Best Lenses for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II: 10 Top Picks Tested

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II remains one of Micro Four Thirds' most capable cameras, even years after its initial release. I've spent countless hours shooting with this body, testing dozens of lenses to find the perfect combinations for different photography styles. The 16MP sensor and industry-leading 5-axis image stabilization deserve optics that can fully leverage their capabilities.

The best overall lens for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II is the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, offering constant aperture, weather sealing, and professional-grade optics in a compact package. For portrait work, the 75mm F1.8 delivers stunning bokeh and sharpness that rivals full-frame systems. Budget-conscious photographers should consider the Panasonic 25mm F1.7 for incredible value.

After testing over 30 lenses across various price points, I've narrowed down the top performers based on real-world usage. My testing included landscape photography in coastal conditions, portrait sessions in studio and natural light, street photography, and travel scenarios where weight and size matter. Each lens below earned its place through actual field performance, not just specifications on paper.

This guide covers PRO-grade professional lenses, affordable primes, versatile zooms, and budget options that deliver surprising quality. Whether you are upgrading from the kit lens or building a complete system, you will find recommendations backed by extensive hands-on experience with the E-M5 Mark II specifically.

Our Top 3 Lens Picks for Olympus E-M5 Mark II

Complete Lens Comparison Table

This table compares all 10 lenses across key specifications to help you quickly identify the right option for your needs and budget.

Detailed Lens Reviews for Olympus E-M5 Mark II

1. OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO - Best All-Around Lens

This lens transformed my E-M5 Mark II shooting experience. The constant f/2.8 aperture means consistent exposure throughout the zoom range, something kit lenses cannot match. During a recent coastal sunrise shoot, the weather sealing proved its worth when unexpected rain moved in. I kept shooting while others scrambled to protect their gear.

The optical quality rivals lenses costing twice as much. I have captured detailed landscapes with the 12mm wide end and intimate portraits at 40mm, all from a single lens. The 14 elements in 9 groups include specialized glass that controls aberrations effectively.

Build quality is exceptional with full weather sealing matching the E-M5 Mark II body. The manual focus clutch is a thoughtful touch, letting you pull back the focus ring for precise manual control. After two years of regular use, mine still feels tight and responsive.

Autofocus performance is snappy, locking onto subjects quickly even in challenging light. The internal zoom design means the lens does not extend during use, further protecting against dust and moisture.

Who Should Buy?

Photographers who want one lens for most situations, professionals needing weather resistance, and anyone transitioning from kit lenses to professional quality optics.

Who Should Avoid?

Travelers prioritizing minimal weight, photographers on tight budgets, and those needing extreme telephoto reach.

2. OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO - Best Professional Telephoto

This telephoto lens delivers professional performance in a relatively compact package. The constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the 150mm reach is impressive for Micro Four Thirds. I have used it for wildlife photography and sports, where the fast autofocus and bright aperture make a real difference.

The 16 elements in 12 groups include advanced optical coatings that minimize flare and ghosting. During backlit portrait sessions, I have noticed excellent contrast and color rendition. The 72mm filter thread is standard for pro-grade optics in this range.

Weather sealing matches the PRO series standard. I have shot with this lens in light rain and dusty conditions without any issues. The lens hood is substantial and reversible for transport.

At 23.8 ounces, this is not a lightweight option. However, considering the constant f/2.8 aperture and 150mm reach, the size is reasonable. The tripod collar is included and helps balance the rig when shooting from a stable platform.

Who Should Buy?

Wildlife photographers, sports shooters, and portraitists seeking subject isolation. Professionals needing telephoto performance with weather protection.

Who Should Avoid?

Casual photographers, travelers watching weight, and those not needing telephoto reach or fast apertures.

3. OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-45mm F4 PRO - Most Compact PRO Lens

This lens proves that professional quality does not require bulk. At only 9.5 ounces, it weighs nearly half of the 12-40mm F2.8 PRO while maintaining weather sealing and PRO series build quality. For travel photography, this has become my go-to standard zoom.

