lens to use with GF-1 and 14-45

[rkhndjr]

I wonder what would be the best single lens to use with the GF-1 and 14-45. I want a very good lens to use for any subject matter. I take pictures of anything so am not particular except in regards to quality. The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it. Any ideas and help will be appreciated. Small size may be a factor but not critical. Thanks. I am just getting the feel to take pictures again after a long absence after my wife died last year.

 

[DrMarkP]

I am a little unclear. You have the Gf1 and the 14-45 now? And you would like to add a "single"/prime? lens to your outfit?

Have you found the 14-45 to fall short in getting your closer? Or not being able to include enough of the scene? If yes to either, perhaps a prime lens that is either wider or longer than the 14-45 range you now have.

Or are you looking for more speed while staying within the 14-45 range?

Is there something the 14-45 is not doing for you? That would help guide advice...

mark

 

[Jouko]

A Classic add woukd be something from the 40-150 range. All the choises seem to be at least good enough, prisevalue very good and they will expand your way of seeing and photographical choises a lot.

of course there are also primes... Sigma 60mm has a verryttelyä good reputition, and the oly 45mm is a good choise too, especially if you are interested in portrature. And of course there are the macros... And wideangles....

Good luck to you!

Jouko

'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'

Kuva-Lehto & Lehtokukka photography

Lehtokukka on pieni, henkilökohtaisesti palveleva Nokialla toimiva valokuvausyritys. Pääasiassa teemme muoto- ja lapsikuvauksia sekä perhejuhlien kuvauksia. Lehtokukka is a small, personally serving photography company, working at Noki

lehtokukka.smugmug.com

http://jouko-lehto.artistwebsites.com/

 

[rkhndjr]

I am a little unclear. You have the Gf1 and the 14-45 now? And you would like to add a "single"/prime? lens to your outfit?

Have you found the 14-45 to fall short in getting your closer? Or not being able to include enough of the scene? If yes to either, perhaps a prime lens that is either wider or longer than the 14-45 range you now have.

Or are you looking for more speed while staying within the 14-45 range?

Is there something the 14-45 is not doing for you? That would help guide advice...

mark'Thanks for the reply. I was not clear on that. I just take pictures, have for over 60 years, and love doing so. I do prefer very good lenses but money is a factor. The 14-45 is a great lens but I do want a faster one whatever I get.

 

[rkhndjr]

A Classic add woukd be something from the 40-150 range. All the choises seem to be at least good enough, prisevalue very good and they will expand your way of seeing and photographical choises a lot.

of course there are also primes... Sigma 60mm has a verryttelyä good reputition, and the oly 45mm is a good choise too, especially if you are interested in portrature. And of course there are the macros... And wideangles....

Good luck to you!

Thank you. It is something I have been going through for so many years and now am back at it. Fun, in any case.

Jouko

'The best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need it'
http://lehtokukka.smugmug.com/
http://jouko-lehto.artistwebsites.com/

 

[Michael M Fliegel]

As stated, it's easier to make recommendations if we know what you want to photograph. There is nothing wrong with the lens you currently own.

 

[rkhndjr]

As stated, it's easier to make recommendations if we know what you want to photograph. There is nothing wrong with the lens you currently own.

I thought I said I took [ictures of anything.. I am 88 years old and arthritis limits my walking. So what I want is just a faster lens than the 14-45. I agree it is a great lens, but I love f1.4 to f2/8 in what I get.

 

[Michael M Fliegel]

Have you considered the 12-32 pancake zoom? It's not fast, but is very small. For speed I would suggest the 25 (Oly or Panny) or the 45 1.8 Oly. Great, fast portrait lenses.

 

[rkhndjr]

Have you considered the 12-32 pancake zoom? It's not fast, but is very small. For speed I would suggest the 25 (Oly or Panny) or the 45 1.8 Oly. Great, fast portrait lenses.

Thanks Michael. Both those are on top of my list.

 

[Hugh J]

The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it.

Can you elaborate on why? Otherwise I don't know what to suggest.

 

[rkhndjr]

The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it.

Can you elaborate on why? Otherwise I don't know what to suggest.

I have owned probably 6 or more 20/1.7 lenses and did not like a one. Just me I guess. Many complain about the noise and speed but they never bothered me.Some indoor shots were very good but outside I did not get the IQ desired. Perhaps another might do the trick:-

 

[DrMarkP]

Lot's of good suggestions. I totally agree with the 45-150 was the first lens i added to my 14-45. Over time acquired the 45mm F1.8 Oly and the 25mm F1.8 Oly. Both suggested by others here. I use both of those lenses quite a bit.

