
10		Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS FISH-EYE	MF	n	n	77 x 78 mm	530 g	2014	499	ebay.com
11		Olympus ZD 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD	SWD	72	Y	80 x 99 mm	575 g	2007	999	ebay.com
12		Samyang 14mm f/2.8 ED AS IF UMC	MF	n	n	87 x 101 mm	560 g	2010	399	ebay.com
13		Olympus ZD 14-35mm f/2.0 SWD	SWD	77	Y	86 x 123 mm	915 g	2005	2,299	ebay.com
14		Olympus ZD 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6	AF	58	n	65 x 61 mm	190 g	2006	249	ebay.com
15		Olympus ZD 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6	AF	58	n	71 x 87 mm	285 g	2005	299	ebay.com
16		Panasonic-Leica 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 OIS	AF	72	n	79 x 103 mm	490 g	2006	999	ebay.com
17		Panasonic-Leica 14-50mm f/3.8-5.6 OIS	AF	67	n	75 x 93 mm	434 g	2007	699	ebay.com
18		Olympus ZD 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5	AF	67	Y	74 x 88 mm	435 g	2003	499	ebay.com
19		Olympus ZD 14-54mm f/2.8-3.5 II	AF	67	Y	75 x 89 mm	440 g	2008	599	ebay.com
20		Panasonic-Leica 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS	XSM	72	n	79 x 90 mm	520 g	2007	1,699	ebay.com
21		Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS	MF	77	n	83 x 95 mm	600 g	2013	399	ebay.com
22		Olympus ZD 17.5-45mm f/3.5-5.6	AF	52	n	71 x 70 mm	210 g	2005	199	ebay.com
23		Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Asp. IF	AF	67	n	74 x 84 mm	445 g	2006	449	ebay.com
24		Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC	AF	58	n	68 x 68 mm	270 g	2004	149	ebay.com
25		Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF	AF	58	n	77 x 107 mm	405 g	2004	349	ebay.com
26		Olympus ZD 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3	AF	62	n	78 x 85 mm	435 g	2005	499	ebay.com
27		Samyang 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC	MF	77	n	83 x 94 mm	530 g	2016	599	ebay.com
28		Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC	MF	77	n	83 x 103 mm	680 g	2008	669	ebay.com
29		Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS IF UMC	MF	77	n	83 x 103 mm	595 g	2011	599	ebay.com
30		Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro	AF	77	n	84 x 88 mm	520 g	2006	549	ebay.com
31		Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC Tilt/Shift	MF	82	n	86 x 115 mm	720 g	2012	999	ebay.com
32		Panasonic-Leica 25mm f/1.4 D Summilux	AF	62	n	75 x 78 mm	510 g	2007	1,099	ebay.com
33		Olympus ZD 25mm f/2.8	AF	43	n	64 x 24 mm	95 g	2008	249	ebay.com
34		Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM	AF	62	n	77 x 59 mm	430 g	2006	449	ebay.com
35		Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC	MF	77	n	83 x 117 mm	720 g	2011	599	ebay.com
36		Olympus ZD 35mm f/3.5 Macro	AF	52	n	71 x 53 mm	165 g	2005	229	ebay.com
37		Olympus ZD 35-100mm f/2.0 ED	AF	77	Y	97 x 214 mm	1,650 g	2005	2,499	ebay.com
38		Olympus ZD 40-150mm f/3.5-4.5	AF	58	n	77 x 107 mm	425 g	2005	499	ebay.com
39		Olympus ZD 40-150mm f/4-5.6 ED	AF	58	n	66 x 72 mm	220 g	2006	279	ebay.com
40		Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM	AF	77	n	85 x 74 mm	530 g	2008	499	ebay.com
41		Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC	MF	77	n	82 x 80 mm	545 g	2014	499	ebay.com
42		Olympus ZD 50mm f/2.0 Macro	AF	52	Y	71 x 62 mm	300 g	2003	499	ebay.com
43		Olympus ZD 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED	AF	67	Y	87 x 157 mm	1,070 g	2003	1,199	ebay.com
44		Olympus ZD 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD	SWD	67	Y	87 x 157 mm	1,145 g	2007	1,199	ebay.com
45		Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 APO EX DG HSM	AF	86	n	95 x 219 mm	1,840 g	2005	1,099	ebay.com
46		Sigma 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DC	AF	55	n	72 x 93 mm	330 g	2004	159	ebay.com
47		Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG HSM Macro	AF	77	n	87 x 190 mm	1,385 g	2007	799	ebay.com
48		Olympus ZD 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ED	AF	58	n	80 x 127 mm	620 g	2007	399	ebay.com
49		Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF	MF	72	n	78 x 80 mm	522 g	2008	299	ebay.com
50		Samyang 85mm f/1.4 AS IF UMC	MF	72	n	78 x 80 mm	520 g	2013	399	ebay.com
51		Olympus ZD 90-250mm f/2.8 ED	AF	105	Y	124 x 276 mm	3,270 g	2005	5,999	ebay.com
52		Samyang 100mm f/2.8 ED UMC MACRO	MF	67	n	73 x 128 mm	715 g	2015	599	ebay.com
53		Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro	AF	58	n	74 x 95 mm	450 g	2006	799	ebay.com
54		Samyang 135mm f/2.0 ED UMC	MF	77	n	82 x 127 mm	830 g	2015	599	ebay.com
55		Sigma 135-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG	AF	77	n	84 x 189 mm	1,280 g	2006	749	ebay.com
56		Olympus ZD 150mm f/2.0 ED	AF	82	Y	100 x 150 mm	1,610 g	2004	2,499	ebay.com
57		Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM IF Macro	AF	72	n	80 x 137 mm	895 g	2006	729	ebay.com
58		Olympus ZD 300mm f/2.8 ED	AF	rear	Y	127 x 285 mm	3,290 g	2003	6,999	ebay.com
59		Samyang 300mm f/6.3 ED UMC CS	MF	58	n	65 x 81 mm	285 g	2013	299	ebay.com
60		Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO HSM IF	AF	rear	n	166 x 544 mm	5,880 g	2006	7,999	ebay.com

Olympus as the lead company within the Four Thirds consortium used to publish a lens roadmap to give FT users some visibility on upcoming releases. All the envisioned lenses were launched, except one. A 100mm high-grade macro lens featured over several years on the roadmap. Yet, that lens never materialized.

You are here:  Home  »  Lens Hub  »  Four Thirds Lenses