The f/4 constant aperture is slower than the F2.8 version but still useable in most conditions. The E-M5 Mark II's excellent in-body stabilization compensates well for the narrower aperture in low-light situations.

Optical performance is impressive for such a compact lens. I have made 20x30 inch prints from shots taken with this lens that show excellent sharpness and contrast. The 12 elements in 9 groups are well-designed.

The focusing is fast and quiet, making this lens suitable for video work as well as stills. During a recent video project, the autofocus performed smoothly without audible hunting.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers, hikers, and anyone prioritizing weight savings without sacrificing quality. Perfect for E-M5 Mark II owners who value portability.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing the fastest possible aperture, those shooting primarily in low light, and users who prioritize maximum zoom range.

4. OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 75mm F1.8 - Best Portrait Lens

This lens creates magical portraits. The 75mm focal length on Micro Four Thirds provides the same field of view as 150mm on full-frame, ideal for flattering portraits. The f/1.8 aperture produces gorgeous background blur that separates subjects beautifully.

I have shot countless portrait sessions with this lens, and the results are consistently stunning. Wide-open performance is remarkable, with sharpness that increases slightly when stopped down but is excellent even at f/1.8. The bokeh quality is creamy and pleasing.

The 10 elements in 9 groups include specialized glass for controlling aberrations. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, even in high-contrast scenes. This matters when shooting portraits with bright backgrounds.

At 10.5 ounces, the lens is compact enough for all-day use. The build quality is solid, though not quite at PRO series level. The focus ring is smooth for manual adjustments when needed.

Who Should Buy?

Portrait photographers, anyone needing subject isolation, and photographers wanting a fast telephoto prime. Perfect for headshots and environmental portraits.

Who Should Avoid?

Landscape photographers needing wider angles, those requiring weather sealing, and photographers on very tight budgets.

5. Panasonic 45-150mm F4.0-5.6 - Best Budget Telephoto

This lens punches above its weight class. For a fraction of the PRO telephoto cost, you get 150mm of reach in a package weighing only 7.4 ounces. I have recommended this lens to dozens of E-M5 Mark II owners getting started with telephoto photography.

The MEGA O.I.S. stabilization works well with the E-M5 Mark II's in-body system. During a wildlife photo walk, I captured sharp handheld shots at 150mm, something that would have been difficult without dual stabilization.

Optical quality is surprisingly good for the price. Center sharpness is excellent even wide open, with some softness at the edges that improves when stopped down. The 12 elements in 9 groups are designed efficiently.

The variable aperture is not ideal for low-light use, but for daylight telephoto work, this lens delivers. The autofocus is quick enough for most subjects, though it hunts a bit in very low contrast scenes.

Who Should Buy?

Photographers on a budget needing telephoto reach, beginners exploring longer focal lengths, and travelers wanting lightweight options.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing fast apertures, photographers shooting in low light often, and those requiring weather sealing.

6. Panasonic 25mm F1.7 - Best Value Prime

This lens belongs in every E-M5 Mark II owner's kit. At 25mm, it provides a classic "normal" field of view similar to 50mm on full-frame. The fast f/1.7 aperture opens up low-light possibilities and creates pleasing subject separation.

I have used this lens for street photography, family events, and casual portraits. It captures sharp images with nice contrast. The 3421 reviews on Amazon speak to its popularity and reliability.

At only 4.2 ounces, you will barely notice it on the camera. This makes the E-M5 Mark II truly pocketable for quick outings. The 46mm filter thread is standard and affordable.

The autofocus is fast and accurate for general use. While not weather sealed, the build quality is decent for the price point. After three years of use, mine still performs flawlessly.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners upgrading from kit lenses, street photographers, and anyone wanting an affordable fast prime. Essential lens for E-M5 Mark II owners.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing weather sealing, those who zoom heavily, and professionals requiring maximum optical performance.

7. OM SYSTEM 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 IIR - Best Budget Kit Lens

Sometimes you just need a basic, reliable zoom. This lens delivers that in the smallest possible package. At 3.7 ounces, it barely adds to the E-M5 Mark II's weight. I keep one in my travel bag for situations where size matters more than maximum quality.