If mobility is an issue, the 45-150 will certainly get you closer and can be had very reasonably.

mark

 

[Marla]

Hi Russ,

It's good to see you getting back into photography again. You've had a tough few years, and it's so important to do something in life that gives us pleasure - especially when we get older!

As for the lens, I have found the Panasonic 25mm one of my all-time favorites. I love this lens. There is just something about the images it produces that no other lens has done - at least for me.

Just a couple straight out of camera - no pp.

Maria

 

[Guy Parsons]

I wonder what would be the best single lens to use with the GF-1 and 14-45. I want a very good lens to use for any subject matter. I take pictures of anything so am not particular except in regards to quality. The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it. Any ideas and help will be appreciated. Small size may be a factor but not critical. Thanks. I am just getting the feel to take pictures again after a long absence after my wife died last year.

Hi Russ,

The "best lens" depends on a number of things, but as you say f/2.8 at least would be nicer than the sometimes limiting apertures (in light gathering terms) of the kit lenses.

An economical approach would be the f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, 19mm, 30mm and 60mm. Maybe one of those would make life interesting. If I were in your boots then maybe the 60mm for something different and make me view the world more in a tighter frame than the 14-45mm lens does. But then I'm a zoomy person and find primes way too limiting.

Otherwise a later camera body with a 16M sensor that does better at higher ISO, and then the kit lenses came alive again.

I found that in my move from the 12MP E-PL1 to the 16MP E-PL5.

Suddenly the 14-45mm kit lens worked so much better in low light situations and diminished any prime lust.

Then I went really silly and bought the Oly 12-40mm with constant f/2.8 and the last vestiges of prime lust totally evaporated.

Regards...... Guy

 

[Jere Landis]

Russ

Just glad to see you back at it again. I might suggest you try the Olympus 25mm 1.8 or Panasonic 25mm 1.4. The Oly is lower cost of course and I think smaller and lighter. I would go with the Olympus and I'm sure you will take my advise, right LOL LOL LOl.

Happy you're back.

 

[rkhndjr]

Hi Russ,

It's good to see you getting back into photography again. You've had a tough few years, and it's so important to do something in life that gives us pleasure - especially when we get older!

As for the lens, I have found the Panasonic 25mm one of my all-time favorites. I love this lens. There is just something about the images it produces that no other lens has done - at least for me.

Just a couple straight out of camera - no pp.

Thank you Maria. I am doing better but today is my first on forums in a long time. The 25/1.4 is certainly a fine lens and is on my want list. Thanks for the fine pictures, also. Great to hear from you.
Russ

Maria

 

[rkhndjr]

I wonder what would be the best single lens to use with the GF-1 and 14-45. I want a very good lens to use for any subject matter. I take pictures of anything so am not particular except in regards to quality. The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it. Any ideas and help will be appreciated. Small size may be a factor but not critical. Thanks. I am just getting the feel to take pictures again after a long absence after my wife died last year.

Hi Russ,

The "best lens" depends on a number of things, but as you say f/2.8 at least would be nicer than the sometimes limiting apertures (in light gathering terms) of the kit lenses.

An economical approach would be the f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, 19mm, 30mm and 60mm. Maybe one of those would make life interesting. If I were in your boots then maybe the 60mm for something different and make me view the world more in a tighter frame than the 14-45mm lens does. But then I'm a zoomy person and find primes way too limiting.

Otherwise a later camera body with a 16M sensor that does better at higher ISO, and then the kit lenses came alive again.

I found that in my move from the 12MP E-PL1 to the 16MP E-PL5.

Suddenly the 14-45mm kit lens worked so much better in low light situations and diminished any prime lust.

Then I went really silly and bought the Oly 12-40mm with constant f/2.8 and the last vestiges of prime lust totally evaporated.

Guy, so good to hear from you. I am a prime person so the 60mm is mor in keeping with what I need, I thought of getting the E-PL5 and still may. Just hate to learn a new format, but then again it might be good for me...That 12-40 is such a gem and I know you get great pics with it.How is the train work going?

