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A less expensive alternative to Olympus Zuiko12-60mm 1 2.8-4.0

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banksiaman

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I am contemplating the purchase of the Olympus E-PL1 (or its successor) in the next 6 to 12 months.

I currently have a Panasonic LX3 and as much as in enjoy using this unique camera, I would like more IQ at higher ISO speeds.

The the 24mm - 60 lens on the LX3 is ideal for my interests (bushwalking, landscapes, group portraits etc.)

The Zuiko12-60mm 2.8-4.0 would be ideal if I were to purchase the E-PL1. At A$1499.00 however, way to expensive!

Does anyone know of another lens of this focal length but at a more realistic price? I find the 24mm wide angle so much better than 28mm, and 60mm (120mm - 35mm equivalent) will suit for portraits. I have a Canon compact camera for the rare occasion when I need a longer focal length. I have no desire to go to a DSLR (yep, you guessed it) because of bulk.

I love this forum as you guys are so knowledgeable and much more informed than camera salesmen!

Thanks

Steve
 
The 14-54mm is said to be better at focusing on the mFTs, due to its design. I'd stick with that. Although by next year, perhaps Oly will start introducing some better zooms.

However, you might also consider just adding a prime, say the 20mm. You get with a camera a 14-45. Evidently the new E-PL2 will have a faster focusing version of that very compact lens. The length is almost 60 - and due to the sensor's density, you could always crop it a bit, it will work much better than the LX3. Use the 20mm for low light photography, both are small enough to add into a bag.

Both the 14-54 and the 12-60mm, are too big for the camera's purpose. And the 20mm is much faster anyway, and a great lens. I'd stick to mFT lenses and enjoy the smaller dimensions.
 
I'd first try the kit lens and check out what it does for you. Once you get to use the E-PL1 you will see that even with the kit lens it provides visibly superior results in many situations compared to what you have now.

The 43 lens you contemplate is great, but also big and bulky on an M43 body. I'd match them up before taking the plunge, and see how you like the combo. If you like that lens so much, a native 43 body may be better for you?

And if low light is important, buy a legacy lens. They'll leave anything with f:2.8 in the dust. You can get 1.8 and even 1.4 stuff for less than $100 and hugely expand the possibilities of low light photography. And those come in anything from 25 to 50mm focal lengths. And are typically far more compact.

But first try the kit lens. If you don't like it - try the Panny 14-45 or a more upscale Oly M43.
 
pablolie said:
And if low light is important, buy a legacy lens. They'll leave anything with f:2.8 in the dust. You can get 1.8 and even 1.4 stuff for less than $100 and hugely expand the possibilities of low light photography. And those come in anything from 25 to 50mm focal lengths. And are typically far more compact.
Click to expand...
25mm faster than f2.0 and under $100? and you are not talking about c-mount lens, are you?
 
Weeeeellll for a 25mm faster than 2.0 at that price... :)

You are right, I think the under $100 train stops at 40mm with the (amazing) Konica Hexanon 1.8. Then again I probably have not run into other alternatives.

All I am saying to the OP is that, if speed is important, the inherent strength of M43 is that it is easy to use some amazing legacy glass.
 
I wouldn't recommend the 12-60mm for the Pen. You can make it work, but it will be much too big for the body. And you mentioned that you don't like the bulk. Trust me, it's bigger than you think. It's really suitable for a DSLR body.

The 14-54mm mkII is more suitable because it's smaller, contrast detect compatible, and more affordable. This will be a good range for portraits. But this starts at an equivalent of 28mm. There's the 11-22mm, which is also a great lens, but it zooms to an equiv of 22-44mm.
banksiaman said:
I am contemplating the purchase of the Olympus E-PL1 (or its successor) in the next 6 to 12 months.

I currently have a Panasonic LX3 and as much as in enjoy using this unique camera, I would like more IQ at higher ISO speeds.

The the 24mm - 60 lens on the LX3 is ideal for my interests (bushwalking, landscapes, group portraits etc.)

The Zuiko12-60mm 2.8-4.0 would be ideal if I were to purchase the E-PL1. At A$1499.00 however, way to expensive!

Does anyone know of another lens of this focal length but at a more realistic price? I find the 24mm wide angle so much better than 28mm, and 60mm (120mm - 35mm equivalent) will suit for portraits. I have a Canon compact camera for the rare occasion when I need a longer focal length. I have no desire to go to a DSLR (yep, you guessed it) because of bulk.

I love this forum as you guys are so knowledgeable and much more informed than camera salesmen!

Thanks

Steve
Click to expand...
 
Sorry Pablolie, I have no idea what a legacy lens is! All I want is a 12-60mm (no need for a 2.8, 3.5 will be fine - low light is not important as I often shoot in bright sunlight. I just need a quality lens capable of landscapes and portraits.

Steve
 
Yes, it's definitely more affordable. You can get it brand new on Amazon for $600. Or a little over $500 used.

If you want an even wider lens, consider the 9-18mm. There's a 4/3 and m4/3 version. I have the m4/3 9-18, and it's very compact.
banksiaman said:
Thanks Siminona, the 11mm - 22 may be ideal but is it affordable in comparison to the Zuiko 12-60mm 2.8 - 4.0?

Steve
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Siminona,

This lens ($584.00 in OZ) along with the kit lens may be all I need!

A far cheaper option than the 12-60mm 1 2.8-4.0.

Steve
 
Maybe you should start another thread asking for people's opinion of this lens with an E-PL1 body.
banksiaman said:
Thanks Siminona,

This lens ($584.00 in OZ) along with the kit lens may be all I need!

A far cheaper option than the 12-60mm 1 2.8-4.0.

Steve
Click to expand...
 
11-22 will require adapter (another $$)
so, why not go with native m43 9-18mm lens, $570 new?
siminona said:
Yes, it's definitely more affordable. You can get it brand new on Amazon for $600. Or a little over $500 used.

If you want an even wider lens, consider the 9-18mm. There's a 4/3 and m4/3 version. I have the m4/3 9-18, and it's very compact.
banksiaman said:
Thanks Siminona, the 11mm - 22 may be ideal but is it affordable in comparison to the Zuiko 12-60mm 2.8 - 4.0?

Steve
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
If you really mean the six to twelve months part, then my advice is to wait. Panasonic strongly implied their next lens is a 'bright zoom' - the rumors running around for months have been 12-75/2.5-3.3 - it might show up in the spring with the camcorder (or it might not. The rumors could be completely wrong or it might be delayed, but it sounds like you have time to wait it out.)
Walter
 
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