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Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56

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Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro

Telephoto Prime | Micro Four Thirds

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro
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Lensbaby Velvet 56

Standard Prime | Micro Four Thirds

Lensbaby Velvet 56
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Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro is a Telephoto Prime lens with a 45mm focal range and a max aperture of F1.2 whereas Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a Standard Prime lens with a 56mm focal range and max aperture of F1.6.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro Key Specs

  • 45mm Focal Range
  • F1.2 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: FourThirds
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Weight: 410g.
  • Diameter: 70mm
  • Length: 85mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.5m
  • Max Magnification:0.1x

Lensbaby Velvet 56 Key Specs

  • 56mm Focal Range
  • F1.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 62mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Weight: 400g.
  • Diameter: 72mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m

What type of photography are the Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro and the Lensbaby Velvet 56 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro Lensbaby Velvet 56
Bird/WildlifeAverageFair
SportsGoodAverage
PortraitExcellentExcellent
TravelFairGood
StreetAverageVery Good
WeddingVery GoodExcellent
Walk AroundFairGood
VloggingAverageGood
LandscapeFairGood

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Lensbaby Velvet 56 is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro with a length of 85mm is 1mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Lensbaby Velvet 56 also has a larger diameter of 72mm compared to Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro's 70mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Lensbaby Velvet 56 weighs 400g, 2% (10g) lighter than the Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro's weight of 410g.


Lens Mounts

Both Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56 has the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Micro Four Thirds lenses are OM System OM-5, Panasonic GH6 and OM System OM-1.

Lensbaby Velvet 56 is also available in Canon EF , Fujifilm X, Nikon F (FX), Pentax KAF3, Samsung NX, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.

Focal Range

Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 45mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 90mm when used on a FourThirds format camera. Lensbaby Velvet 56 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 56mm.

Reasons to choose Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro over Lensbaby Velvet 56

Focal Length - Wide 45mm vs 56mm 11mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 1.2 vs 1.6 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.2 vs 1.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Autofocus Yes vs No Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Diameter 70mm vs 72mm 2mm smaller in diameter
Length 85mm vs 86mm 1mm shorter
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.5m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.1x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Lensbaby Velvet 56 over Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro

Focal Length - Tele 56mm vs 45mm 11mm more Tele coverage
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs FourThirds covers larger sensors
Weight 400g vs 410g 10g lighter

Common Strengths of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Autofocus Yes vs Yes Easier, faster and more accurate focusing
Common Weaknesses of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 Pro and Lensbaby Velvet 56
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Olympus 45mm F1.2 Pro vs Lensbaby Velvet 56 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Olympus Lensbaby
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Max Format FourThirds 35mm FF
Focal Range 45mm 56mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F1.2 F1.6
Min Aperture F16
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 unknown
Optics
Optical Elements 14 unknown
Optical Groups 10 unknown
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.5m 5m
Max Magnification 0.1X unknown
Autofocus Yes No
AF Motor Type Stepper motor No AF
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Extending front
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale Yes No
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 410g 400g
Diameter 70mm 72mm
Length 85mm 86mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 62mm 62mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes No
Hood Code LH-66B Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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