danielsterno
making soup from mud
All- wonderful feed back- I see a few patterns of top choice lens options... I would also appreciate any other council on ownership/usage- Thanks.Dan
Archiver
Veteran
My current lens setup for the OM-D is the Pana 14/2.5, and Sigma 19 and 30. I figured that these would tide me over until the Pana 12-35 becomes both more available and more affordable, but I'm having a great time with this combination in the meantime.
While a max aperture of f2.8 is no way near f1.4, the OM-D's high ISO and IBIS are excellent, so I often get street images that surprise me. The 14/2.5 is very sharp in the centre, even wide open, and the Sigma lenses are quite nice as well, not to mention being super value. I got those three lenses for about the same price as the Oly 12/2 in Australia.
The only caveat about the Sigma lenses is startup time. Apparently they use a new linear drive focusing motor which the camera must 'index' every time it is turned on. This indexing takes up to three seconds, which means startup to shot time is at least three seconds or more. The Pana 14/2.5 starts much faster, fortunately.
I imagine that when I have the 12-35mm I will still use the 14/2.5 because it makes the camera so compact and discreet. But we'll see how that goes when the time comes.
While a max aperture of f2.8 is no way near f1.4, the OM-D's high ISO and IBIS are excellent, so I often get street images that surprise me. The 14/2.5 is very sharp in the centre, even wide open, and the Sigma lenses are quite nice as well, not to mention being super value. I got those three lenses for about the same price as the Oly 12/2 in Australia.
The only caveat about the Sigma lenses is startup time. Apparently they use a new linear drive focusing motor which the camera must 'index' every time it is turned on. This indexing takes up to three seconds, which means startup to shot time is at least three seconds or more. The Pana 14/2.5 starts much faster, fortunately.
I imagine that when I have the 12-35mm I will still use the 14/2.5 because it makes the camera so compact and discreet. But we'll see how that goes when the time comes.
Timmy P
Established
Depends on your budget and what you want I spose. I'll break down my thinking at least
Lens's with little depth (cheap to expensive) -
Pana 14, Oly 12mm, Oly 9-18
Len's with a bit of depth
Sigma 19mm, Pana 20mm
Len's with good depth
Oly 45mm, Pana 25mm, Pana 45mm
Good all around
Pana 12-35mm
I guess it really depends on your budget and whether you want that "blur" you get from a DSLR. I don't find it too limiting because the sensor is small, but if you are one of those DOF junkies just be aware anything below the 40mm-effective range in 4/3rd is quite light on the depth unless you focus close. I'd say for a cheap prime kit you can get the Pana 14, Sigma 19 & Oly 45, possibly sub the sigma for the Pana 25 or 20 if you're feel like spending a bit more.
You can have the Pana 14 insanely cheap off ebay if you buy it split from a kit box, I got mine for around $180. And my Sigma 19mm for $200 from Teds, and the 45mm for around $350 off HK ebay seller.
Having just got the Pana 12-35 though, I can say it's fairly kick ass as an all around lens for the camera. I already have a DSLR for primes, and while I did end up getting three primes for the OM-D they were all so cheap it wasn't a huge deal. But if you've got a DSLR system already I don't know how much sense an expensive collection of m4/3 primes would be, except maybe the Pana 25mm.
Lens's with little depth (cheap to expensive) -
Pana 14, Oly 12mm, Oly 9-18
Len's with a bit of depth
Sigma 19mm, Pana 20mm
Len's with good depth
Oly 45mm, Pana 25mm, Pana 45mm
Good all around
Pana 12-35mm
I guess it really depends on your budget and whether you want that "blur" you get from a DSLR. I don't find it too limiting because the sensor is small, but if you are one of those DOF junkies just be aware anything below the 40mm-effective range in 4/3rd is quite light on the depth unless you focus close. I'd say for a cheap prime kit you can get the Pana 14, Sigma 19 & Oly 45, possibly sub the sigma for the Pana 25 or 20 if you're feel like spending a bit more.
You can have the Pana 14 insanely cheap off ebay if you buy it split from a kit box, I got mine for around $180. And my Sigma 19mm for $200 from Teds, and the 45mm for around $350 off HK ebay seller.
Having just got the Pana 12-35 though, I can say it's fairly kick ass as an all around lens for the camera. I already have a DSLR for primes, and while I did end up getting three primes for the OM-D they were all so cheap it wasn't a huge deal. But if you've got a DSLR system already I don't know how much sense an expensive collection of m4/3 primes would be, except maybe the Pana 25mm.
danielsterno
making soup from mud
All- saw this lens that is confirmed: All Black 45mm 1.8 “limited” edition lens coming.
Black mockup via Mike Kobal.
Well known trusted sources confirmed that Olympus will launch a Black “limited edition” Olympus 45mm at Photokina. Let’s just hope that the “limited edition” definition doesn’t mean we have to pay more than the normal $399 for it!
Black mockup via Mike Kobal.
Well known trusted sources confirmed that Olympus will launch a Black “limited edition” Olympus 45mm at Photokina. Let’s just hope that the “limited edition” definition doesn’t mean we have to pay more than the normal $399 for it!
danielsterno
making soup from mud
All: So thank you again for your input. While waiting for photokina to make a final camera decision I am renting the E-M5 with a 20/1.7 + Pana 12-35mm lens from LensRental.com being I am 95% leaning to the OMD.
