Some people are offended by the pricing of the black version of this lens, and it is relatively expensive compared to the optically identical, original, standard silver version (at about a $200 premium, since the hood + filter come in at about $100 total). But the lens is superb, and in at least some of the reviews for the standard (silver) lens, the main complaint is the lack of black (and silver mismatches from lenses to silver bodies). For me, silver shouts especially on a black body (contrast silver/black), and black blends in and is suitably low profile for street and casual photography.
As for the $200 premium, I do not think it is quite as extreme as it seemed before the lenses were released, since they seem to have been produced in the low thousands (rumors suggest 3,000 worldwide) --so it is VERY limited release, and presumably much more expensive to manufacture than usual mass production.
The first 2-star review probably didn't know the economics of the manufacturing since the "review" was posted before the lens was even shipped.
Personally, I wish that Olympus would release all their lenses in both silver and black. In any case, I am glad the 12mm (24mm equivalent) was released in black because it's small, fast (aperture), and a great walk-around lens.
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