FT v MFT lenses

The only comment I can make on the Panny 7-14 is that it can produce big purple spots when used on an EM5 and there are direct light sources in the photo. Looks like some sort of internal reflection. Doesn't happen on Panny bodies, and the ZD 7-14 doesn't do this on the EM5. Other than that, I like the Panny 7-14 shots I've seen online, but not enough to sell my beloved ZD 7-14 and get one.

8FE? Haven't used the Panny version, don't think I've seen any shots online from one. I did pick up a real deal on a ZD 8FE recently. It's small enough to fit well on the EM5, AF isn't bad, in the 1 second range, I'm satisfied with the IQ, and it's weathersealed.

There is the MZD 9-18 which is very small (UWA's benefit in size from the M43 short registration distance, no retrofocal design needed) but from what I've seen posted online, it's not quite the ZD 9-18 in sharpness.

I haven't seen any 12 2.0 shots that thrilled me enough to consider ponying up that sort of cash. The shots I have seen have been good, but not $800 terrific. When you consider what an 11-22 sells for used... it looks like the better buy. Now, if I can just find one for sale.

The PL25 - I've had the 4/3 version for quite some time, it is a very special lens. Works very well on both EM5 and Pen, AF's quickly (it' s CDAF optimized) and isn't so large and heavy that it unbalances the camera. 4/3 PL25 is sharper than M43 PL25, or so it was shown last year by someone who had both. If you have the 4/3 version and are considering the OMD-Pro or whatever it will be called - hang onto it.

45 1.8 vs 50M. I have both. If there's any real difference, you have to pixel peep to see it. Both are very sharp. Might have to crank the 45 1.8 down a notch to get best IQ, but that puts you at... F2. 45 does not have macro, but it does have something the 50M doesn't have - lightning fast AF. In essence, the 45 1.8 is the 50M of the M43 world - a 'must have' lens due to sharpness and good value for money.

I'm not overly enamored of the fast Panny zooms, the 12-35 and 35-100 F2.8. 12-35 shows quite a bit of CA on the EM5. Panny corrects this in body, but the 4/3 lens that the 12-35 is closest to, the 12-60, never shows CA in the first place. 35-100 shots look like slightly soft 50-200 shots. In all fairness, both are small lens. In general, the shots posted online from those two lenses just seem to lack that 'oh wow' factor that the better HG zooms have.

In comparison, the ZD 35-100 delivers it's typically ultra defined results on the EM5. No CA, no softness, no excuses. It is large, and it's a handful on the EM5, but then again, it's a handful on the E3, too - doesn't handle much worse on a gripped EM5. AF on the EM5 is surprisingly good, definitely better than the 50-200, and focus accuracy is spot on. On a difficult AF target, the EM5 actually AF's the 35-100 quicker than the E3, because it always gets lock where I want it, whereas the E3 can take three or four AF cycles to get it right, keeps locking in the wrong place.

There is nothing like the 50-200 in M43. Definitely no zoom that remains sharp as the light gets dim. AF is tempermental, it usually gets lock but it can be 2 second slow. Unlike the M43 tele zooms, the 50-200 has aperture to spare., even at 200 I use my old non SWD version quite a bit, well I did until I got the ZD 35-100. With the grip, the 50-200 handles well on the EM5, and the greatly improved sensor really brings out the best in this lens.

The 75 1.8 looks like a winner. Relatively small, and IQ is up in the HG ZD range. I was about to buy one at $900 when a mint ZD 35-100 turned up for $1200.

Long tele zooms... Roel got me interested in the ZD 70-300, and it works as well if not better than either of the M43 long teles. AF is quick on the EM5, it's a CDAF lens, and you can't beat the price it goes for on the used market. If you have one and you're thinking about a M43 body or the upcoming Oly body... hang onto it. The MZD 75-300 might be a wee bit sharper in bright light, but it's a slower lens. At 300mm, you're squeezed between shooting wide open and hitting diffraction limitation - you have maybe one stop to play with.

Overall, I'd agree with Louis - the best IQ in M43 glass is the fast Oly primes: 17 1.8, 45 1.8, 60M 2.8, 75 1.8. The discriminating ZD owner will probably be satisfied with them. The zooms are okay if you want ultra compact, but aren't even close to HG ZD in IQ or useable aperture range.

So if the upcoming Oly body holds any interest, you might want to hang onto any HG or SHG zooms you have. You'll be disappointed with their M43 equivalents. I use my ZD's quite a bit on the EM5, slower AF and all. I can work around slower AF a lot easier than I can work around loss of IQ.