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OMD: Can I take the same pictures with the 12mm f2.0 and the 17mm f1.8 ?

Started Nov 27, 2012 | Discussions thread
Vlad S Veteran Member • Posts: 3,766
Fast focus

dustpuppy wrote:

Tihs means I need gear that focuses very fast, which is why i'm looking into the olympus lenses.

The 20mm is probably the slowest focusing lens in all of micro 4/3 line-up. I've seen turtles run faster. Other panasonic lenses focus very fast, including the kit Lumix 14-45 or 14-42 zooms, and of course the 25mm prime. So the brand alone should not be a deterrent, and considering Panasonic lenses may increase the number of possibilities. Just check the reviews if something catches your eye.

I am sorry to say that choosing a different focusing mode will not make the 20mm lens faster. The processing is done in camera, and even 3rd generation Olympus cameras were very fast in all modes, as long as the lens was quick enough.

I think that as a low light lens the 20mm is really handicapped by its slow mechanism. It's focal length, low light capability, and image quality could make it a great party lens, but it's glacial speed of operation makes it more of a party pooper. It really requires a more deliberate style of shooting.

 Vlad S's gear list:Vlad S's gear list
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OIS Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm F4-5.6 OIS +2 more
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