The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is an Olympus 12–100mm zoom for Micro Four Thirds, released in 2016. It covers 24–200mm in full-frame terms at a maximum aperture of f/4. It offers weather sealing, Dual IS compatible OIS, and a 561g build.
Best for: Sports, wildlife, and telephoto shooting
Pros
- OIS with Dual IS support for Panasonic bodies
- Weather sealed for outdoor and adverse conditions
- Telephoto reach up to 200mm equivalent
Cons
- Bulkier than compact alternatives
- High price point
What this lens is good for
Travel and one-lens kits
The 12-100mm f/4 is the definitive single-lens solution for Micro Four Thirds. Its 24-200mm full-frame equivalent range covers everything from wide landscapes and interiors to tight telephoto detail without a lens change, which is exactly what you want when travelling light or shooting where swapping lenses is impractical. It is weather sealed and sharp across the whole range, so the convenience does not come at the cost of image quality. The constant f/4 aperture is the one trade-off, slower than a prime but consistent as you zoom. Full guide →
Low-light handheld
This lens has a standout trick: its optical stabilisation syncs with body IBIS on OM System and Olympus cameras to give Sync IS, one of the most effective stabilisation systems available. In practice that means sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds of a second or longer, so the f/4 aperture matters far less than the number suggests for static subjects. For handheld interiors, low-light street, and dusk landscapes it punches well above an f/4 zoom.
Close-up and detail
With a 0.15m minimum focus distance and 0.3x magnification, the 12-100mm focuses unusually close for a standard zoom, enough for flowers, food, and product detail without a dedicated macro lens. It will not replace a true 1:1 macro, but it covers casual close-up work as part of its all-in-one remit, adding to its versatility as a travel and everyday lens.
Dual IS compatibility
This lens triggers Dual IS on compatible Panasonic bodies, combining lens OIS with body IBIS for improved stabilisation.
No confirmed Dual IS pairings in the database yet.
Specifications
| Lens | |
| Brand | M.Zuiko |
| Type | zoom |
| Status | current |
| Released | 2016-11 |
| Mount | mft |
| Optics | |
| Focal length | 12-100mm |
| FF equivalent | 24-200mm |
| Max aperture | f/4 |
| Min aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Elements / Groups | 17 / 13 |
| Focus | |
| Autofocus | MSC |
| MF override | Yes |
| Min focus distance | 0.15m |
| Max magnification | 0.3x |
| Stabilisation | |
| OIS | sync_is |
| Dual IS compatible | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Weather sealed | Yes |
| Filter size | 72mm |
| Weight | 561g |
| Dimensions | 116.5mm length x 77.5mm diameter |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | $1,299 USD |