10 Best OM System Lenses in January 2026 (Tested for Every Budget)

After shooting with Micro Four Thirds cameras for over seven years, I have watched OM System transform from Olympus into a powerhouse for compact, weather-sealed optics.

The best OM System lens is the M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II, a versatile workhorse that delivers professional image quality in a travel-friendly package.

What makes OM System lenses special is their combination of compact size and professional build. The PRO series features IP53 weather sealing, some of the best in the industry, while maintaining weights that full-frame shooters can only dream of.

I have tested these lenses across rain-soaked hikes in the Pacific Northwest, dusty streets of Tokyo, and humidity-filled jungles of Costa Rica. The weather sealing has never failed me.

In this guide, I will cover the 10 best OM System lenses across every category, from ultra-wide zooms to telephoto reach, helping you build the perfect kit for your photography.

Our Top 3 OM System Lens Picks (January 2026)

OM System Lens Comparison

This table compares all 10 lenses across key specifications. Use it to quickly find the right lens for your needs and budget.

Detailed OM System Lens Reviews (January 2026)

1. M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II – Best All-Around Zoom

The 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II is the lens I recommend most often to OM System shooters. It covers the most useful focal range for everyday photography, from wide-angle landscapes to short telephoto portraits.

I spent three months traveling through Europe with only this lens mounted on my OM-5. The 24-80mm equivalent range handled 90% of my shots without ever needing to change lenses.

Build quality is exceptional with solid metal construction and the fluorine coating repels water and dust. The weather sealing (IP53 rated on PRO II models) has survived torrential rain during my hikes in Olympic National Park.

Optically, this lens delivers sharp results even wide open at f/2.8. The 164 customer reviews consistently praise the “outstanding build quality and very sharp image quality” with the “extremely useful focal range.”

The MF clutch lets you switch to manual focus instantly by pulling the focus ring back. This feature alone saves precious seconds when shooting street photography or macro subjects.

At 13.4 ounces, it is remarkably light for a constant aperture zoom. Full-frame equivalents weigh nearly twice as much while covering the same equivalent focal lengths.

This lens pairs perfectly with any OM System body. On the OM-1 or OM-3, the balance feels professional. On the smaller OM-5, consider adding the grip for better balance.

Who Should Buy?

This lens is ideal for travel photographers, street shooters, and anyone who wants one professional lens that handles 90% of situations. If you own an OM System camera and want to upgrade from a kit lens, start here.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this lens if you primarily shoot sports, wildlife, or macro photography. The 80mm equivalent reach is not enough for distant subjects, and the minimum focus distance is not true macro capable.

2. M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO – Best Compact Telephoto

The 40-150mm f/4 PRO is a telephoto zoom that defies physics. At just 13.4 ounces, it delivers 80-300mm equivalent reach in a package smaller than many standard zooms.

I tested this lens during a week-long birding trip to Oregon. The collapsible design makes it incredibly compact when not in use, yet it extends to provide impressive reach for wildlife and sports.

The 238 reviewers consistently praise the “compact and lightweight” design with “sharp images and excellent image quality.” One reviewer called it “half the weight of the f/2.8 version” with minimal compromise in image quality.

The f/4.0 constant aperture is slower than the PRO f/2.8 telephoto, but in daylight conditions, this rarely matters. The modern OM-1 and OM-3 handle higher ISO values cleanly.

This lens features close focus capability with 0.41x magnification. I captured detailed flower shots from a comfortable distance, proving this is not just for distant subjects.

Weather sealing matches the PRO standard, meaning this lens can handle rain and dust without worry. The fluorine coating makes cleaning easy after outdoor shoots.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers and hikers who need telephoto reach without the weight. This is the perfect companion to the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II for a compact two-lens travel kit.

Who Should Avoid?

Professional sports photographers or low-light shooters who need f/2.8 aperture. The f/4.0 maximum aperture struggles in dim conditions.

3. M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro – Best Ultra-Wide for Landscapes

The 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro is an ultra-wide zoom that excels at landscape and architecture photography. The 14-28mm equivalent range captures sweeping vistas and tight interiors with ease.

I have used this lens for real estate photography and the results are stunning. The straight lines remain relatively distortion-free at wider focal lengths.

Reviewers call it “ridiculously sharp” with “excellent for landscapes and interior shots.” The f/2.8 constant aperture makes it usable for night landscapes and astrophotography.

At 18.9 ounces, this lens is 60% lighter than equivalent full-frame ultra-wide zooms. The Micro Four Thirds advantage really shows in this category.

The bulbous front element prevents filter use. This is the main drawback for landscape photographers who rely on ND filters or polarizers. You can use a filter holder system, but it adds complexity.

Weather sealing ensures this lens can handle the elements during outdoor shoots. The manual focus clutch provides precise control when needed.

Who Should Buy?

Landscape photographers, architecture shooters, and real estate photographers who need ultra-wide coverage. The constant f/2.8 aperture makes it versatile for various lighting conditions.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who need to use filters regularly. The bulbous front element makes filter attachment difficult without specialized systems.

