Considering OM-D but confused about what lenses to choose

Subatomic · Jan 12, 2013

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

My main desire would be a fast standard zoom. Olympus doesn't have one, so the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS seems to be the best choice. However, the $1150 price tag gives me pause. Does this lens still have fast focusing on the Olympus body? What happens if you leave the image stabilization on in both the body and the lens? Any concerns about shooting video?

Or maybe I should get the M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 for $500, the kit lens, and wait for Olympus to release a fast standard zoom? (Is the 17mm 1.8 available yet?)

Or maybe just forget about small size and get the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0? This appears to be the best lens of the bunch. Would it still focus quickly on the OM-D body? Comparable weights and sizes:

211g, 57x83mm M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

305g, 68x74mm Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS

575g, 80x99mm + adapter Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 ($1000 + adapter)

Any other choices as a standard lens?

Seems ironic to me that the Olympus is touted as having great lens choices and I can't find any that excite me. For example, if I bought the Panasonic standard lens, I would probably buy the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS down the road.

BTW - is there any nationwide retailed that sells the OM-D (Best Buy doesn't keep them in stock) so that I could actually hold one before buying it?

Thanks.

BonoBox · Jan 12, 2013

from the list you wrote i would go for Panasonic 12-35 F2.8

otherwise i would start to look also in fixed focal length lenses.

Regarding the internal stabilization (body or lens) they already stated in several posts that you would have to choose one of them in order to avoid they will fight/counter act each other.

marike6 · Jan 12, 2013

Unless you absolutely need a zoom, fast max aperture primes are the way to go.

A three lens combo like:

Olympus 12 f2 (or cheaper not quite as wide but extremely sharp, Panasonic 14 2.5)
Panasonic/Leica 25 1.4 (or 20 1.7). Both of these lenses are about as good as it gets in m43
Olympus 45 1.8 - This lens, along with the PL 25 1.4 or 20 1.7 is one of the must have lenses in m43

With these three lenses, you'll have an awesome kit that will cover 90% of all photographic situations (except for long telephoto needs). And you'll get better DOF control, faster shutter speeds (or low ISO values) and superior optical performance than the 12-35 2.8.

Alternative standard zooms to the 12-35 2.8? There really aren't any. I have the Panasonic 14-42 3.5-5.6 zoom, and it's OK optically, but it's dog slow at the long end. I mainly use it for handheld video with my GH2 because the OIS works quite well. But the 20 1.7 and 45 1.8 give dramatically better images, with nice bokeh, and sharpness. Good luck.

Bobo Hodls · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

My main desire would be a fast standard zoom. Olympus doesn't have one, so the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS seems to be the best choice. However, the $1150 price tag gives me pause. Does this lens still have fast focusing on the Olympus body? What happens if you leave the image stabilization on in both the body and the lens? Any concerns about shooting video?

Can't speak of video, nor 4/3 lenses, but otherwise I couldn't be more pleased with the 12-35/2.8. It focuses as one would expect it should. Either OIS or IBIS stabilization works quite well, but one shouldn't expect them both to operate simultaneously (at this point in time I only avail IBIS with it). Between the decent high ISO potential and IBIS, I'm able to shoot handheld what used to be an exercise in frustration (for the most part, with urban nights in mind) with a FF DSLR and a 28-70/2.8L.

The only bugaboo, which goes for most OM-D and Pana lenses, is there is no CA or fringing correction done with Oly. Importing into LR with a preset to correct CA is painless. LoCA may still be evident, which can be corrected manually with a dropper. OTOH, DXO Optics 8 deals with both nearly perfectly with no manual intervention.

The only thing I misssed from the DSLR kit was a good 24-70 constant aperture lens. But just about the time I was getting over that - poof, the 12-35/2.8 comes, and it is good. VERY good.

If Oly is to come out with a competing lens, it will likely be lighter and a bit cheaper, but is that even on the horizon (I don't think so, but don't track the projections for what's to come).

Subatomic said:
Or maybe I should get the M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 for $500, the kit lens, and wait for Olympus to release a fast standard zoom? (Is the 17mm 1.8 available yet?)

