Pro 12-100 Review

This article provides some insights and observations regarding  the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS zoom in the form of a hands-on review. Our lens was purchased almost three years ago. So… a fair amount of time has elapsed which helped me formulate this assessment.

As you read this review please keep in mind that I’ve never been a pixel peeper. You won’t see anything blown up to ridiculous levels of minutiae with commentary about miniscule differences that are meaningless in the real world.

Nor am I in the habit of regurgitating specifications that are readily found all over the internet. This is a hands-on review built around a number of years using this lens in the field. In real world situations and conditions.  My own money is invested in this lens. I was not compensated in any way to create this hands-on review.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 17 mm, efov 34 mm, f/7.1, 1/125, ISO-200

When I was first investigating the Olympus M4/3 camera system back in May 2019, one of the lenses that I was able to try out as part of my participation in the Olympus Pro Loaner Program was the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS zoom.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 23 mm, efov 46 mm, f/8, 1/640, ISO-200

The lens performed very well during my extended test period, but I did not initially purchase this lens as the f/4 aperture was too slow for my client video business.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 57 mm, efov 114 mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-200

In addition, its focal length duplicated portions of ranges of other M.Zuiko PRO f/2.8 zooms that I purchased for my low light/client video needs. At that time, the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS seemed like an ‘odd duck’ that just wasn’t a good fit for the work that I was doing.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 16 mm, efov 32 mm, f/8, 1/60, ISO-200

After deciding to purchase the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS telephoto zoom, I had another look at the PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS. I  bought a copy of this zoom in 2020 as I thought it would be an ideal travel zoom companion to pair up with the 100-400 mm.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/8, 1/125, ISO-200

These two lenses allow me to shoot from 12 mm to 400 mm (efov 24 mm to 800 mm) without any focal length overlap. With teleconverters this extends to 560 mm (efov 1120 mm @ f/9) or 800 mm (efov 1600 mm @ f/13). This two lens pairing seemed logical and efficient to me, especially for travel photography.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 54 mm, efov 108 mm, f/8, 1/1000, ISO-200

With the arrival of COVID-19 lockdowns and related travel restrictions I didn’t have any significant opportunities to use the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS as a travel zoom for a couple of years. During this time I did use it periodically to photograph other subject matter. Some sample images are included towards the end of this hands-on review.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-200

Our recent two week self-drive photography tour of Newfoundland was my first significant opportunity to use the lens for an extended period of time. And… put it to use for my intended purpose of travel photography.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 18 mm, efov 36 mm, f/8, 1/1250, ISO-200

The M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS performed admirably during our Newfoundland photography tour, meeting the objectives I had for it as a travel zoom. It provided the “one lens” flexibility that I needed to photograph a range of travel related subject matter. I put the entire focal length range of 12 mm to 100 mm to good use during our Newfoundland trip.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 44 mm, efov 88 mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-200

As noted in earlier article, we only had a few sunny days sprinkled into our two weeks of travel in Newfoundland. Most of the time we faced inclement weather in the forms of fog, rain, strong winds, and even a bit of snow mixed in.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 61 mm, efov 122 mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-200

The weather sealing of the PRO 12-100 mm was really put to the test during our trip and it performed flawlessly. I never hesitated going out in the rain with it mounted on my E-M1X.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 29 mm, efov 58 mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-200

The focal length range of 12-100 mm is ideal for most situations that travellers would typically face. There were only a few instances during our trip that I wished I had also brought my PRO 7-14 mm f/2.8 zoom with me.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 25 mm, efov 50 mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-200

Like other PRO lenses in the M.Zuiko line up, the optical performance of the 12-100 mm f/4 IS is very strong with excellent sharpness and colour rendition. Build quality is also robust with the lens continuing to operate smoothly and flawlessly. During our trip I shot in manual mode using a single, small AF point and found the autofocusing performance remained fast and accurate.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 50 mm, efov 100 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-200

