Crowdsource Lens Review

[Mike Farley]

I am not sure how this experiment by Michael Johnston of The Online Photographer will turn out. It has potential, especially given the more considered nature of TOP's readership*, but could also turn out just to be a glorified forum thread. That said, the Olympus 17 f/1.8 does seem to get mixed reviews, with some considering it to be underrated, not least Mr Johnston himself.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.co ... ource.html

* Witness that as of the time of writing, the boys and girls at the Mu-43 forum which is dedicated to matters four thirds have not yet picked up on the TOP post.

[Mike Farley]

The results have been posted, although I am not sure how useful the exercise has been. Some people like the lens and others don't, but much of this seems to come down to how important edge to edge sharpness is to the user at wider apertures and the rendition of out of focus areas.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.co ... ource.html

The best option for those interested would be to try the lens for themselves using Olympus' "Test and Wow" loan scheme.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1117&p=5405&hilit=olympus+test+wow#p5405