Olympus's fast 28mm wide-angle for the OM system — the premium f/2 version with outstanding optics.
The Olympus Zuiko MC Auto-W 28mm f/2 is the premium wide-angle prime from Olympus's OM system, offering a full stop more speed than the common f/2.8 version. The f/2 aperture was fast for a 28mm lens of this era, making it useful in lower light and providing more creative control over depth of field at a wide-angle focal length.
Optical performance is very good. Sharpness is impressive from f/2 in the centre, becoming excellent across the frame by f/4. The multi-coating provides effective flare resistance. Colour rendition has the warm, pleasant character typical of Zuiko lenses. The extra stop over the f/2.8 version makes a noticeable difference for low-light street and documentary photography.
Olympus OM mount, manual focus. Filter thread is 49mm — the same as the f/2.8 version. Weight is approximately 250 grams — slightly heavier than the f/2.8 due to the larger aperture optics. Build quality is excellent with the trademark Olympus precision metal construction and smooth focus ring. Several optical versions exist across the production run.
Less common than the f/2.8 version and commands a premium on the used market. Check for haze, fungus, and smooth focus operation. The extra speed makes it the preferred choice for OM street photographers. Adapts beautifully to mirrorless cameras — on Micro Four Thirds it becomes a 56mm f/2 equivalent, an excellent portrait focal length.