The optical quality is decent for everyday use. Center sharpness is acceptable, though the edges show some softness wide open. For social media sharing and standard prints, this lens performs adequately.

The retractable design makes this incredibly compact when not in use. It collapses into the smallest profile of any Micro Four Thirds standard zoom I have encountered.

This lens makes sense as a backup or for casual use. It is not ideal for low-light situations or critical work, but for travel snapshots and family photos, it gets the job done.

Who Should Buy?

Travelers prioritizing minimal gear, casual photographers, and those needing a compact backup lens.

Who Should Avoid?

Enthusiasts wanting better quality, low-light photographers, and anyone seeking to maximize the E-M5 Mark II's capabilities.

8. OM SYSTEM 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II - Best Updated PRO Standard

The Mark II version of the 12-40mm PRO brings refinements rather than revolution. The fluorine coating makes cleaning easier, something I appreciate after muddy shoots. The manual focus clutch feels improved compared to the original.

Optically, the performance is excellent as expected. The 16 elements in 11 groups produce sharp images with minimal distortion. I have tested it alongside the original version and found similar optical quality.

The weather sealing remains top-notch, matching the E-M5 Mark II body perfectly. During a rainy beach shoot, this combination kept working without any issues.

Whether the upgrade from the original is worth it depends on your needs. If you are buying new, get this version. If you already own the original, the differences are subtle.

Who Should Buy?

First-time PRO lens buyers, professionals needing easy cleaning, and photographers who value the latest improvements.

Who Should Avoid?

Current owners of the original 12-40mm PRO, photographers on tight budgets, and casual users who do not need PRO features.

9. Panasonic 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 - Best Travel Zoom

This lens covers an impressive range from wide to short telephoto. For travel photography, the 12-60mm range handles about 90% of situations I encounter. The POWER O.I.S. stabilization complements the E-M5 Mark II's in-body system nicely.

I have taken this lens on multiple international trips, and the versatility means less lens changing. This is valuable when shooting in dusty or humid environments where you want to minimize sensor exposure.

The splash resistance provides some protection against the elements, though not as robust as full weather sealing. During a light drizzle in London, this lens kept working without issues.

Image quality is good for a travel zoom. Center sharpness is solid throughout the range, with expected softness at the corners when wide open. For travel and general photography, this is an excellent all-rounder.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers, those wanting minimal lens changes, and photographers who value versatility over ultimate quality.

Who Should Avoid?

Landscape photographers needing maximum sharpness, low-light shooters, and professionals requiring weather sealing.

10. Panasonic 25mm F1.7 II - Best Budget Prime Updated

The Mark II version of Panasonic's popular 25mm brings a metal mount and refreshed design. The optical formula remains the same, which is good news since the original performed so well. At 4.6 ounces, it remains incredibly compact.

This lens produces clean, sharp images with the classic normal perspective. I find myself reaching for it when I want to travel light but still capture quality images. The f/1.7 aperture provides about two stops more light than the typical kit zoom.

The metal mount is a nice upgrade for durability. While not weather sealed, the build quality feels solid for the price point. The focus ring is adequately damped for manual adjustments when needed.

For E-M5 Mark II owners wanting to explore prime lenses without breaking the bank, this remains an excellent entry point. The 234 reviews show growing adoption since release.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners exploring prime lenses, photographers wanting metal mount durability, and value-conscious shooters.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers needing different focal lengths, those requiring weather sealing, and users already satisfied with the original version.

Understanding Micro Four Thirds Lens Selection

Micro Four Thirds is a lens mount system shared by Olympus (now OM System) and Panasonic. This means any Micro Four Thirds lens from either manufacturer works on your E-M5 Mark II. I have used lenses from both brands extensively, and they all perform well on this camera body.

The E-M5 Mark II features a 2x crop factor, meaning a 25mm lens behaves like a 50mm lens on full-frame. This affects your lens choices depending on your photography style. Portrait photographers often prefer lenses around 45mm to 75mm for flattering compression.

Panasonic lenses work perfectly on Olympus bodies with full autofocus and image stabilization compatibility. The E-M5 Mark II's in-body stabilization means lens-based stabilization is less critical, though it can provide additional benefits when both systems work together.

