As might be expected, the optical performance is not better than the outstanding PRO-Zoom. But not visibly worse. So very good! Minimum smears are pixel peeper might see in the border area, because like so many compact lenses is also this clearly corrected by software, which probably has something resolution losses. Does not really matter only in practice.
The maximum aperture of f / 1.8 is compared with f / 2.8 zoom, already a significant gain, which also night shots freehand can be possible in conjunction with the camera's internal image stabilization and the pleasing low noise of the OM-D sensor.
At 17 mm focal length of course you can entertain no great expectations of the creative game with the sharpness level. Nevertheless, it can be said that here the maximum aperture of f / 1.8 provides some extra exemption possibilities with respect to the zoom, provided the subject at close range up to max. about 1.5 m is. The background blur (Japanese: Bokeh) is pleasantly quiet and soft. A property that even f / 1.8 pleasantly caught my eye when M.Zuiko 25mm me.
Can not convince me the manual focusing possibility to retract the focus ring. Except at close range at a very great deal of sensitivity is for the exact setting of the sharpness required the adjustment is not as precise as in a purely mechanical lens, and unfortunately - at least in my copy - is the engraved distance scale not reliable, ie a distance setting to scale leads inevitably blurred images. Finally, one must ask the question, especially Mindful of the excellent, fast, quiet AFs, then why focus at all manually?
Is this still a 17er unrestricted recommendation worth? Yes, if you - like me - the "classic reportage" -35mm lens (film camera equivalent) is a standard focal length par excellence and wants to focus on it consciously. Yes, if you want to play the compactness of the MFT system to its maximum advantage. Yes, if you want many pictures even in low light. Otherwise, you are already well served with PRO-Zoom and the investment can save.
A star's withdrawal from me because of incomprehensible pricing policies (lens hood!) And the little practicable manual focusing possibility.