Or maybe just forget about small size and get the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0? This appears to be the best lens of the bunch. Would it still focus quickly on the OM-D body? Comparable weights and sizes:

211g, 57x83mm M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

305g, 68x74mm Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS

575g, 80x99mm + adapter Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 ($1000 + adapter)

Any other choices as a standard lens?

Seems ironic to me that the Olympus is touted as having great lens choices and I can't find any that excite me. For example, if I bought the Panasonic standard lens, I would probably buy the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS down the road.

BTW - is there any nationwide retailed that sells the OM-D (Best Buy doesn't keep them in stock) so that I could actually hold one before buying it?

It could happen, as the OM-D is becoming quite popular, but not that I've seen lately.

Steve_ · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

My main desire would be a fast standard zoom. Olympus doesn't have one, so the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS seems to be the best choice. However, the $1150 price tag gives me pause. Does this lens still have fast focusing on the Olympus body? What happens if you leave the image stabilization on in both the body and the lens? Any concerns about shooting video?

Yes it focuses quickly on an OMD. The OMD is fast (although pretty brainless) in its AF, perhaps faster than the extremely speedy Panasonic bodies. Like all cameras, place the focus point manually if you want top results. When you do that with m43s bodies, the focus is perfect at all apertures and focal lengths, not suffering from the typical imprecision born out of different lens/body combinations and the temperature of the light you are shooting under exhibited by the phase-detect AF schemes used by DSLRs.

You never leave two stabilization schemes enabled. They fight each other. When you have an OMD, you have bar none the finest stabilization built into the body, and the fact that the lens carries its own in comparison useless stabilization is just an inelegance due to its unnecessary contribution to the size, weight, and cost of the lens. This is the only real downside to Olympus not having introduced a competing product.

Subatomic said:
Or maybe I should get the M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 for $500, the kit lens, and wait for Olympus to release a fast standard zoom? (Is the 17mm 1.8 available yet?)

Get a 14mm Panasonic off of ebay no matter what you do. They are about $170. The Oly 45/1.8 is also a terrific value. The 20 and 25mm Panasonics are also very, very good lenses. These are all very short routes to very high image quality. The 17/1.8 is also a good lens, but doesn't stand out for IQ reasons over the 14, 20, 25, and 45 lenses. Get it if the 35mm equivalent is what you care most about. The 12mm Olympus is also highly regarded, but expensive.

I don't find having one prime as an alternative to a lesser zoom much use - I don't want to suffer the IQ loss and don't use the zoom. I'd recommend a good selection of primes like the 14/25/45. The 14 is a terrific close-focusing and super-compact general purpose lens and the 25 and 45 can do no wrong when you need some focal length.

Subatomic said:
Or maybe just forget about small size and get the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0? This appears to be the best lens of the bunch. Would it still focus quickly on the OM-D body? Comparable weights and sizes:

No, it doesn't focus quickly on an OMD. And its huge. A very good lens, but not a very good choice for most m43 users. 12-35 time.

Subatomic said:
211g, 57x83mm M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

Still IQ is just OK. Good macro capability.

Subatomic said:
305g, 68x74mm Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS

Buy it.

Subatomic said:
575g, 80x99mm + adapter Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 ($1000 + adapter)

Again, heavy, expensive, bulky, and the AF is not good on an OMD. Pass.

Subatomic said:
Any other choices as a standard lens?'

The Oly 14-42II or IIR is as valid a choice as the 12-50, but neither satisfies me for still IQ. I never have an issue with the quality delivered by my 7.5 fish, 14/2.5, 20/1.7, 45/1.8, 75/1.8 or 12-35/2.8 lenses.

I also have a 14-45 Panasonic, and although it is highly regarded it still gets shown up by the primes and the 12-35 and I don't use it.

Subatomic said:
Seems ironic to me that the Olympus is touted as having great lens choices and I can't find any that excite me. For example, if I bought the Panasonic standard lens, I would probably buy the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS down the road.

Olympus does have great lens choices. m43 in general is weak on the zoom side of things, with Panasonic just haven gotten their good ones out and none yet from Olympus. Olympus had a lot more to gain by focusing resources on the OMD, and given their financial situation over the last few years its amazing they could do that so effectively. One thing is certain - the m43 platform has real momentum now and the lens choices will expand. Olympus is both one half of the m43 consortium as well as one of the best lens-makers in existence. They will get there.