Third-party options from Sigma, Tamron, Samyang, and others expand your choices significantly. I have tested several Sigma primes that perform beautifully on the E-M5 Mark II, often at lower prices than native options.

How to Choose the Right Lens for Your E-M5 Mark II?

Selecting the right lens involves balancing multiple factors including your photography style, budget, and priorities. After helping dozens of photographers build their E-M5 Mark II kits, I have identified key considerations that matter most.

Solving for Versatility: Look for Standard Zoom Range

A standard zoom covering 12-40mm or 12-60mm handles about 80% of typical shooting situations. The 12-40mm F2.8 PRO offers constant aperture throughout the range, making it my top recommendation for all-around use. You gain the ability to shoot in varied lighting conditions without changing lenses.

If you prioritize compactness over maximum aperture, consider the 12-45mm F4 PRO. It sheds significant weight while maintaining PRO build quality and weather sealing. I have hiked with this lens for miles without fatigue.

Solving for Low Light: Prioritize Fast Aperture

Fast apertures of f/1.8 or f/2.8 let in significantly more light than kit lenses. The E-M5 Mark II performs well at higher ISOs, but clean images still benefit from capturing as much light as possible initially.

Prime lenses like the 75mm F1.8 or 25mm F1.7 excel in low-light situations. During indoor events and evening street photography, these lenses capture images that would be impossible with slower zooms.

Solving for Weather Protection: Match Your Camera Body

The E-M5 Mark II is weather-sealed, but only weather-sealed lenses maintain full protection. PRO lenses from OM System feature comprehensive sealing that matches the camera body. I have shot in rain, snow, and dusty conditions with weather-sealed combinations without issues.

Non-sealed lenses create weak points in the weather protection system. For outdoor photography in challenging conditions, invest in at least one weather-sealed lens.

Solving for Portability: Consider Weight and Size

One of Micro Four Thirds' advantages is compact size. Heavy lenses negate this benefit. The 12-45mm F4 PRO at 9.5 ounces and the 25mm F1.7 at 4.2 ounces exemplify the system's portable nature.

For travel photography, I recommend carrying two or three lightweight primes rather than a single heavy zoom. Your back will thank you after a day of exploring.

Solving for Specific Subjects: Match Focal Length to Use Case

Photography Type	Recommended Focal Length	Top Lens Choice
Portraits	45mm-75mm	75mm F1.8
Landscapes	12mm-25mm	12-40mm F2.8 PRO
Street	17mm-25mm	25mm F1.7
Travel	12-60mm zoom	12-60mm F3.5-5.6
Wildlife	75mm-150mm+	40-150mm F2.8 PRO

Solving for Budget: Balance Price with Performance

You do not need to spend thousands to get quality images. The Panasonic 25mm F1.7 delivers professional-looking results for a fraction of PRO lens prices. I have seen photographers create stunning portfolios with just this one lens and an E-M5 Mark II.

Consider used PRO lenses as well. The Micro Four Thirds used market is robust, and PRO lenses hold value well. A used 12-40mm F2.8 PRO often costs less than a new budget zoom from other systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After extensive testing with the E-M5 Mark II, my top recommendation remains the 12-40mm F2.8 PRO as the single best lens for this camera. It balances versatility, optical quality, and weather protection in a way that maximizes what this camera can do.

For building a two-lens kit, pair the 12-40mm PRO with the 75mm F1.8 for portraits. This combination covers about 95% of photography situations you will encounter. Add the 45-150mm budget telephoto if you need occasional wildlife or sports reach without the PRO telephoto investment.

Budget-conscious photographers should start with the Panasonic 25mm F1.7 and add the 12-60mm travel zoom when funds allow. This two-lens setup costs less than many single PRO lenses while delivering impressive versatility.

The Micro Four Thirds ecosystem continues to offer excellent value for E-M5 Mark II owners. Whether you choose PRO lenses or budget options, the camera's capable stabilization and weather-sealed body make it a worthy foundation for a quality lens collection.