Best,
Russ

Regards...... Guy

 

[alcelc]

I wonder what would be the best single lens to use with the GF-1 and 14-45. I want a very good lens to use for any subject matter. I take pictures of anything so am not particular except in regards to quality. The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it. Any ideas and help will be appreciated. Small size may be a factor but not critical. Thanks. I am just getting the feel to take pictures again after a long absence after my wife died last year.

Hi Russ,

The "best lens" depends on a number of things, but as you say f/2.8 at least would be nicer than the sometimes limiting apertures (in light gathering terms) of the kit lenses.

An economical approach would be the f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, 19mm, 30mm and 60mm. Maybe one of those would make life interesting. If I were in your boots then maybe the 60mm for something different and make me view the world more in a tighter frame than the 14-45mm lens does. But then I'm a zoomy person and find primes way too limiting.

Otherwise a later camera body with a 16M sensor that does better at higher ISO, and then the kit lenses came alive again.

I found that in my move from the 12MP E-PL1 to the 16MP E-PL5.

Suddenly the 14-45mm kit lens worked so much better in low light situations and diminished any prime lust.

Then I went really silly and bought the Oly 12-40mm with constant f/2.8 and the last vestiges of prime lust totally evaporated.

Regards...... Guy

Guy has made a good point. Despite lens is our best friend and could serve us much longer, considering your 14-45 is still a very good lens until now, upgrading your GF1 to a newer sensor for better high ISO (help slower lens in low light shooting) may be a good idea. The few years' development in M43 since GF1 was very significant and it may be a time to catch up.

Upgrade actually may not be expansive, or may be cheaper than just buying a lens. If you would feel comfortable with GF1's IQ, definitely those currently deeply discounted G5, GX1/ EPL5/EPM2 w/ ext EVF would surprise you with the improving IQ. Of course, all latest models like G6, GX7, GM1, EM10, EP6 (GH4/EM1 may too heavy for your condition) whose clean ISO3200+ would make your 14-45 even more usable.

 

[rkhndjr]

Russ

Just glad to see you back at it again. I might suggest you try the Olympus 25mm 1.8 or Panasonic 25mm 1.4. The Oly is lower cost of course and I think smaller and lighter. I would go with the Olympus and I'm sure you will take my advise, right LOL LOL LOl.

How nice to hear from you, Jere. Yes, the 25mm of some aperture has been in my mind all the time. Either would be a very sharp lens for some indoor pics I bet. Thanks for the nice reply.Russ

Happy you're back.

 

[rkhndjr]

I wonder what would be the best single lens to use with the GF-1 and 14-45. I want a very good lens to use for any subject matter. I take pictures of anything so am not particular except in regards to quality. The 20/1/7 is out, do not care for it. Any ideas and help will be appreciated. Small size may be a factor but not critical. Thanks. I am just getting the feel to take pictures again after a long absence after my wife died last year.

Hi Russ,

The "best lens" depends on a number of things, but as you say f/2.8 at least would be nicer than the sometimes limiting apertures (in light gathering terms) of the kit lenses.

An economical approach would be the f/2.8 lenses from Sigma, 19mm, 30mm and 60mm. Maybe one of those would make life interesting. If I were in your boots then maybe the 60mm for something different and make me view the world more in a tighter frame than the 14-45mm lens does. But then I'm a zoomy person and find primes way too limiting.

Otherwise a later camera body with a 16M sensor that does better at higher ISO, and then the kit lenses came alive again.

I found that in my move from the 12MP E-PL1 to the 16MP E-PL5.

Suddenly the 14-45mm kit lens worked so much better in low light situations and diminished any prime lust.

Then I went really silly and bought the Oly 12-40mm with constant f/2.8 and the last vestiges of prime lust totally evaporated.

Regards...... Guy

Guy has made a good point. Despite lens is our best friend and could serve us much longer, considering your 14-45 is still a very good lens until now, upgrading your GF1 to a newer sensor for better high ISO (help slower lens in low light shooting) may be a good idea. The few years' development in M43 since GF1 was very significant and it may be a time to catch up.

Upgrade actually may not be expansive, or may be cheaper than just buying a lens. If you would feel comfortable with GF1's IQ, definitely those currently deeply discounted G5, GX1/ EPL5/EPM2 w/ ext EVF would surprise you with the improving IQ. Of course, all latest models like G6, GX7, GM1, EM10, EP6 (GH4/EM1 may too heavy for your condition) whose clean ISO3200+ would make your 14-45 even more usable.

Thank you for this invaluable information. I am looking at the E-PL5 right now.Have to learn a new format but it too would be an adventure.