The 8 Best Micro Four Thirds Lenses of 2021

Best Overall: Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 II ASPH Power OIS

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This wide-angle zoom lens is amazing for vast landscapes or travel shots but is an overall great choice for almost any kind of photography. If you’re only after one additional lens for your micro four-thirds camera, consider the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm.

It offers key features that pro or amateur photographers will appreciate, namely Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating to reduce unwanted refraction, autofocus, and image stabilization, helping to create very sharp images. It is also durable and can handle outdoor shoots well, thanks to dust and splash proofing. 4K video support creates seamless and smooth film footage.

While this lens is an expensive addition to your toolkit, it’s a high-quality and rugged piece of equipment that delivers exceptional photography and video.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH

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The Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH is one of the widest single focus lenses on the market, with a 12mm focal length. While pricey, it’s a fantastic choice for a general use lens, if your budget allows.

The rugged construction is both splash and dustproof, making it a great general-purpose lens for indoor or outdoor use. It performs especially well in low light and is great for astrophotography, thanks to its maximum aperture of f/1.4. This lens produces sharp images at any aperture. This lens is also 4K video compatible and is one of Leica’s top lenses for micro four-thirds frames. 

It is a heavier lens at about 1lb and doesn’t have in-lens optical stabilization, something to consider if your camera doesn’t contain this feature.

Best Budget: Olympus ED 40-150mm f,4.0-5.6 R Zoom Lens

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The Olympus ED 40-150mm is a fantastic value lens that punches well above its weight, considering its bargain price. It’s a telephoto zoom that produces clear and sharp images throughout its zoom range. 

This lens offers autofocus (but no in-lens stabilization), and it’s very compact and light, making it a great travel companion. The maximum aperture is f/4.6, not as wide of a range as other lenses reviewed here, but the resulting high-quality photos will look like they were taken on a far more expensive lens.

As you may expect from a budget option, the build of the lens is plastic, not metal, although it still feels sturdy and solid. It’s an amazing choice for a beginner or if you’re looking to try something new without splashing out on a large investment.

Best Zoom: Olympus M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 Pro

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The Olympus M.Zuiko 12-100mm f/4 Pro has one of the widest zoom ranges on the market, at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-200mm. This powerful telephoto zoom performs well across its full range, making it a versatile lens for a wide range of shooting everything from distance wildlife to sporting matches. 

This lens gets points for its quiet and accurate autofocus, and rugged construction capable of withstanding freezing temps, dust, and moisture. The pro even features five-axis stabilization, the best you’re likely to find in a micro four-thirds lens. The resulting images are clear, sharp, and of professional quality. 

With a maximum aperture of f/4, it may not have as wide of a range as you’re looking for in a lens, but it still performs well in low-light. It’s definitely a heavier lens at 1.2 lbs, but it’s one of our top choices for a micro four-thirds zoom lens.

Best For Portraits: Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2

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If you’re after a micro four-thirds portrait lens, consider the Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron. It stands out for its fast f/1.2 aperture, fantastic for both low light shots and for capturing the depth of field when photographing your subject. It focuses fast and offers high-quality Leica optics, creating beautiful, accurate images, free of distortion. 

This lens delivers beautifully smooth bokeh to make your subject really stand out. It features internal autofocus, image stabilization for handheld shots, and Nano Surface Coating to reduce glare and color distortion. The lens itself is durable and large but doesn’t come cheap. However, it is a top option for portraits, weddings, or close-up shots that photographers of any skill level will appreciate.

Best Prime: Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux Lens, 15MM, F1.7 ASPH

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The Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux is a great choice for a go-to, everyday lens, it’s versatile and shoots well for landscapes, streetscapes, architecture, and close-ups. 

The Summilux offers a unique selling point, its 35mm focal length equivalent is 30mm, halfway between the usual 28mm or 35mm. If you’re looking to try a new perspective via your focal length, check out this lens. It delivers high-speed and silent autofocus, and quickly switches between manual and auto. Aperture ranges from f/1.7 to f/16 and is adjustable via an aperture ring, although this is only compatible with Panasonic frames. 

Leica is known for its high-quality lenses and the Summilux doesn't disappoint. It’s a fun and effective prime lens, similar to the Norticon but at a lower price point, although users do note some issues with unwanted sun glare in certain shooting conditions.

Best Splurge: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO Lens

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If you’re looking for a seriously impressive lens, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO is a fantastic splurge. This telephoto lens is an 80-300mm equivalent that would impress even the most seasoned professional photographers.

It’s a solid and weather-sealed piece that delivers sharp, focused images at the full zoom range, has Olympus’s ZERO coating to reduce flare, fast internal focusing, and an aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22. Whether you’re shooting travel, landscapes, or wildlife, to name a few, this lens is fast, impressive, and a solid investment for your business or hobby. 

It’s a pricey and heavy lens, at approximately 1.9 lb, and it also doesn’t contain in-lens stabilization, factors to consider before purchasing.