Subatomic said:
BTW - is there any nationwide retailed that sells the OM-D (Best Buy doesn't keep them in stock) so that I could actually hold one before buying it?

Not that I am aware of. Doesn't sound like they would gain much.

ccolby · Jan 12, 2013

For a fast standard zoom today, you'll have to plunk down the cash for the 12-35. I don't know how well the 12-60 focuses, but I've tried my 14-54 Mk.I on the OM-D and given the size and slow focus, I can't see myself mounting it very often.

There are a number of "what lens should I buy" threads, but the current $150-off promotion tips the balance. You didn't say anything about what you want to do with the camera, but I strongly suggest considering some of the following lenses at their discounted prices when bought with the body:

9-18 ($550): Versatile range and amazingly compact stowed, but slow.
12/2 ($650)
45/1.8 ($250): A really nice portrait lens, and so tiny. Great value. Please buy.
60/2.8 macro ($350)
75/1.8 ($750)
40-150 ($100): A no-brainer at the price. See it take on the Canon 5D Mk.III + 70-300/4-5.6L here .

The 12-50 for an extra $250 is more of a personal call. There are strong opinions both ways on this forum.

Aleo Veuliah · Jan 12, 2013

marike6 said:
marike6 wrote:

Unless you absolutely need a zoom, fast max aperture primes are the way to go.

A three lens combo like:

Olympus 12 f2 (or cheaper not quite as wide but extremely sharp, Panasonic 14 2.5)

Panasonic/Leica 25 1.4 (or 20 1.7). Both of these lenses are about as good as it gets in m43

Olympus 45 1.8 - This lens, along with the PL 25 1.4 or 20 1.7 is one of the must have lenses in m43

With these three lenses, you'll have an awesome kit that will cover 90% of all photographic situations (except for long telephoto needs). And you'll get better DOF control, faster shutter speeds (or low ISO values) and superior optical performance than the 12-35 2.8.

Alternative standard zooms to the 12-35 2.8? There really aren't any. I have the Panasonic 14-42 3.5-5.6 zoom, and it's OK optically, but it's dog slow at the long end. I mainly use it for handheld video with my GH2 because the OIS works quite well. But the 20 1.7 and 45 1.8 give dramatically better images, with nice bokeh, and sharpness. Good luck.

Good set, but I think I add a zoom to that, like the Panasonic Lumix G 14-140mm.

Subatomic · Jan 12, 2013

Aleo Veuliah said:
Aleo Veuliah wrote:

Aleo Veuliah said:

marike6 wrote:

Unless you absolutely need a zoom, fast max aperture primes are the way to go.

A three lens combo like:

Olympus 12 f2 (or cheaper not quite as wide but extremely sharp, Panasonic 14 2.5)

Panasonic/Leica 25 1.4 (or 20 1.7). Both of these lenses are about as good as it gets in m43

Olympus 45 1.8 - This lens, along with the PL 25 1.4 or 20 1.7 is one of the must have lenses in m43

With these three lenses, you'll have an awesome kit that will cover 90% of all photographic situations (except for long telephoto needs). And you'll get better DOF control, faster shutter speeds (or low ISO values) and superior optical performance than the 12-35 2.8.

Alternative standard zooms to the 12-35 2.8? There really aren't any. I have the Panasonic 14-42 3.5-5.6 zoom, and it's OK optically, but it's dog slow at the long end. I mainly use it for handheld video with my GH2 because the OIS works quite well. But the 20 1.7 and 45 1.8 give dramatically better images, with nice bokeh, and sharpness. Good luck.

Click to expand...

Good set, but I think I add a zoom to that, like the Panasonic Lumix G 14-140mm.

I wasn't really thinking of an ultra-zoom, but it may be a good option. Why do you suggest the Panasonic 14-140 rather than the Olympus 14-150/4-5.6? The latter is smaller, lighter, and about $100 cheaper ($450 vs $550 with the current $150 rebate available.)

