50-200 swd or not for mFT

Pikme wrote:

I have both versions and cannot understand the comments that say the AF speed is the same or close. It would be like saying the AF speed of original m4/3 lenses is the same as recent MSC lenses. The SWD is MUCH faster and a different type of focus. There is no 'final adjustment' like with the original, just a one shot bang. The only explanation I have for those who think the AF speed is similar is if they only use the lens with tele converter - that does bring the SWD lens focus speed back down to non- SWD speed.

The two lenses are the same with respect to sharpness, but the SWD lens has rounded aperture blades. I can believe that many people do not notice the difference, but it was a very pleasant difference for me. It removes or lessens some of the previous harshness and 'digital' look of the OOF areas. It is a subtle difference, agreed, but still is very noticeable to me.

The hood is a bit larger, but the difference is exaggerated (I've never had any problems fitting it into the same bags I've always used). The SWD hood has a door that permits adjustment of filters and polarizers.

Jim, your question is a good one and I wish I knew the answer. Right now, I don't like using the SWD lenses on my EM5 because there is a lot of slamming around and I worry that it is damaging to the lenses (I have no idea if it is actually damaging, it just feels like it might be). That is the only reason I've kept my non SWD lens around. If the new camera works with SWD ok, then I will get rid of the original version.