Reading mode: Light Dark

Prime Lenses for Oly E-520?

Go to last post
E

eloshine

Member
Messages
32
Reaction score
0
Location
Washington, DC, US
Hi,

I'm about to purchase an Oly E-520 - my frist DSLR. I've decided to forego the kit lenses and go with one prime lens - 24mm (f/1.8) - as I have never needed a zoom lens.

I would like to purchase a high quality lens that will work well with this camera, and was wondering if anyone had recommendations. My price range is between $300-$500. I know this is not a lot but I hope to leverage Ebay or discount sites in purchasing one, so regular price, let's say $400-$700.

Also, while I'd rather stick with a lens that doesn't need a mount, for a very good one, I wouldn't mind at all. I really appreciate any suggestions!

Thanks!

Elo
 
There is only one answer to that question for me in that range, the 50mm f2 by Olympus is the best lens I own and stay on my camera most of the time.



It's great for low light this shot at only 4 seconds at ISO 100 in total darkness except the flood lighting, it does get some purple fringing in bright light without IS on but that is the only negative with this lens, tack sharp from corner to corner.

--
And now for something totally different
Tim
 
Not sure that I completely understand your question... there is (to my knowledge) only one (or possibly two, if you relax the requirements a bit) lens which matches your requirement, the Sigma 24/1.8. While I have not used this lens, some here find that it is quite good (look for Bootstrap's threads about it). You could also look at the Sigma 30/1.4 for slightly longer FOV and larger aperture, it is a comparable price (seems to go for $300 USD used). Have not used this one either, but I have one winging its way to my house as we speak, it should arrive tomorrow ;-)

The 50/2 macro which the other poster recommended will result in a 100mm effective focal length, which is probably not what you want.

Cheers
eloshine said:
Hi,

I'm about to purchase an Oly E-520 - my frist DSLR. I've decided to forego the kit lenses and go with one prime lens - 24mm (f/1.8) - as I have never needed a zoom lens.

I would like to purchase a high quality lens that will work well with this camera, and was wondering if anyone had recommendations. My price range is between $300-$500. I know this is not a lot but I hope to leverage Ebay or discount sites in purchasing one, so regular price, let's say $400-$700.

Also, while I'd rather stick with a lens that doesn't need a mount, for a very good one, I wouldn't mind at all. I really appreciate any suggestions!

Thanks!

Elo
Click to expand...
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
All images (c) unless otherwise specified, please ask me before editing.
 
Pancake (25mm, F2.8) - turns your 520 into a light, unobtrusive shooter. It's tiny compared the the monster that is the Sigma 24/1.8.

Macro (35mm F3.5, 50mm F2) - both extremely sharp lenses, the former goes to 1:1 and is super-inexpensive. The latter is probably one of the best arrangement of optics ever made.
 
Gidday Elo
eloshine said:
Hi,

I'm about to purchase an Oly E-520 - my frist DSLR. I've decided to forego the kit lenses and go with one prime lens - 24mm (f/1.8) - as I have never needed a zoom lens.

I would like to purchase a high quality lens that will work well with this camera, and was wondering if anyone had recommendations. My price range is between $300-$500. I know this is not a lot but I hope to leverage Ebay or discount sites in purchasing one, so regular price, let's say $400-$700.

Also, while I'd rather stick with a lens that doesn't need a mount, for a very good one, I wouldn't mind at all. I really appreciate any suggestions!
Click to expand...
I have the E-510 and f2.8/25 pancake (etc ... see profile ... ). I bought the lens for its minute size, and was very pleasantly surprised by the IQ I routinely get from it. Not in the same league as my f2/50 macro, but about 1/3 the size and price, and 1/4 the weight ... I have had it for around 3 months now. Very pleased with it all round. I often carry my E-510 with just the pancake when going for longish walks ...

Some samples taken with my E-510 and f2.8/25, EXIF data in images:











E-30 and 14~54 at 54 mm for comparison:



No special PP. These are from the OoC JPEGs (HQ mode) and run through a standard PS action that I use for "quick and dirty" web upload. It applies an USM of 2.0 pixels and 30%, converts to sRGB and re-sizes the image to 1024x768. EXIF data in images, as always ...

--
Regards, john from Melbourne, Australia.
(see profile for current gear)
-- -- --

The Camera doth not make the Man (or Woman) ...
Perhaps being kind to cats, dogs & children does ...

Gallery: http://canopuscomputing.com.au/gallery2/main.php



Bird Control Officers on active service.

Member of UK (and abroad) Photo Safari Group
 
It really depends on what range you'd like to cover. There really aren't too many primes. I have the PL 25mm f1.4 and love it - though, you really wont gain much there. Considered the 8mm fisheye?

I kinda have more fun with manual OM lenses. I use a 50mm f1.8 and f1.4 (great for macros together) - and they're dirt cheap - $25 and $60 respectively. They're also remarkably small. There's a small 200mm f4 lens which is also nice for birds.
 