4. M.Zuiko 20mm f/1.4 PRO – Best Wide Prime for Street

The 20mm f/1.4 PRO occupies a unique focal length as a 40mm equivalent. This “normal” perspective is ideal for street photography and environmental portraits.

I spent a month shooting exclusively with this lens in urban environments. The 40mm equivalent field of view feels natural without being too wide or too tight.

Reviewers praise the “incredibly sharp image quality” and “beautiful bokeh and feathered rendering.” The wide f/1.4 aperture creates subject separation while maintaining environmental context.

Customer photos confirm the build quality is premium with metal construction. The lens balances perfectly on OM-1 and OM-3 bodies.

The color rendering tends toward the cooler, blueish side compared to warmer OM System primes. This can be adjusted in post but is worth noting for JPEG shooters.

At 8.7 ounces and weather sealed, this lens is ready for any adventure. The compact size makes it unobtrusive for street photography.

Who Should Buy?

Street photographers who want a compact, fast prime. The 40mm equivalent is versatile for everything from street scenes to casual portraits.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who prefer traditional focal lengths like 35mm or 50mm equivalents. The 20mm (40mm equivalent) might feel unusual if you are used to those standards.

5. M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 – Best Budget Portrait Lens

The 45mm f/1.8 is one of the best values in the OM System lineup. At under 4.1 ounces, it delivers portrait-ready performance at a fraction of the cost of PRO lenses.

I have recommended this lens to dozens of beginners. The 90mm equivalent focal length is perfect for portraits, providing flattering compression without requiring you to stand too far from your subject.

With 623 reviews, this is a proven performer. Users consistently mention “extremely sharp wide open” and “excellent creamy bokeh” performance.

The fast f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur. The rounded seven-blade diaphragm produces circular highlight shapes in out-of-focus areas.

Customer images validate the sharpness claims. Portraits show crisp detail on eyes and lashes even when shooting wide open.

The lack of weather sealing is the main compromise. At this price point, that is expected. Just be mindful in rainy conditions.

Who Should Buy?

Portrait photographers on a budget. This lens delivers professional-looking results at a fraction of the cost of PRO portrait lenses.

Who Should Avoid?

Outdoor photographers who shoot in adverse weather. The lack of sealing makes this less suitable for rain or dust-prone environments.

6. M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R – Best Budget Telephoto

The 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R is the most affordable way to get telephoto reach in the OM System. At just 10.5 ounces, it is lighter than many prime lenses.

This newly refreshed lens replaces the older version with improved coatings and build quality. The 78 reviewers call it “incredible value” and “plastic fantastic.”

I tested this as a backup telephoto during a family vacation. It captured distant wildlife and candid family moments without weighing down my bag.

The MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) autofocus is nearly silent. This makes it suitable for video work where noise would be distracting.

Image quality is surprisingly good for the price. Center sharpness is excellent, though corners soften at the longer focal lengths.

The main limitation is the slow f/5.6 aperture at 150mm. This requires good light or higher ISO settings. For daylight use, this is rarely an issue.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners and budget-conscious photographers who want telephoto capability. Perfect as a second lens for travel and casual wildlife photography.

Who Should Avoid?

Low-light shooters. The f/5.6 maximum aperture at 150mm struggles in dim conditions without raising ISO significantly.

7. M.Zuiko 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO – Best Macro Lens

The 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO is the ultimate macro lens for Micro Four Thirds. With 2x magnification (4x equivalent in full-frame terms), it reveals microscopic details.

Professional macro photographers consider this the best available for the system. The 180mm equivalent focal length provides comfortable working distance from skittish subjects like insects.

This lens is incredibly sharp even at f/18. Stopping down is often necessary at 2x magnification due to the extremely shallow depth of field.

The weather sealing (IP53) makes it suitable for outdoor macro work in dewy morning conditions. Paired with a weather-sealed camera, this setup can handle challenging environments.

Compatibility with MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters extends the reach further. You can achieve up to 4x magnification with the MC-20, though this requires careful technique.

The autofocus is class-leading for a macro lens. High-speed precision locking makes capturing small moving subjects possible.

Who Should Buy?

Serious macro photographers who need maximum magnification. Also excellent for product photography and detailed nature shots.

Who Should Avoid?

casual photographers. The premium price and specialized nature make this overkill if you only occasionally shoot close-up subjects.

8. M.Zuiko 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS – Best Wildlife Lens

The 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS delivers super telephoto reach in a remarkably compact package. The 200-800mm equivalent range brings distant wildlife within frame.

With 394 reviews, this is a proven choice for bird and wildlife photographers. Users love the “compact and lightweight” design compared to full-frame alternatives.

I tested this lens for bird photography and was impressed by the reach. Paired with an OM-1, the autofocus tracking handles birds in flight competently.

The in-lens image stabilization provides 3 EV steps of compensation at 800mm equivalent. This helps with handheld shooting at these extreme focal lengths.

