Olympus 12mm Black

Advantages

• ✓OM System 12mm provides a wider 24mm equivalent field of view versus the 30mm equivalent of the 15mm lens.
• ✓Corner sharpness and overall contrast are reported to be superior on the OM 12mm.
• ✓All‑metal construction with a sliding manual‑focus clutch feels more premium than the 15mm’s design.

Disadvantages

• ✗The 12mm’s maximum aperture is f/2, a stop slower than the 15mm’s f/1.7, reducing low‑light gathering ability.
• ✗The 12mm is marginally heavier (130 g vs ~115 g) and slightly larger in length.

Advantages

• ✓The 12mm offers a significantly wider 24mm equivalent view compared with the 34mm equivalent of the 17mm.
• ✓Sharper corner performance and better flare resistance are noted on the 12mm.
• ✓Its pancake form factor is smaller and lighter than the 17mm’s longer barrel.

Disadvantages

• ✗The 12mm’s f/2 aperture is a stop slower than the 17mm’s f/1.8, affecting low‑light performance.
• ✗Both lenses lack a built‑in hood, but the 17mm is often bundled with a small hood in some kits.

Advantages

• ✓Variable focal length provides flexibility that a fixed 12mm cannot match.
• ✓Often includes a lens hood and may be bundled at a lower overall cost.

Disadvantages

• ✗The kit zoom is larger, heavier, and less sharp at wide apertures compared with the 12mm prime.
• ✗Maximum aperture at the wide end is typically f/3.5, considerably slower than the 12mm’s f/2.
• ✗Autofocus and image quality are not as refined as the dedicated MSC system of the 12mm.