Subatomic · Jan 12, 2013

ccolby said:
ccolby wrote:

For a fast standard zoom today, you'll have to plunk down the cash for the 12-35. I don't know how well the 12-60 focuses, but I've tried my 14-54 Mk.I on the OM-D and given the size and slow focus, I can't see myself mounting it very often.

There are a number of "what lens should I buy" threads, but the current $150-off promotion tips the balance. You didn't say anything about what you want to do with the camera, but I strongly suggest considering some of the following lenses at their discounted prices when bought with the body:

9-18 ($550): Versatile range and amazingly compact stowed, but slow.

12/2 ($650)

45/1.8 ($250): A really nice portrait lens, and so tiny. Great value. Please buy.

60/2.8 macro ($350)

75/1.8 ($750)

40-150 ($100): A no-brainer at the price. See it take on the Canon 5D Mk.III + 70-300/4-5.6L here .

The 12-50 for an extra $250 is more of a personal call. There are strong opinions both ways on this forum.

I didn't know about the rebate. That certainly changes things! The 40-150 doesn't appear to qualify for the rebate and the cheapest price that I see is $160.

The easy decisions: 40-150 and 45/1.8

and then the Panasonic 12-35 ($1150) or

a superzoom (Panasonic 14-140 ($550) or Olympus 14-150 ($550)) along with 17/2.8 ($150), and olympus 12/2.0 ($650)

and then I think I am pretty well covered except for extreme-wide for which the only good option appears to be the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH.

Alumna Gorp · Jan 12, 2013

Personally I`d just for the OMD with the 12-50mm kit lens, the image stabilisation is really good, I`ve found I don`t need a fast kit zoom.

With the saving you could get a decent couple of primes, or the grip and a prime.

Simon Zeev · Jan 12, 2013

I also like the 12-50 for the reason that is whether sealed and have an useful zoom range.

I will add 2 lenses that I have and I also like them:

- 9-18 - a nice small lens and ultra wide.

- 40-150 - is light and sharp.

I don't have primes for now, and I don't think I will buy one in the close future.

ccolby · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

I didn't know about the rebate. That certainly changes things! The 40-150 doesn't appear to qualify for the rebate and the cheapest price that I see is $160.

The 40-150 is a separate deal. See this link:

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/featured_weekly_deals

As explained on that page, if you buy before 1/19, the 40-150 should be no more than $99. You need to buy it with the camera, though, and buy from a place that's honoring that deal.

Whacked · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

I switched from a T3i to OM-D. I love L glass, especially my 70-200L. I now fly with only one carry-on bag and the DSLR kit was just too big, so I moved to the OM-D

You don't talk about what you like to shoot. If I were buying today, I would buy the kit with the 14-42 II. The 14-42 II is actually a pretty decent lens and really small. When something much better comes along in the mid range you won't feel you've spent too much on the 14-42 to replace it. I think someone will come along with a better zoom than the Panny 12-35, or at least one that's as good for less money, or Panny will drop the price.

Given the current rebates, I would buy the 9-18 for $550 after rebate. I have it, it's pretty good, and much smaller and lighter than the Panny.

I think either of the Panny pancake lenses(14 or 20) are better than the Olympus 17 if the FL of either works for you instead of the 17.

I would buy the Oly 45 1.8 as $150 for that lens after rebate is a steal. I have one. It's a really good lens.

Form here it depends on what you like to shoot. If you shoot wide and want a prime (that is covered by the 9-18) the 12 is gem.

If you want a long portrait/short to mid tele the 75mm 1.8 is another amazing lens. I have not purchased this one yet because I like the Panny/leica 25 (really good)I have and the Oly 45 I have for street shooting, and 75 seems a little long for street shooting/portrait and a little shorter than I want for a tele.

If you have any interest in macro, the Oly 60 macro is also a really amazing lens. It's big though so it can focus internally. I have this one too because I have an interest in macro and I thought it was a really good deal at $500, so I would love to have bought it for $350 with the rebate.

