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OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II specifications and in-depth review

OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II

Manufacturer: OM System

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II is a prime lens designed for the Micro Four Thirds mount, offering a fixed 25mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.8. Weighing 156 g with a 46mm filter diameter, it presents a relatively compact and lightweight build suited to the Micro Four Thirds format.

Optically, the lens delivers a 47° angle of view and a magnification of 0.12x, with a minimum focus distance of 0.25 m. It features seven rounded aperture blades, full-time manual focus capability, and infinity focus support. The lens does not include built-in optical image stabilization, a focus motor, or weather sealing, and its smallest aperture at minimum focal length reaches f/22.

Pros
  • The f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for significant background separation and performs well in lower light conditions
  • Seven rounded aperture blades produce smooth, circular out-of-focus areas in the background
  • Full-time manual focus lets the user adjust focus directly without switching modes
  • A minimum focus distance of 0.25 m enables relatively close subject work for a standard prime
  • The fixed 25mm focal length and 156 g weight make it a compact and lightweight option within the Micro Four Thirds system
  • Infinity focus support extends the usable focusing range to distant subjects
Cons
  • No built-in optical image stabilization, requiring reliance on in-body stabilization if available
  • The lens lacks a focus motor, which may affect autofocus speed or compatibility depending on the camera body
  • Not weather-sealed or splashproof, limiting use in wet or dusty environments
  • A magnification of 0.12x offers limited close-up reproduction capability for detailed macro-style work
Who is this for?

This lens is a solid fit for Micro Four Thirds shooters who prioritize a lightweight, compact standard prime for everyday and travel photography. The f/1.8 maximum aperture makes it a practical choice for portraits and available-light shooting where background separation is desired, while the 0.25 m minimum focus distance suits users who occasionally photograph subjects at close range. Full-time manual focus also makes it appealing to those who prefer direct control over their focus adjustments.

Who is this NOT for?

Photographers working in wet or dusty outdoor environments will find this lens unsuitable due to its lack of weather sealing. Those who rely heavily on fast, reliable autofocus may be limited by the absence of a built-in focus motor, depending on how well their camera body handles focus drive. Additionally, users with a need for close-up or macro-level magnification will find the 0.12x magnification figure insufficient for detailed reproduction work.

General info:

lens type Prime
lens mount Micro Four Thirds
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✕
weight 156 g
filter size 46 mm

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II is a prime lens built for the Micro Four Thirds mount, weighing 156 g and accepting filters at a 46mm diameter. It does not include weather or splash protection, making it a lens intended for use in dry conditions.

Optics:

maximum focal length 25 mm
minimum focal length 25 mm
has built-in optical image stabilization ✕
maximum angle of view 47°
minimum angle of view 47°
magnification 0.12x
optical zoom 1x

This lens has a fixed focal length of 25mm, with both minimum and maximum focal lengths at the same value, confirming its prime nature and an optical zoom of 1x. It delivers a 47° angle of view and a magnification of 0.12x, while lacking built-in optical image stabilization.

Aperture:

wide aperture (main camera) 1.8f
widest aperture at maximum focal length 1.8f
aperture blades 7
Has rounded aperture blades ✓
smallest aperture at maximum focal length 1.8f
smallest aperture at minimum focal length 22f

The lens opens to a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which remains constant across its focal length, and stops down to f/22 at minimum focal length. Its diaphragm consists of 7 rounded aperture blades, which contribute to a circular bokeh shape when the aperture is open.

Focus:

Can focus to infinity ✓
Has focus motor ✕
Has full-time manual focus ✓
minimum focus distance 0.25 m

The lens supports a minimum focus distance of 0.25 m and can focus all the way to infinity, covering a broad focusing range. It does not include a built-in focus motor, but full-time manual focus is available, allowing the focus ring to be adjusted at any time without switching modes.

Benchmarks:

Final Verdict

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f/1.8 II is a straightforward, well-defined prime lens for Micro Four Thirds users who want a lightweight standard focal length with a capable aperture. Its f/1.8 maximum aperture combined with seven rounded aperture blades makes it a reliable choice for portrait and available-light work, while full-time manual focus and infinity focus support add practical versatility. The absence of weather sealing, a built-in focus motor, and optical image stabilization do place certain constraints on its usability in demanding conditions, but within its intended scope, it delivers a focused and coherent set of specifications that serve the everyday Micro Four Thirds shooter well.