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A version of this article originally appeared in Underwater Photography Magazine (UwP), Issue 140 (September/October 2024). Reproduced by permission.
Large, in-your-face subjects are handled easily by the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens at the wide end. It is the equivalent of a 16mm lens on a full-frame sensor
When I began my journey into the world of underwater photography with the Micro Four-Thirds format (MFT) using the OM System OM-1 camera, I immediately purchased the M.Zuiko ED 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye Pro, M.Zuiko ED 7–14mm f/2.8 Pro, and the M.Zuiko ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro lenses, as these were the most often discussed options for MFT underwater photography. These lenses have been my workhorse lenses for quite some time now and have served me well in capturing some very nice imagery beneath the waves.
I also own the M.Zuiko ED 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens, which I have mostly reserved for my topside landscape photography. However, this lens has quickly become my go-to lens for many of my excursions into Grand Cayman’s underwater world. I do not intend to provide a pixel peeper’s review here, but rather my real-world experience from diving with this lens to produce saleable imagery for my agent and personal licensing requirements.
The wreck of the Geneva Kathleen
Before we go to depth, we must decide on what lens to use beneath the waves. Often, we must commit to either wide-angle reef scenes, close-focus wide angle, or macro subjects, and without a doubt, we will find a subject that we wish a different decision was made prior to the dive. There are some very expensive conversion lenses that perform exceedingly well as they allow photographers to take advantage of a range of focal lengths underwater, greatly improving the versatility of some lenses. However, the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro provides MFT shooters with excellent versatility at a fraction of the cost. In fact, if you are already set up to use the M.Zuiko 7–14mm f/2.8 Pro lens in your housing, it may be as easy as purchasing a zoom gear for the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro.
The author’s rig, comprised of the OM System OM-1, M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens, AOI UH-OM1 housing, AOI DLP-12-OD dome port, dual AOI Q1-RC strobes
I have been using the AOI UH-OM1 housing with the M.Zuiko 7–14mm f/2.8 Pro lens for almost two years now. Being able to use the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens in my setup was as easy as getting the appropriate zoom gear (AOI LG-OM2-825PRO), as I already use the 37mm zoom knob extension ring (AOI ER-PN-OD-37) and the 8-inch dome port (AOI DLP-12-OD). Due to the polycarbonate construction of my gear this setup is quite positively buoyant. I corrected this by using a 2lb ankle weight around the back of the dome port.
To combat the floatation of the large dome, a simple 2lb ankle weight strapped to the rig, brought it right back to neutral
The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens offers a focal range of 16–50mm in full-frame terms and is an excellent choice for underwater photographers using the MFT system, offering several features that will cater to the unique demands of shooting in aquatic environments. The 8mm focal length (16mm full-frame equivalent) is particularly advantageous underwater, allowing you to capture wide scenes such as coral reefs, large schools of fish, sea turtles, rays, and wrecks. The close focusing capabilities of the lens (nine inches from subject to sensor) make it great for close-focus wide angle (CFWA). This minimum focus distance also makes it a powerful tool when the lens is zoomed to 25mm (50mm full-frame equivalent) for closer subjects like individual reef fish, quasi-macro scenarios, and more detailed shots of the underwater environment.
Large reef scenes like this one, featuring a knobby coral, are easily photographed using the wide end of the zoom range
Photographing knobby coral close-ups with the long end of the lens is no problem. At 50mm, the lens focuses quite closely for decent quasi-macro type images
For my shooting style, this lens offers superb flexibility for the subjects I most typically encounter on a dive in Grand Cayman. I can go wide and close for sponge-scapes and co-operative reef fish, and zoom the lens to 25mm to keep a bit of distance for skittish subjects or smaller reef fish of around six inches or so and still fill the frame nicely.
But it’s an f/4 lens? While f/4 is not particularly fast, it is consistent throughout the zoom range. This means you need not worry about exposure changes when zooming the lens, which can be particularly helpful in unpredictable lighting conditions. I seldom shoot with a lens wide open, as I am often getting in quite close and stopping the lens down will yield better depth field for the subject matter in the image. Shooting an f/2.8 lens at f/8, for example, is the same as shooting an f/4 lens at f/8. In fact, I think the only time I have ever shot an f/2.8 lens wide open is when I have been topside photographing the night sky.
A small sand diver, a type of lizardfish, roughly six inches long was a good candidate for a close-focus-wide-angle-ish image
The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens delivers excellent sharpness and low distortion, even at the widest angles, which is crucial for capturing clarity and detail. The advanced optical elements in the lens minimize chromatic aberrations, which is typically more pronounced underwater due to refraction. As mentioned previously, the minimum focusing distance of nine inches allows you to get close to your subjects, which is beneficial when shooting smaller marine life or coral details. This close focusing capability is very valuable for improved clarity and sharpness. You may recall the saying “if you think you are close enough, get closer” then the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens will allow you to do just that.
Spotted scorpionfish rely heavily on their camouflage and allow a very close approach. The M.Zuiko 8–25mm lets you focus extremely close and fill the frame with a smaller subject
The lens is compatible with various underwater housings available for Olympus/OM System cameras. The compact size of the lens means that it can fit well within many standard dome ports, providing the necessary optical quality required for underwater shooting. Dome ports are typically preferred when using wide-angle lenses like this one because they help maintain the field of view underwater and minimize distortion. The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens is also an excellent choice for split images (over-unders) when used with large 8-inch dome ports.
The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 lens requires a large dome to maximize image quality. A benefit of this is that the lens-plus-dome combo is a fantastic option for split shots
If you choose to shoot this lens with ambient light, it is important to note that it accepts 72mm filters, unlike the M.Zuiko 7–14mm f/2.8 Pro lens, which does not accept filters due to the bulbous front element. Being able to accept the screw-on filters means that a Magic Filter can easily be used with this lens for improved color rendition beneath the waves. Yes, the OM System OM-1 features an underwater white balance setting, but this is really only useful close to the surface. I strongly advise setting a custom white balance when going to depth with ambient light photography. I am often shooting with strobes at depth and currently use a pair of AOI Q1-RC strobes. I enjoy their compact size and ease of use, and when fitted with the optional dome diffusers, I find they spread the light sufficiently for my photographic needs.
The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens has become a go-to for me for portraits of larger fish species, like this French angelfish
No lens is really designed without some sort of drawback, and I have found one such drawback with the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens. When using the lens in my 8-inch dome, I became aware of a reflection issue on a shoot at the USS Kittiwake while shooting into the sun. This can be a problem with many brands of lenses inside large domes. I noticed the issue on the dive and was able to remedy the situation by tilting the camera slightly downward to prevent the reflection from being visible in the images. The lens has some textured plastic around the front glass element that will reflect in the images when the lens is positioned at an angle that will cause reflections. I would recommend using an anti-reflection ring with this lens by either making your own with some flat black material or sourcing out options to purchase.
From fish portraits to wrecks on the same dive, the M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens can handle it all!
Tubulate sponge and red rope sponge
The M.Zuiko 8–25mm f/4 Pro lens is extremely versatile for underwater photography, particularly if you need a lens that can handle both wide angle, split scenes, and quasi-macro on a single dive. Having one lens that can accomplish each of those photography scenarios is incredible. The optical quality, close focusing ability, and compatibility with underwater housings make it a strong candidate for capturing stunning underwater images, whether you’re shooting wide reef scenes or more intimate marine life portraits.
A turtle selfie
To see more of Andrew’s work, please give him a follow on Instagram and visit his website, www.andrewmclachlan.ca. Make sure to check out the DPG Photographer of the Week article on Andrew as well.
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