Olympus has a long history in making fine lenses and its camera systems using the Olympus OM mount were used widely by photographers throughout the latter part of the 20th century. In 2003 Olympus decided to take a new approach to the production of digital SLR cameras and helped form the Four Thirds system with other manufacturers.
The Four Thirds system uses a sensor which has an aspect ration of 4:3 and measures only 13 x 17mm. This allows for the creation of smaller cameras and lighter more compact lenses which can be optically superior to systems using an APS-C size sensor. More recently, Panasonic and Olympus have taken the concept of a small camera system with interchangeable lenses a step further with the creation of the Micro Four Thirds system. By eliminating the mirror box
system of digital slr cameras, Olympus has successfully produced cameras (E-P1 and E-P2) which are small, light and capable of results equivalent to a digital SLR camera as all Micro Four Thirds cameras use a Four Thirds size sensor. Four Thirds lenses can also be used on the new micro system via an adapter which can limit some features on certain lenses such as autofocus. Olympus digital SLR lenses are capable of very high results and some lenses are regarded as the best of their type by magazine reviewers. For instance, the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Zoom Lens is unmatched for its sheer optical quality and versatility.
The table below shows the top 10 best selling Olympus lenses for digital SLR cameras and micro four thirds cameras providing a starting point for beginners, intermediate and advanced photographers looking to purchase Olympus lenses. The current range of Olympus DSLR and M43 lenses are listed below together with a key providing information on the main key features of Olympus lenses.
Key to Olympus Lens Features
ED
Extra Low Dispersion Glass
OM
Old Olympus Film System Lens Mount. Need Olympus MF-1 OM adapter for new Olympus DSLRs.
SWD
Supersonic Wave Drive
Best Selling Olympus Lenses for Digital SLR Cameras & Micro Four Thirds Cameras 2012
Olympus TOP PRO Lenses are the highest quality professional lenses made by Olympus. All lenses have large constant apertures, are dust and spash proof, contain ED glass and are identified by a platinum ring around the front lens