Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

This highly rated, pricy, Olympus lens apparently does not accept filters because the front lens element is curved and protrudes almost to the end of the lens hood!

The front lens element is exposed to any inadvertent bump or scratch though the lens is WR and advertised to be a go anywhere, anytime product.

The lens is rectilinear and I’d love to have it, but I’m wondering if any Hogger has experience with it and if there is any way to protect that front element.

Thanks.

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Maybe something like OP/Tech Hood Hat:
https://optechusa.com/hood-hat.html
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 does have a slightly bigger removable hood, has a threaded filter ring and is a few hundred cheaper. (And slower when extended.)

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Canon has a lens or two like this. You simply can't use a filter on it.

Ksocha Loc: Bethesda, MD

I like the idea of the hood hat. That may work if it’s easy to put on and remove.

Also, I’ll look into the Pany-Leica alternative and check out reviews.

Thanks.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

I have that lens, use it regularly and have not had problems with it.
The tulip-shaped lens hood is built-in, the larger "petals" extend to just above the lens itself and so provide a certain amount of protection.
When walking around with the camera, I set the focal length to 14mm - this causes the lens to retract a fair bit, offering more protection.
The lens cap fits on snugly.
I do not think that you can attach any filters, just looking at the front of the lens.
But, so far, I have not had any problems at all with this lens: rain, dust, smoke, banging it into a (wooden) fence, none seem to affect it.
Yes, I highly recommend this lens. Just ordinary care will go a very long way.

Kuzano

Not sure if this would be a solution, but one might consider a step up ring to move the filter out a bit more in front of the lens.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Can't! There is no screw thread to attach a filter or step-up ring to the front of the lens.

As to protection, without the screw thread, the only possibility I see, is to move the lens to f/14 and to keep the lens cap on, when just walking around.

Something about filters for this lens here:
https://chriseyrewalker.com/m-zuiko-7-14mm-f2-8-pro-filter-guide/

and here:
https://fotodioxpro.com/products/wpcore-om-mft-714-28

and:
https://cokinfilter.com/products/filter-holder-for-olympus-7-14mm

I'd be happy to try them out, but unfortunately at the moment, my pockets are not deep enough.