About That Olympus Feathered Bokeh

Olympus' latest lenses, the F1.2 PRO primes, 17mm and 45mm both have this new feature named "feathered bokeh". Olympus claims that when shooting at F1.2 wide open, feathered bokeh can be achieved, rendering softer looking background for better defocusing effect, isolating the subject better and creating that 3-dimensional look. Alternatively, a more solid background can be acquired by stopping down the lens to F1.8, which is the ordinary look from any other lenses. During my course of reviewing lenses, both the 17mm and 45mm F1.2 PRO, I have come to appreciate the buttery smooth and pleasingly creamy bokeh that these lenses can do at F1.2. However, is there really that huge of a difference between the F1.2 and F1.8? I am not asking in terms of shallow depth of field (obviously the F1.2 can create a blurrer background, no doubt), but the bokeh quality. Is it really that much better?

17mm F1.2 PRO. Taken at F1.2 obviously and the bokeh is just so beautiful to look at. Transition is smooth and the blur is pleasingly creamy. If I were to pick one image to show the capability of the 17mm F1.2 lens being used wide open, this would be the one I pick. Stunning sharpness on the eye in focus, and the absolutely delicious bokeh rendering. 

45mm F1.2 PRO. Image shot at F1.2, here the advantage of F1.2 is very obvious. 

45mm F1.2 PRO. Shot at F1.8

45mm F1.2 PRO. Shot at F2.8

I am no expert when it comes to bokeh. I do not have extensive experience with all different kinds of lenses. The Leica users would certainly have their own preference on how their bokeh should look like, for example. Now what intrigued me was the claim Olympus made on their feather bokeh, as if it was not just the characteristics of the optics itself, but also due to a direct aberration measurement and on the spot adjustment done shot by shot. You can read all about the science and explanation behind the feathered bokeh on Olympus' official site here (click). I insert here a simplified technical explanation diagram on the comparisons between different bokehs. 

Now here is another question that I have. It is mentioned clearly that when shooting at F1.2, we get the feathered bokeh, and if we want solid bokeh (the conventional one), then stopping down to F1.8 will make that happen. How about the in between F-Stop numbers? Like F1.4 abd F1.6? Do we get the benefit of feathered bokeh as well? I have done my own fair share of shooting and trying to find out the results but these things are so difficult to identify, and obviously I am no bokeh expert. Maybe that Kai (previously from Digital Rev TV) can have something to say, because I certainly have a lot of difficulty telling them apart.

Take a look at comparison of 4 shots taken below, from F1.2, F1.4, F1.6 and F1.8. The shape and rendering of the bokeh balls change as the aperture changes, but if you just randomly pick one out to show me and ask me what aperture it was taken with, without any comparison shots, I will not be able to tell you, honestly!

 17mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.2

17mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.4

17mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.6

17mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.8

Bokeh comparisons

Why am I asking these questions? We all know that these F1.2 PRO prime lenses from Olympus are not cheap to begin with. They are also not small and compact enough for most people (looking at the amount of complains about the size and weight on the internet). From my own testing, it is evident that these new PRO lenses were super sharp even at wide open F1.2 aperture, and technical flaws are generally well controlled. The only other interesting feature, the key selling point of these lenses is the new "feathered bokeh". I am not saying I do not see them, I do see the awesomeness of F1.2 bokeh. I also want to hear what you think. 

17mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.2

45mm F1.2 PRO, shot at F1.2

So guys, tell me, do you see the feathered bokeh? Share your thoughts, and are you happy with the bokeh quality of the lenses that you already have?

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