I'm hoping for a fast 150 tele, (maybe 2.0 or 2.8). The Panny 35-100 is too much money (for me) for a lens that appears to drop in quality on the long end where I would be most likely to use it. Olympus appears to have discontinued their 75-300. I'm hoping it's for a real re-design rather than a coating and firmware update.

As you can see from my choice of the 9-18 and hanging with the 14-42, my reason for switching to m43 is for size, so I make some compromises. Think hard about how you use your camera and what you shoot the most when you think about lenses.

Also think about what choices will make you more likely to have your camera with you and use it. I'm hoping the Fuji X20 will be as good as it looks so I can use it for a "carry everywhere all the time" to replace my Canon S95.

I sure wish the Sony RX100 had a built in viewfinder... But I digress...

Subatomic · Jan 12, 2013

Whacked said:
Whacked wrote:

Whacked said:

Subatomic wrote:

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

Click to expand...

I switched from a T3i to OM-D. I love L glass, especially my 70-200L. I now fly with only one carry-on bag and the DSLR kit was just too big, so I moved to the OM-D

You don't talk about what you like to shoot. If I were buying today, I would buy the kit with the 14-42 II. The 14-42 II is actually a pretty decent lens and really small. When something much better comes along in the mid range you won't feel you've spent too much on the 14-42 to replace it. I think someone will come along with a better zoom than the Panny 12-35, or at least one that's as good for less money, or Panny will drop the price.

I think I like to shoot a little of everything:

I like indoor, natural-light candids. I never used the kit lens that came with the Canon T1i - I got a Sigma 18-50/2.8 and never looked back. That lens was on my camera 75% of the time. I also never used my Canon 50/1.8. The sigma was sharp & fast and I never felt that I needed the 50mm prime. That makes me wary of investing in a lot of primes...

I like to travel and take pictures of buildings, inside cathedrals, landscapes. etc... My 10-22 was on my camera about 20% of the time. I occasionally wished I had a wider lens than the 10mm (16 mm equivalent on Canon APS-C).

I shot some wildlife pictures, took pictures at the kid's school play & sports about 5% of the time. However, I will likely be doing more of this now that she's a little older.

I shot macro < 1%.

Hence, I am leaning towards: 40-150, 45/1.8, Panasonic 12-35, and down the road the Panasonic 7-14.

reygon · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

My main desire would be a fast standard zoom. Olympus doesn't have one, so the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS seems to be the best choice. However, the $1150 price tag gives me pause. Does this lens still have fast focusing on the Olympus body? What happens if you leave the image stabilization on in both the body and the lens? Any concerns about shooting video?

Or maybe I should get the M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 for $500, the kit lens, and wait for Olympus to release a fast standard zoom? (Is the 17mm 1.8 available yet?)

Or maybe just forget about small size and get the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0? This appears to be the best lens of the bunch. Would it still focus quickly on the OM-D body? Comparable weights and sizes:

211g, 57x83mm M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

305g, 68x74mm Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS

575g, 80x99mm + adapter Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 ($1000 + adapter)

Any other choices as a standard lens?

Seems ironic to me that the Olympus is touted as having great lens choices and I can't find any that excite me. For example, if I bought the Panasonic standard lens, I would probably buy the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS down the road.

BTW - is there any nationwide retailed that sells the OM-D (Best Buy doesn't keep them in stock) so that I could actually hold one before buying it?

Thanks.

If cost is an issue the 12-50mm is a very good all around lens (macro and weather sealed features). If you want prime try the Olympus 12mm (expensive though), 17mm (f1.8 or 2.8). Or you can try the 14-150mm Oly zoom.

getting adapter to use non micro 4/3rds lens is an option but the weight could be an issue (i.e. handling feels awkward on most) so your choice.

have fun in the selection process

--

reygon
----------------------------------------------------------------
Take nothing but photos... Kill nothing but time... Leave nothing but footprints...

Barugon · Jan 12, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:

From what I read, the OM-D looks great - would be a nice step up from my Canon T1i. The smaller size would be my main reason for switching. But then I start trying to figure out what lens(es) I would buy and I get frustrated.

My main desire would be a fast standard zoom. Olympus doesn't have one, so the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS seems to be the best choice. However, the $1150 price tag gives me pause.

Yes it does.

