The OM System PEN series (and classic Olympus PEN predecessors like the PEN-F and E-P7) remains one of the most iconic, stylish, and ultra-portable camera lineups in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. Designed for street photography, daily walkaround snapshots, and travel vlogging, these retro rangefinder-style bodies thrive on compact efficiency.
However, navigating the endless sea of third-party camera accessories can be overwhelming. To help you build a lean, functional setup without cluttering your kit bag, this guide breaks down the best OM System PEN accessories you actually need—focusing on essential lenses, power solutions, ergonomic grips, and street-ready protection.
Daisy’s Take: The beauty of the Micro Four Thirds PEN series lies in its lightweight rangefinder aesthetics and compact form factor. Don’t ruin that portability by mounting massive zoom lenses or heavy battery grips! Stick to pancake prime lenses, a fitted leather half-case, and a couple of spare BLS-50 batteries so your camera can easily slip into a jacket pocket or small sling bag wherever you go!
Quick Summary: Essential OM System PEN Accessories
| Accessory Category | Top Recommendation | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Street Prime Lens | OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 II | 34mm equivalent, bright f/1.8 aperture, snapshot focus clutch mechanism. |
| Compact Portrait Prime | Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 | 90mm equivalent, featherlight (116g), razor-sharp with creamy background bokeh. |
| Spare Battery | Olympus / OM SYSTEM BLS-50 Battery | Ensures accurate battery level readings and reliable power in cold weather. |
| Dual USB Charger | JJC Dual USB-C Charger for BLS-50 | Charges two BLS-50 batteries simultaneously via power bank while traveling. |
| Ergonomic Protection | Gariz Leather Half-Case for PEN | Adds bottom protection, improves grip ergonomics, allows battery door access. |
| High-Speed Memory Card | SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB UHS-I SDXC | Reliable V30 write speeds for 4K video recording and burst shooting. |
| Compact Street Flash | Olympus FL-LM3 Retro Speedlite | Bounce-capable small flash powered directly by the camera hot shoe. |
1. Top Lenses That Match the PEN Aesthetics
A PEN camera body deserves optics that complement its vintage rangefinder silhouette while keeping overall weight minimal.
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 II
Delivering a classic 34mm full-frame equivalent field of view, the M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 is the definitive street lens for PEN cameras. Built with an all-metal barrel and a mechanical Snapshot Focus Ring that slides back to reveal distance scales, it allows street photographers to pre-focus instantly for quick candid shots.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
Weighing only 116g, the M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 provides a flattering 90mm portrait focal length. It produces tack-sharp subject detail and smooth background blur at an unbeatable price point, making it a must-have secondary prime in any PEN setup.
2. Power & Charging Solutions
Most compact OM System PEN bodies rely on the compact BLS-50 lithium-ion battery, which typically yields around 270 to 330 shots per charge. Having spare power is critical for full days of street photography.
Recommended Power Setup
- Genuine OM System BLS-50 Battery: OEM batteries provide reliable power output and accurate percentage displays on screen without sudden shutdowns.
- USB-C Dual Battery Charger: Older PEN models lack internal USB charging ports. Picking up a dual USB-C battery charger lets you charge two BLS-50 batteries inside your sling bag using a portable power bank between locations.
3. Protection, Leather Cases & Ergonomics
Because PEN camera bodies feature flat front grips to maintain a sleek retro profile, adding targeted ergonomic accessories improves handling stability without compromising style.
Leather Half-Cases
A high-quality leather half-case protects the bottom plate from scratches, improves finger purchase on the grip, and incorporates a tripod mount thread along with a trapdoor cutout so you can change batteries without removing the case.
Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap
For street shooters who prefer keeping their camera ready in hand rather than hanging around their neck, an anchor-based wrist strap offers quick attachment and drop protection while walking through crowded urban areas.
4. Lighting & Compact Storage
Olympus FL-LM3 Flash
Many PEN bodies feature a standard hot shoe without a pop-up flash. The ultra-compact Olympus FL-LM3 is powered directly by the camera’s hot shoe pins—requiring no extra batteries—and features a tilt-and-swivel flash head for bouncing soft light off ceilings and walls during indoor social gatherings.
Daisy’s Pro Tip: Keep your SD card choice simple! PEN cameras utilize UHS-I SD card slots, so paying a high premium for expensive UHS-II cards won’t yield faster write speeds in-camera. A fast 128GB UHS-I V30 card gives you all the speed required for 4K video recording and raw photo bursts without overspending!
The OM SYSTEM PEN blends portability, durability, and creative power into a compact everyday camera. With its electronic viewfinder, weather sealing, computational features, and versatile kits, it is positioned as a go‑to option for travelers, enthusiasts, and creators seeking a balance of tradition and innovation.
For more coverage, see our Olympus/OM SYSTEM archive, OM SYSTEM rumors section, and our Micro Four Thirds tag.
OM SYSTEM PEN at B&H Photo,
OM SYSTEM PEN on Amazon,
M.ZUIKO 14‑42mm F3.5‑5.6 III at B&H Photo,
M.ZUIKO 14‑42mm F3.5‑5.6 III on Amazon,
M.ZUIKO 40‑150mm F4.0‑5.6 R at B&H Photo,
M.ZUIKO 40‑150mm F4.0‑5.6 R on Amazon,
Micro Four Thirds lenses at B&H Photo,
Micro Four Thirds lenses on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do OM System PEN cameras support in-body USB battery charging?
A: Newer models like the E-P7 support USB charging, but classic bodies like the PEN-F require an external battery charger for BLS-50 packs.
Q: What is the single best street photography lens for a PEN camera?
A: The M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 offers an ideal 34mm equivalent field of view, bright low-light speed, and a snapshot focus ring perfect for zone-focusing on the fly.
Q: Do I need expensive UHS-II memory cards for my PEN camera?
A: No. PEN cameras feature UHS-I card slots, so reliable UHS-I V30 SD cards provide full performance for 4K video recording and continuous stills shooting.
Final Verdict
Maximizing your OM System PEN setup comes down to choosing gear that enhances portability and street usability. Pairing a compact prime like the M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 with spare BLS-50 batteries, a comfortable wrist strap, and a fitted leather half-case gives you a stylish, lightweight kit ready for any street or travel adventure. Explore our recommended links above to equip your PEN body today!
