28-48mm f4 Olympus Lens - HELP!!!

[jesse1dog]

This lens is a bit of an oddity - not too many around and not a great deal written about its performance.
I've been offered one for £65 described as: 'Immaculate example of this rare Olympus lens in exceptional condition for it's year of manufacture.'
At present I do have a 28mm f3.5 Zuiko and of course the usual 50mm f1.8 and f1.4, but I am tempted!!!!! Tempted because its unusual, tempted because of its range, tempted because its 49mm, tempted because most of my photos are at f5.6 anf f8, tempted because the 28mm I have at present was picked up vey cheaply and is well used.
What experiences have you guys got that will make me decide one way or the other? (There is enough in the piggy bank to fund it!).
Is it just a collector's piece?
Are there better (!) alternatives?

Help - please

jesse

 

[oscroft]

Hi Jesse,

It's my favourite Zuiko zoom! £65 for one in immaculate condition sounds pretty reasonable to me (I think I paid around £50 for mine, with a bit of cosmetic wear, and I reckoned that was a steal at the time)

I'll try to dig out a few samples of shots from it later, when I have time free from work.

Best,

 

[Richard Ross]

I have one but don't use it much; my "standard zoom" is the 35-105, usually paired with a 24mm. It's a good enough performer, but a bit bigger than you might expect. At that price though I'd go for it!

Cheers
Richard

 

[hans voralberg]

For £65 just buy it! it's rarity is enough reason already!

 

[oscroft]

Sorry, haven't had chance to dig out some shots yet - hopefully I'll have time later today.

 

[Kent]

Go for it! If you don't like it, you will be able to sell it with a profit (if it's really in such a good condition).

 

[jesse1dog]

Thought I would give an update.
Decided not to buy the lens.
I couldn't really justify it with having a 28mm f3.5 and a 50mm f1.4 which effectively cover both ends of the 28-48mm range, and, probably do so better than the zoom lens. OK, it would have been really nice to have had quite a rare lens but I couldn't see myself using it all that much.
So thanks for the advice to buy that several people gave. I can persuade myself that some sort of sense prevailed!
jesse

 

[Spyderman]

Jesse, i admire you. I would have given in. Wait - I have already given in so many times... but that's GAS :bang:

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

The look of this lens reminds me of my favorite Pentax zoom, the 24-35, also a wonderful sleeper.