Based on all of your input this seems like a good kit and based on how I shoot this would be perfect. Being I will have it for the Labor Day weekend, is there any fast start that I can set up the menu to eliminate not setting it up correctly and quickly? I like to shoot in manual or A priority. Last- I hear that OOC JPEG is so-so and I should shoot in RAW. I do not have any PP applications (i'm a film guy) so the rental is to get me a feeling of the interaction of the camera and ability to make quick ISO/Aperture and shutter decisions- any advice here??? Thank you in advance....dan
Based on all of your input this seems like a good kit and based on how I shoot this would be perfect. Being I will have it for the Labor Day weekend, is there any fast start that I can set up the menu to eliminate not setting it up correctly and quickly? I like to shoot in manual or A priority. Last- I hear that OOC JPEG is so-so and I should shoot in RAW. I do not have any PP applications (i'm a film guy) so the rental is to get me a feeling of the interaction of the camera and ability to make quick ISO/Aperture and shutter decisions- any advice here??? Thank you in advance....dan
Timmy P
Established
Pana lenses don't get corrected for CA on an Olympus camera which can be pretty hectic. Luckily Lightroom 4 cleans it right up with literally a tick box, so I recommend using that program.
Regarding the quick menu have a read through this it's fairly helpful, I turned on most of the settings on the camera they recommend. For future reference when you turn on the super control panel you press the ok button to bring it up, and you can touch stuff or just use the directional pad and press ok again to being making changes.
http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9115179666/user-guide-getting-the-most-out-of-the-olympus-e-m5
Hope that helps!
radical7
Olivier Duong
The 40 1.8 is absolutely great. Feels and looks like a plastic piece of junk tho.
Bingley
Veteran
I don't have the OMD (yet), but FWIW I love the Pany 20/1.7 for street, and the Pany 14/2.5 for interiors. Both are fab lenses, very compact, and not too expensive.
danielsterno
making soup from mud
steve: I will receive it Friday and thanks for your insight. The 20/1.7 was also what I intended for street use and like your idea of the 14/2.5 for inside which is important to me as well.... let you know how it goes with the omd. some say i am nuts for renting but worth it in my mind to satisfy my hands on curiosity versus 20 minutes in a camera store with a sls guy. i will wait until after photokina to place any order being i was also leaning towards a fuji xpro and curious if they do anything with the x100 like a x200 upgrade and other lens announcements which is lacking on the fuji xpro..... dan
Paul Luscher
Well-known
12mm, 45mm, and the Panasonic Summilux DG 25mm. Looking to get the 75mm, too.
ferider
Veteran
For what it's worth, a couple of weeks ago my better half got a G3 for her birthday, which she picked over the OMD in the store based on handling.
In any case, she also got both 25/1.4 'lux and 45/2.8 Macro-Elmarit (which I had to order from Japan). These two lenses are something else, wonderful output .... I can fully recommend them.
Roland.
In any case, she also got both 25/1.4 'lux and 45/2.8 Macro-Elmarit (which I had to order from Japan). These two lenses are something else, wonderful output .... I can fully recommend them.
Roland.
cz23
-
A little different take here. Not sure how you feel about zooms, but for starters I would consider the kit lens and one fast prime.
I agree with this TOP post about m4/3 zooms. I use the Panasonic 14-45 and find his post right on. It's slow, but for street that's OK. And it's nice to have the reach sometimes without changing lenses.
To the kit lens I would add a fast pancake -- the 20 1.7. I don't think there's a better balance of size, weight, speed, and quality. The Leica 25 is great if you like a 50 and are OK with its size. But for street the extra DOF of the 20mm is also nice to have.
John
I agree with this TOP post about m4/3 zooms. I use the Panasonic 14-45 and find his post right on. It's slow, but for street that's OK. And it's nice to have the reach sometimes without changing lenses.
To the kit lens I would add a fast pancake -- the 20 1.7. I don't think there's a better balance of size, weight, speed, and quality. The Leica 25 is great if you like a 50 and are OK with its size. But for street the extra DOF of the 20mm is also nice to have.
John
bwidjaja
Warung Photo
Anybody compare the Oly 45mm vs Pana/Leica 45mm?
After using Pana/Leica 25mm, i sold Pana 20mm as I prefer the image rendering of the P/L 25mm.
I wonder if the same can be said between the two 45mm lenses.
After using Pana/Leica 25mm, i sold Pana 20mm as I prefer the image rendering of the P/L 25mm.
I wonder if the same can be said between the two 45mm lenses.
Texsport
Well-known
I have the Olympus 12-50 kit lens, but quickly have included a Voigtlander 17.5/0.95 and a bunch of legacy lenses and adapters.(35mm f0.95 EFL)
The 17.5/0.95 is often on the camera.
Of special additional note are:
(1) Vivitar Series 1 90-180 /4.5 Flat Field macro, which is my walking around macro at effective focal lengths of 180-360mm. A 360mm macro is quite unique!
(2) Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 "Bokina", which is my tripod macro.(180-360 EFL if I use the Vivitar Extender).
(3) Olympus OM 350/2.8 (EFL 700 and 980mm with 1.4x extender)
(4) Zoomar 1000mm f8 (EFL 2000mm) My moon lens.
The OM-D has resurrected a whole bunch of great old glass with double focal lengths!
Texsport
The 17.5/0.95 is often on the camera.
Of special additional note are:
(1) Vivitar Series 1 90-180 /4.5 Flat Field macro, which is my walking around macro at effective focal lengths of 180-360mm. A 360mm macro is quite unique!
(2) Vivitar Series 1 90/2.5 "Bokina", which is my tripod macro.(180-360 EFL if I use the Vivitar Extender).
(3) Olympus OM 350/2.8 (EFL 700 and 980mm with 1.4x extender)
(4) Zoomar 1000mm f8 (EFL 2000mm) My moon lens.
The OM-D has resurrected a whole bunch of great old glass with double focal lengths!
Texsport