Top Wide Angle Lenses for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a highly versatile mirrorless camera that is renowned for its high-quality image capture and compact size. When considering wide-angle lenses for this camera, it's essential to balance budget with specific needs. In this article, we will explore some of the best wide-angle lenses compatible with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II, including both budget-friendly and professional options.

Budget-Friendly Options

For photographers on a budget who still want to capture wide-angle shots, the Olympus ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens is a solid choice. This lens is designed for the 4/3rds system, making it compatible with the OM-D E-M10 Mark II. It offers a wide 9.5mm to 18.0mm focal range, which is perfect for landscapes and interior photography. The ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass in the ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 lens helps to minimize chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp and clear images.

For those seeking a slightly wider angle, the Olympus 7-14mm f/4.0 can be a good option, though it's harder to find and was primarily designed for the original 4/3rds E-1 and 3 and 5 DSLRs. This lens provides a breathtaking 7-14mm focal range, capturing ultra-wide shots with stunning results. However, it requires the 4/3rds to M4/3rds adapter, which slightly increases the physical size of the lens but doesn’t affect its optical performance.

Professional and Faster Lens Options

For professional photographers who want a faster lens with excellent optical quality, the Olympus M4/3rds f2.8 7-14mm zoom lens is an excellent choice. This lens offers a faster aperture (f2.8) compared to the previous models, allowing for better low-light performance and enhanced versatility. The M4/3rds system ensures that the lens provides top-notch image quality and sharpness, which is crucial for professional applications. Despite its faster aperture, the Olympus f2.8 7-14mm lens maintains the same excellent optical performance and is perfect for landscape, architectural, and astrophotography.

Fisheye Lens Option

For a truly unique perspective, the Olympus 8mm f/1.9 Fisheye lens is an incredible option. This fisheye lens captures a complete scene, providing a panoramic view that can be incredibly useful for architectural and interior photography. The f1.9 aperture ensures sharp and vivid images, even in low-light conditions. While it may not be as versatile as the other options, the fisheye lens is a game-changer for photographers looking to add a distinctive perspective to their work.

Compatibility and Additional Features

It's important to note that Olympus lenses come with in-body image stabilization, making them compatible with Panasonics' later bodies in the M4/3rds system. This means that if you decide to expand your collection with a Panasonic lens, the Olympus lens will still offer outstanding image quality and stabilization. Earlier Panasonic bodies that have stabilization built into each lens will also work with these Olympus lenses, providing added flexibility.

The OM-D E-M10 Mark II's user-friendly interface and the placement of the on/off switch under the shutter release make it a favorite among street photographers. Although Olympus has relocated the on/off lever to the right-hand side in recent models, many users find it manageable and prefer the ergonomic design of the location of the switch on the E-M10 Mark II.

Conclusion

When choosing wide-angle lenses for your Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, consider your budget, your needs in terms of low-light performance, and your specific photography style. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option like the ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6, a fast lens like the f2.8 7-14mm, or a fisheye lens for a unique perspective, there is a wide range of options to choose from. Each lens will provide you with a unique set of capabilities that can enhance your photography experience and help you capture stunning wide-angle shots.