Overview

The Kowa Prominar 25mm f/1.8 is a manual focus lens for Micro Four Thirds, offering a 50mm equivalent field of view. Optically, it features a floating system for close focus (0.25m, 1:6.5 magnification) and includes an aspherical and XD element. Build quality is excellent with a metal body and smooth focus ring, but the lens is long and heavy at 400g. A unique dual-link iris allows clicked or smooth aperture control, but there is no electronic coupling. The screw-in hood on the filter thread is fiddly. It suits photographers who prefer manual operation and value solid construction over autofocus convenience.