Creating Bokeh with Micro Four Thirds cameras isn’t as easy compared to Full-Frame cameras, but it’s not as hard as some believe.
Micro Four Thirds cameras receive a bad rap, mainly because the platform is misunderstood. You see, long ago, Full-Frame elitists would look down their noses at those who shot with M4/3. Their biggest ‘insult,’ if you can even call it that, was that it’s impossible to create bokeh with cameras that offer up a 2x crop. That’s fake news. There are plenty of lenses on the market from Olympus and Panasonic that can create that blurry magic we love so much. After the break, we’ll share five Micro Four Thirds lenses that can create dreamy, creamy bokeh without breaking a sweat.
I have used Micro Four Thirds cameras for two years now in my professional and personal photography life. I can sit here and can honestly tell you to ignore those who say bokeh is not possible when using M4/3 cameras. It absolutely is, and with the right lenses, you’ll be simply amazed. The lenses listed below are more than capable of producing jaw-dropping images. Check them out.
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Olympus 25mm f1.8
In our review, we said:
“The 25mm f1.8 is one of the most affordable and bang for your buck lenses out there for the Micro Four Thirds system. In general, we’re quite impressed with the sharpness, bokeh, fast focusing speed (coupled with accuracy), small size, and the overall feel that it is the single-lens that you may want to keep mated to your camera forever.”
Chris Gampat – Editor in Chief
Buy now: $299
Panasonic 42.5mm f1.2
In our review, we said:
“When it comes to bokeh, then you’ll want to know that this lens also has the best bokeh of any Micro Four Thirds lens that we’ve tested. The bokeh from this lens can’t be described as hazy but indeed very creamy. In fact, we’re smitten with it and the way that it seems to surround the subject when shot wide open. Again, because of the depth of field equivalent, we almost see no reason to stop it down.”
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $1,096.80
Pro Tip: You can make your images from these Micro Four Thirds lenses look even better with presets. Did you know that you can now sign up for a Plus Membership from Photowhoa for just $99 per year? This membership will save you 20% on all of their items. It will also score you six free photography bundles per year too! This is a bargain of a deal at just $99! If you buy tutorials or preset packs regularly, you’ll save a ton!
Olympus 75mm f1.8
In our review, we said:
“As a 75mm f1.8 lens, it is capable of extremely shallow depth of field, even despite the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor. Out of focus elements are creamy and smooth at all apertures and have proven to be some of the most pleasing bokeh of any Micro Four Thirds lens on the market today. In fact, I found it to be more pleasing than even some Leica glass costing several thousand dollars more.”
Buy now: $799
Panasonic 12-60mm F2.8-4 Power OIS
In our review, we said:
“During my tests, I was rather surprised by what the lens is capable of. It’s super sharp, and I’ve got no qualms here. I also really enjoy the colors, the lack of most chromatic abbreviations, keeping the distortion down low, etc. It’s also capable of delivering bokeh.”
Buy now: $897.99
Pro Tip: If you’re still not entirely sold on these Micro Four Thirds lenses, consider renting them. For a limited time, you can 30% off of rental fees from LensRental.com. Just use the code LRBF20 when you check out. This way, you’ll be able to see if you like the lenses before you drop your hard-earned cash on them.
Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 PRO
In our review, we said:
“It’s lightweight, fairly small for what it is, fast to focus, offers crisp image quality, is weather sealed, and won’t fail you when you’re working.
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $1,299