SG: ZD 25mm f/2.8, ZD 35mm f/3.5
HG: ZD 8mm FE f/3.5, ZD 50 f/2.0
SHG: ZD 150 f/2, ZD 300 f/2.8
Panasonic/Leica: D-Summilux 25mm f/1.4
Sigma: 24mm f/1.8, 30mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.4, 105mm f/2.8, Sigma 150mm f/2.8

That's only 12 available. I don't think that I missed any.

There's also a plethora of legacy lenses available for use with appropriate adapters.
eloshine said:
eloshine said:
Bill Turner
Click to expand...
Please do not copy or edit my photos without my permission.
Click to expand...
 
That was a quick list! Pretty much the point though, much of what what was stated.

It still depends on what he'd like to shoot at.

Not much choice for wide, just the 8.
The 105, 150s, 300 are out his $ range.

Little reason for the 24/25/30mm crowd, maybe even the 35mm unless there's some very specific need for these, such as macro at 35mm or pancake size.
50's are the best guess.

I know the op mentions he didn't want to use a mount - but four thirds flange distance should be noted It's not as adaptable as m43, but still - if you don't mind manual, there's not only OM, but m42, nikon and other popular mounts that can give you other lengths.

Samyang is briinging a four thirds mount manual 8mm fisheye and 85mm f1.4 this quarter. Look out for it marketed under other brands - rokinon, optica, vivitar. Reports are quite favorable from nikon users and their lenses can of course be adapted.

HF!
 
I know you said no zooms but let me suggest the 11-22. It is a bit like a prime anyway because of its superior optics and also because it doesn't extend much while zooming. I use one on my 520 and find it a good match. If I was to only have one lens I could easily get by with the 11-22 because I find the coverage (equivalent to 22-44 on FF) fits for alot of the subjects that interest me. Right now Adorama has a used one in E+ condition for $499. I think a new one runs a bit over $600. Good luck with your search.
Larry
 
Thanks all for your support. I have a legacy Nikon Nikkor 35mm from on OM-1 that I'd like to try on the E520. Went to B&H today and the guy told me that they could sell me a Novoflex mount (Nikon to Olympuf 4/3) for $250!!! He wasn't pushing for it and certainly did not recommend it, but just told me as a matter of fact.

Does anyone know where I can get a less expensive mount? Is the high cost due to mounting to a 4/3? Also, what to do about metering? Thanks!
 
eloshine said:
Does anyone know where I can get a less expensive mount? Is the high cost due to mounting to a 4/3? Also, what to do about metering? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Here:
http://www.fotodiox.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=130
http://www.fotodiox.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=129
http://www.fotodiox.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=128

These pages and spec sheets explain it very nicely. In Germany, there's another shop called "enjoyyourcamera", which sells some even with working AF assist light support, should you need that. If not, prices are about the same as above:

http://www.enjoyyourcamera.com/Lens-Mount-Adapter/FourThirds-4/3-Adapter:::197_203.html

cheers,
Wolfgang
 
Gidday Elo
eloshine said:
Thanks all for your support. I have a legacy Nikon Nikkor 35mm from on OM-1 that I'd like to try on the E520. Went to B&H today and the guy told me that they could sell me a Novoflex mount (Nikon to Olympuf 4/3) for $250!!! He wasn't pushing for it and certainly did not recommend it, but just told me as a matter of fact.

Does anyone know where I can get a less expensive mount? Is the high cost due to mounting to a 4/3? Also, what to do about metering? Thanks!
Click to expand...
It is the "Nikon to Olympuf" adapter that costs the big money, lol. The "Nikon to Olympus" adapters are way cheaper ... ;)

For something that is reasonably "up market" in terms of build quality, try http://www.fotodiox.com . Won't break the bank, either ... :).

I have three of the Fotodiox OM -> 4/3rds adapters - cost me Oz $32 each on my camera; and one OEM MF-1 that cost me Oz $190 ...

The precise URL for Nikon to Olympus and 4/3rds adapters is here:
http://www.fotodiox.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=130

Like all web sites, Fotodiox can be tricky to find your way around ...

--
Regards, john from Melbourne, Australia.
(see profile for current gear)
-- -- --

The Camera doth not make the Man (or Woman) ...
Perhaps being kind to cats, dogs & children does ...

Gallery: http://canopuscomputing.com.au/gallery2/main.php



Bird Control Officers on active service.

Member of UK (and abroad) Photo Safari Group
 
Well, the Sigma 24/1.8 is a good start, but if not really needing the speed, the ZD 25/2.8 is perhaps better choice. If really needing the speed, the Sigma 30/1.4 is a good overall choice where the Panasonic 25/1.4 perhaps an expensive but quality one to had. Sadly there is almost no choice regarding 4/3 fix focals. I would augment the standard lens with the ZD 50 Macro ( or the Sigma 50/1.4 ) for the long foacl / portrait range

there is so far no 4/3 fix focal wide angle, but there are a few real tele
--
  • Franka -
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top