Subatomic said:
Does this lens still have fast focusing on the Olympus body?

Yes.

Subatomic said:
What happens if you leave the image stabilization on in both the body and the lens?

The in-body stabilization is always used and the lens stabilizer is disabled. I believe this is true for all Panasonic lenses with Power OIS.

Subatomic said:
Any concerns about shooting video?

No, works great.

Subatomic said:
Or maybe I should get the M.ZUIKO Digital 17mm f/1.8 for $500, the kit lens, and wait for Olympus to release a fast standard zoom? (Is the 17mm 1.8 available yet?)

Apparently, this is also a good lens.

Subatomic said:
Or maybe just forget about small size and get the Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0? This appears to be the best lens of the bunch. Would it still focus quickly on the OM-D body? Comparable weights and sizes:

Much bigger, heavier and slower (focusing).

Subatomic said:
211g, 57x83mm M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

305g, 68x74mm Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH Power OIS

575g, 80x99mm + adapter Olympus Zuiko Digital 12-60mm 1:2.8-4.0 ($1000 + adapter)

Any other choices as a standard lens?

There are all the other kit zooms. I think the best (of the others) is the Olympus 12-50 because it has a nice range and decent macro capability. However, kit zooms are not for me due to their dim maximum apertures and the added limitations of 2x crop factor.

Subatomic said:
Seems ironic to me that the Olympus is touted as having great lens choices and I can't find any that excite me. For example, if I bought the Panasonic standard lens, I would probably buy the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 OIS down the road.

Olympus has been concentrating lately on bright primes. I think that their focus will shift to brighter, higher quality zooms soon.

Subatomic said:
BTW - is there any nationwide retailed that sells the OM-D (Best Buy doesn't keep them in stock) so that I could actually hold one before buying it?

It's best to just get it on-line, like from Amazon or B&H.

BTW, my two favorite lenses on the E-M5 are the Panasonic 12-35mm F2.8 and the Panasonic 25mm F1.4.

Subatomic · Jan 13, 2013

Thanks everyone for all the input. I know the lens question gets posted repeatedly, but even after having done all that reading, it was very helpful to get some direct advice! In case anyone is curious, I have decided on the following:

Olympus 40-150/4-5.6

Olympus 45/1.8

Panasonic 12-35/2.8

Rokinon 7.5/3.5 fisheye

bob5050 · Jan 13, 2013

Barugon said:
Olympus has been concentrating lately on bright primes. I think that their focus will shift to brighter, higher quality zooms soon.

I'm also looking at the E-M5. Would probably go with the 12-50 kit lens, but I also want a light, fast, walk-about lens (basically a prime in the 50-55mm 35mm equivilent range). Looked at the M.45mm f1.8 SLV but depending on where you look that's stated to be about a 70 to 90 (again in 35mm terms). I'm really looking for a standard-view prime, not a telephoto/portrait.

Doesn't have to be an Olympus (though their current sale encourages that), but needs to be lighter and smaller than the 12-50, and fully functional on the OM-D body. I don't know how completely specified the MFT standard is, so what I could expect in terms of compatibility from a non-Olympus lens.

Thanks,

bobD

Rol Lei Nut · Jan 13, 2013

If you can live with the size & weight, I find the Oly 12-60 a very nice lens. In my case (OM-D as well) it typically focuses in one second or less, though it sometimes (fairly rarely) loses it and hunts around for several seconds.

It also keeps the splash/dust resistance of the camera (with the MMF-3) and can handle many situations without having to change lens (in possibly nasty environmental conditions).

It can also be easily found used, saving lots of money.

That said, I have the 12-50 (or a series of primes: 12 + 17 1.8 + 45) as alternatives when smaller size/weight and/or faster focusing is needed.

I'd say that 90% of my pictures are taken with the 12-60 and I use it whenever it's practical.

sbszine · Jan 14, 2013

Subatomic said:
Subatomic wrote:
and then I think I am pretty well covered except for extreme-wide for which the only good option appears to be the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH.

The Samyang 7.5mm F3.5 manual fisheye is cheap and very very sharp. One of the best value lenses out there.

Considering OM-D but confused about what lenses to choose

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