What OM lenses and why?

OurManInTangier

OurManInTangier

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I've recently got myself an OM2SP and an OM4ti with a 35mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 'mij' which I'm using more and more. I've heard the 85 f2 is a cracking lens as well as the 1.1m+ 50 1.4. I'm looking to get a short tele and possibly a 24 so does anyone have any opinions, examples and/or knowledge of the OM range that may help?

Many Thanks
 
Probably you've seen the sample shots I posted in short tele thread, but the 85mm/2 (with newer optics?) is really really good. This is my favorite zuiko over 24mm, 50mm/1.4 and 50mm/1.8 I have.

24mm is even smaller (shorter) than 50mm/1.8, and can be had for quite cheap. I got it mainly to play with m43 camera, but it is a handy focal length and again, very compact.


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I have 35 2.8 Shift, 50 1.8, 50 1.2 (and waiting from KEH for 50 1.4 - bought it for 59$) and also 85 f2.0. When I have all 50's I'll do the test to understand why I love all of them... or maybe I'll sell 1.8.. 85 f2 - great indeed. Why - sharp enough, very small, same filter size (49) as others, quite nice bokeh and (most important) true portrait focal lenth (at least in my view). 35 f2.8 shift i like because i can use it for perspective correction (don't like doing it in PS).
 
Simon, after admiring the RF work you've posted here, I'm curious to see what you'll do with the OM system.

This is from my first roll with the 24mm 2.8...

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When I went through my OM period I had the 24 2.8 which was superb, very sharp. A 50mm 1.4, a little soft at 1.4 but above that great, an 85mm f2, fantastic and sharp at all apertures with very nice bokeh and lastly the 180 f2.8 which was similarly sharp with great bokeh. You can't really go wrong with any of these and I would say out of the 4 I had, the 24 and 85 where the best.

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24mm

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50mm

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85mm

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180mm
 
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Thanks for the replies so far.

I have very little knowledge of the OM system or Zuiko lenses other than that the reputation along the line is pretty damn good. I'll have a look at the links that have been given as any resource on these lenses would be very useful.

Snausages - I've seen that pic before and was mightily impressed, a good enough reason for me to be looking at the 24mm I think!!

Coelacanth - yes, I did see some of those pictures on the other thread ( some lovely ones too by the way.) It's points like the one you made about the newer version of the 85mm f2 that are of particular interest to me as I know nothing of generational differences in each lens - bar the purported excellence of the 1.1m+ serial numbered 50mm 1.4.

Nobbylon - The shot of the aircraft using the 24mm is excellent - and looks sharp enough to cut.

I still love and use my M6s' but I do enjoy the compositional advantages of seeing through the lens, which is why I've stumbled my way into trying to line up a small OM system.

Stewart - I've got a 35mm 2.8 and the 50mm 1.8 so I'd rather look into other focal lengths that may be of more immediate use to me, plus that way I don't slip straight into a GAS attack without making the most of what I have already....though I've heard elsewhere that the 55mm macro is superb😎
 
Bill - what does 'ALIMHO' mean?

I don't tend, apart from some work stuff, to shoot much on longer focal lengths but I grew up with a 135mm as my longest lens on my old Minolta system. Maybe one of those ( eventually ) or the 180mm, as you suggest, may prove worthwhile.

Ideally I'd like a pretty small system as a take anywhere, worry about nothing system with small cameras - I've got the small cameras, just need the lenses!
 
A few years ago I read an article about the 100 F2, which praised its quality and close-focus capabilities. But it cost more than I could afford. So I ended up buying the slower 100mm 2.8, which I found to be a very sharp, very compact lens. I tended to use it in situations where I didn't need the speed of the 85 F2, and where I needed a bit more reach. It pops up from time to time on KEH, and I think it is a fine lens for the OM.
 
At Least In My Humble Opinion

I grew up with a 24/85/200 system years back. A few years after getting a real job I got a 300/4.5 ED-IF and fell in love with something longer but found 180/200 with a 2x convert good enough for the very few times I really needed to reach out. The 85 was more of my normal lens and did not find it reached out enough for me. Part of my problem with RFs as my only system. Sometimes I really want/need to reach out and pull something closer. There are cases where I cannot “Zoom with your feet”.

My 200 was an old Series 1 f3 and almost as good as the 180/2.8 but at a much lower price. Now I’ve got a 180/2.8 ED which is a bit better. When I had my OM kit I had the 200/5, more for price and size than anything else. It’s tinny size was wonderful to carry and most of the time I shot outside so f5 did not bug me too much. There were a few times I used my Nikon kit in doors (kids stage shows and such) and if I stayed with an OM system I think I would have gotten their 180/2.8.

As you’ve found most of the Zuiko lenses are just a little bit bigger than most RF lenses. It’s a fun place to be, very fun.

B2 (;->
 
My current working set is 28/2, 35/2, 50/1.8 (MIJ), Vivitar Series I 90/2.5, Tokina ATX 80-200/2.8, Tokina ATX 100-300/4. Also have a Zuiko 180/2.8 that's great.

The 80/2 is cute, but way softer than the 90/2.5. And you will not see the softness in a 400x600 web post.

Roland.
 
My favorite OM lenses are:
28 f2.0
50 f2.0
100 f2.0
35-80 f2.8

All are very sharp with beautiful bokeh. The 28 also has a very liquid quality to its rendering. The 35-80 is quite possibly the best short to medium zoom made period.
 
Sparrow said:
On black and white film the 35 f2 and the 50 f2 macro are worth giving a go, the 35 gets a bad press but I really like it
Click to expand...

I didn't know that 35/2 had a bad press.

To me that lens is just about perfect. And I should know, I have way too many 35mm lenses of all makes and kinds 😀

To Simon, at least give the 35/2 a try. It's not expensive by any measure.

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Just some samples.
 
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