From a cost standpoint some photographers may look at the M.Zuiko PRO 12-45 mm f/4 combined with the PRO 40-150 f/4. In total, these two lenses would cost about $200 CDN more than PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 20 mm, efov 40 mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-200

Whether that lens purchase decision makes sense would likely come down to how much an individual photographer values a single lens solution, additional image stabilization with Sync-IS, and having a focus clutch.  For my needs, I’d still choose the single lens travel solution.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 28 mm, efov 58 mm, f/8, 1/200, ISO-200

My wife uses the M.Zuiko 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II for all of her general and travel photography. This is another travel zoom option that some folks would consider. That lens is about half the price of the PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS but has some trade-offs. These include the lack of a constant aperture, no Sync-IS, no focus clutch, and somewhat weaker optical performance. For my wife, the size and weight of the 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 II, along with it very flexible focal length range, makes it her best solution.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-200

The M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS is a great choice for photographers who don’t need a zoom lens with a constant aperture faster than f/4. But, they do want a flexible focal length range for travel and every day use.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 24 mm, efov 48 mm, f/8, 1/125, ISO-200

The PRO 12-100 can be combined with the M.Zuiko PRO 8-25 mm f/4 and the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS to form a very capable and flexible three lens kit.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 41 mm, efov 82 mm, f/6.3, 1/400, ISO-200

While in Newfoundland on our two week photography tour I was able to constantly shoot at base ISO-200 without any problem. The IBIS performance of my E-M1X coupled with the Sync-IS available with the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS made shooting handheld at shutter speeds as slow as 1/2 second basically a no brainer.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 50 mm, efov 100 mm, f/4, 1/5, ISO-200

While visiting the Bonavista Museum I had the opportunity to capture a few images utilizing slower shutter speeds. This included the incredibly life-like display statue illustrated above. This was captured using a focal length of 50 mm (efov 100 mm) and a shutter speed of 1/5 second.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 29 mm, efov 58 mm, f/4, 1/4, ISO-200

This display was captured using a focal length of 29 mm (efov 58 mm) and a shutter speed of 1/4 second.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/4, 1/2, ISO-200

This image of three mallets was created using a focal length of 100 mm (efov 200 mm) with a shutter speed of 1/2 second.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 86 mm, efov 172 mm, f/4, 1/10, ISO-200

This antique sewing machine was photographed using a focal length of 86 mm (efov 172 mm) with a shutter speed of 1/10 second. The image below of some models of cod in a fishing museum display was created using a focal length of 70 mm (efov 140 mm) and a shutter speed of 0.6 seconds.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 70 mm, efov 140 mm, f/4, 0.6 sec, ISO-200

When one needs to travel with a minimum amount of camera gear, the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS shines and proves to be a real workhorse of a lens. As mentioned earlier, it can make a great companion lens for the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 86 mm, efov 172 mm, f/10, 1/2, ISO-64, Live ND

While in Newfoundland I did have a few opportunities to use this lens with my E-M1X’s Live ND technology. The photograph above was captured in bright sunlight at f/10. I took my ISO down to ISO-64 in order to get an appropriate shutter speed of 1/2 second. As is the case with all of my M4/3 photography, the image was captured handheld.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 12 mm, f/8, -0.5 EV, 1/250, ISO-200

While visiting the Brigus Tunnel I had the opportunity to use the HDR1 function on my E-M1X. This enables the E-M1X to take four images in rapid succession, then combine them in camera. The resulting RAW file can then be adjusted in post.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS @ 24 mm, efov 48 mm, f/5.6, 4 sec, ISO-200

As noted earlier, prior to our recent trip to Newfoundland I used the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS periodically over the past few years. The image above was captured handheld using a focal length of 24 mm (efov 48 mm), f/5.6, with a shutter speed of 4 seconds.