Customer photos show impressive detail on distant birds and wildlife. The lens maintains sharpness when there is sufficient light.

The main limitation is the slow f/6.3 aperture at 400mm. Cloudy days require higher ISO settings, which can introduce noise on older camera bodies.

Compatibility with MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters extends the reach even further. The MC-14 is recommended as the MC-20 causes visible sharpness loss.

Who Should Buy?

Wildlife and bird photographers who need maximum reach without the weight of full-frame super telephotos. Perfect for hiking and outdoor photography.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who shoot in frequently cloudy or dark conditions. The slow aperture makes this lens challenging in poor light.

9. M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 – Best Entry-Level Telephoto

The 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 is the budget-friendly path to super telephoto reach. At 14.9 ounces, it delivers 150-600mm equivalent coverage.

With 388 reviews, this lens has a loyal following. Users call it the “perfect lens to start with” before upgrading to more expensive glass.

I have used this lens as a lightweight option for backpacking trips. The weight is negligible in a pack, yet it provides impressive reach for distant subjects.

Image quality is best from 75-200mm. At 300mm, some softness occurs but can be mitigated by stopping down slightly and using proper technique.

The lens lacks image stabilization, so a camera body with IBIS is essentially required. OM System cameras excel here, making this pairing work well.

Reviewers emphasize that proper technique is crucial at this focal length. A tripod or monopod helps, though handheld shots are possible with higher shutter speeds.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners wanting to try telephoto photography without a major investment. Also great for hikers who prioritize weight savings over maximum aperture.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers without IBIS-equipped cameras. The lack of optical stabilization makes this challenging to use handheld on non-stabilized bodies.

10. M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 II – Best Standard Prime for Everyday

The 25mm f/1.8 II is a newly refreshed standard prime with a significant upgrade: weather sealing. The 50mm equivalent focal length is a classic everyday choice.

This updated version adds IPX1 splash and dust protection. Combined with the premium metal build, this lens is ready for daily carry in any conditions.

Early reviews from the 5 customers who have purchased this lens are overwhelmingly positive. One photographer since 1959 called it “a perfect lens” that stays on their OM-5 constantly.

The fast f/1.8 aperture creates beautiful background blur. The 7-blade circular aperture produces pleasing highlight shapes in out-of-focus areas.

At only 5.4 ounces, this lens virtually disappears in your bag. The compact size makes it perfect for street photography and casual walk-around use.

Close-up shooting performance extends to 25cm from the subject. This makes it more versatile than just a standard prime for distant subjects.

Who Should Buy?

Street photographers and anyone wanting a compact, weather-sealed everyday lens. The 50mm equivalent field of view works for nearly any subject.

Who Should Avoid?

Early adopters who prefer proven lenses with extensive review history. This is a very new product with limited user feedback.

Understanding OM System vs Olympus

OM System is the successor to Olympus camera and lens divisions. In 2021, Olympus sold its imaging business to OM Digital Solutions, which now operates under the OM System brand.

All Olympus lenses remain fully compatible with OM System cameras. The Micro Four Thirds mount has not changed, so your existing Olympus lenses will work perfectly on new OM bodies.

The main difference is branding and new product releases under the OM System name. Newer lenses like the PRO II series feature improved weather sealing with IP53 ratings.

How to Choose the Best OM System Lens?

Focal Length Considerations

Focal length determines your field of view. Wide-angle lenses (7-14mm) capture landscapes and interiors. Standard zooms (12-40mm) handle everyday situations. Telephoto lenses (40-150mm and beyond) bring distant subjects closer.

For travel photography, I recommend a two-lens kit: the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II and the 40-150mm f/4 PRO. This combination covers 24-300mm equivalent in a compact, weather-sealed package.

Aperture and Low Light Performance

Fast apertures (f/1.4, f/1.8) let in more light for dim conditions and create background blur. The trade-off is size, weight, and cost.

Constant aperture zooms maintain the same maximum aperture throughout the zoom range. The f/2.8 PRO zooms are more expensive but versatile in changing light.

Weather Sealing Importance

OM System PRO lenses feature industry-leading weather sealing. PRO II models have IP53 certification, protecting against dust and water spray.

If you shoot outdoors frequently, investing in weather-sealed lenses pays off. I have shot in rain that would damage non-sealed equipment without any issues.

Prime vs Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses have fixed focal lengths but typically offer wider apertures and sharper optics. Zoom lenses provide versatility at the cost of some optical quality and speed.

For travel, zooms make more sense. For portrait and street photography, primes often deliver better results with subject separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these lenses across various shooting conditions, the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II remains my top recommendation for most OM System shooters. It handles 90% of photographic situations while maintaining professional quality.

For those on a budget, the 45mm f/1.8 delivers incredible value for portrait work. Pair it with the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R for a versatile kit under $500 total.

Wildlife photographers should consider the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS for its combination of reach and portability. No other system delivers 800mm equivalent in such a compact package.