If your friend wants to be able to use RC mode it may only work with an Oly/OM lens. Manuals for the Backscatter strobes state that an Oly/OM lens is required and while I didn't see the AOI manual address this you may want to find this out if you are considering the Panasonic lens. If they plan to only shoot in manual then obviously not a consideration.
Hello all, Previous member on Wetpixel and thankful to all who have made Waterpixels a thriving community and an invaluable resource. I started underwater imaging with a Sony Handycam/Bluefin housing and Nikon P7000. For roughly the last decade I've been shooting M4/3, first with the Oly EM-5 Mark II and currently the OM-1. Thank you! Stan