When good technique is used, quite slow handheld shutter speeds can be achieved by leveraging the 12-100’s Sync-IS. This enables a photographer to maximize the available dynamic range of their  Olympus/OM System camera by regularly using base ISO-200.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS with Kenko extension tube @ 75 mm, f/5, 1/250, ISO-200, handheld in-camera focus stacking, subject distance 2.7 metres

I’ve also experimented using extension tubes with the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS when doing close-up photography. Very good results can be achieved when using handheld in-camera focusing stacking with this set-up.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS with 10mm extension tube, 92mm, f/4, 1/25, ISO-800, handheld in-camera focus stacking

This approach for close-up photography can also be used with various animals in captive settings. While true 1:1 macro can’t be achieved, the close-up images can be quite good and visually arresting.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 44 mm, efov 88 mm, f/4, 1/200, ISO-80, handheld in-camera focus stacking

Good subject separation can be achieved when using the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS. Given the f/4 minimum aperture attention needs to be paid to the distance to the subject, and especially the subject distance to the background.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, f/4, 1/320, ISO-800

The M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS can also be used for documentary/industrial photography. The focal length range makes the lens extremely flexible when adjustments with compositions need to be made very quickly.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS PRO @54 mm, efov 108 mm, f/5.6, 1/50, ISO-5000, Hand-held Hi Res Mode

The Sync-IS capability of the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 f/4 IS comes in handy when using Olympus/OM System technology like Handheld Hi Res. This zoom lens delivers a ton of photographic potential in an easy-to-handle package.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 12-100 mm f/4 IS PRO @ 12 mm, f/8, 1/10, ISO-200

Am I suggesting that folks should run out right away and buy this lens? Absolutely not. Purchasing any lens should only be done when a thorough assessment of an individual photographer’s needs has been done.

For some photographers other M.Zuiko zoom lenses, perhaps those that were previously mentioned in this article, may make more sense for them.

The M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS has been an excellent addition to my overall kit. For me, it is best utilized as a travel lens, and as a companion to the M.Zuiko 100-400. If I had not already decided to purchase the M.Zuiko 100-400… I would never have bought the PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS as it would have remained an “odd duck”.

But… that’s just me. Other photographers may find that the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS is the cornerstone of their kit.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data.  Images were produced from RAW files using my standard process. This is the 1,289 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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8 thoughts on “Pro 12-100 Review”

  1. I bought it recently (second hand) and i use it with ny lumix g9 and my em1 iii. It is a bit long and heavy but it is perfect for video and probably the best travel lens. Basically it can handle everything.

  2. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the 12-100. I have one too and can totally confirm your report. I’m glad that they made it a little bigger but constant f/4 and very good optical quality. Occasionally I need a little less focal length than 12mm too. Then I just take two pictures with slightly shifted viewing direction and stitch them in post. I use Microsoft ICE for the stitching, a hidden gem since it does everything by itself. Just drop the files and you’re done.

    1. Hi David,

      thanks for sharing your experience with the M.Zuiko 12-100 f/4 as well as using Microsoft ICE to do stitching. It appears that as of 2021 Microsoft ICE is no longer available.

      Tom

  3. Hi Thomas,
    I love my 12-100! I am pretty new to photography and first had their 14-150. The 12-100 has much higher optical quality so I sold the 14-150. I appreciate all the features sbout this very nice lens that you mentioned which is why I bought it about a year ago prior to a trip to Switzerland and it was ideal.

    Thanks for all you do.

  4. I purchased this lens for a trip we made to Europe for a month in February as I didn’t want to carry a lot of gear. I did also bring my Panasonic 8-18 to cover the wider end but did not use it very often except for some city architectural shots where it was needed. I was very pleased with the quality of the images that this lens produced.

    The lens is not a light one, a little bulky so I can understand your wife using something a little less heavy. Looks like you had a great trip to Newfoundland. Have to get back there again. Such a great area of Canada. Thanks Thomas for sharing your images and your review.

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