Reading mode: Light Dark

Should Lumix users buy the Olympus 75mm lens?

Go to last post
rladd

rladd

Active member
Messages
79
Reaction score
10
I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
 
Solution
Steve_
Allan Brown said:
Allan Brown wrote:

Well, that depends on how steady you can hold the camera.
Click to expand...
That's the long and the short of it. If you have super-steady hands you are likely to evaluate things differently than if you shake like mad. Or if you don't mind using a tripod.

I love my 75, but I've got the OMD's awesome stabilization to intercede on my behalf. I'm pretty steady these days, and with the OMD/75 I can handhold 1/20th of a second. I haven't tried lately, but I'm thinking I'd be about 1/100th on my best unstabilized day, and require the full 1/150th on a lesser day.

If the 75 had OIS, it would not be quite that effective. But you get the point-the stabilization can mean ISO 200 in place of 800, should you handhold without flash.
Shot with FL500R bounced off ceiling.

Shot with FL500R bounced off ceiling.




Isabel


--
www.pbase.com

Galleries by Isabel Cutler

www.pbase.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digipets/ A friendly place to discuss photography, where no question is "dumb"
 
Allan Brown said:
Allan Brown wrote:

Well, that depends on how steady you can hold the camera.
Click to expand...
That's the long and the short of it. If you have super-steady hands you are likely to evaluate things differently than if you shake like mad. Or if you don't mind using a tripod.

I love my 75, but I've got the OMD's awesome stabilization to intercede on my behalf. I'm pretty steady these days, and with the OMD/75 I can handhold 1/20th of a second. I haven't tried lately, but I'm thinking I'd be about 1/100th on my best unstabilized day, and require the full 1/150th on a lesser day.

If the 75 had OIS, it would not be quite that effective. But you get the point-the stabilization can mean ISO 200 in place of 800, should you handhold without flash.
 
Solution
rladd said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
rladd said:
rladd said:
acahaya wrote:
rladd said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I shoot the Oly m40-150 on the G3 all the time: Bunch of shots in my Gallery; they work together like peanut butter and jelly (without getting sticky :-D )

Vjim
 
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
Anders W said:
Anders W said:
acahaya wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
amtberg said:
amtberg said:
acahaya wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
rladd said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
If it suits the users required focal length and happy with its mount relative to panasonic body then it is highly recommended. It's a fast and high quality lens. 'Try it at store before buying it' is a very good approach too.
 
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
amtberg wrote:
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
Anders W said:
Anders W said:
acahaya wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
rladd said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Well no if you have the 35-100 2.8 not needed. OR if you need a 150mm equivalent lens and don't mind changing lenses as part of the setup.

The 75 1.8 is a $900 lens and the 35-100 2.8 is a $1,500 lens. The F-stop difference is maybe a stop faster but its just one long lens. You have 1.4, 2.0, 2.8, 4.0, 5.6 etc.

The 35-100 is a $600 difference BUT you get like Six (6) prime 2.8 lenses in one package. So if your ready to spend close to $1,000 on one prime lens maybe you get a filter too to protect it.

Either way that one stop difference is not that huge of a difference for me at least even if it was a Panasonic lens.

I would save and get the 35-100 2.8 if you are at the level or point to spend this on a prime lens that will only every be one focal length. The 12-35, 35-100 2.8 is really a nice pair.

I look at fast zooms as a group of individual prime lenses.

If the F-stops were more like 2 stops of light, maybe that would be a bigger deal, but for me 1.8 might as well be 2.0 and then to 2.8 is one stop of light.

If the camera does well at high ISO's that is one thing you change or one notch on the shutter speed.

To me its not worth $900 for one stop of light when for another $600 at this level you can get a way more versatile range.

Save up for it you'll really be happy with it.
 
ryan2007 said:
ryan2007 wrote:
ryan2007 said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Well no if you have the 35-100 2.8 not needed. OR if you need a 150mm equivalent lens and don't mind changing lenses as part of the setup.

The 75 1.8 is a $900 lens and the 35-100 2.8 is a $1,500 lens. The F-stop difference is maybe a stop faster but its just one long lens. You have 1.4, 2.0, 2.8, 4.0, 5.6 etc.

The 35-100 is a $600 difference BUT you get like Six (6) prime 2.8 lenses in one package. So if your ready to spend close to $1,000 on one prime lens maybe you get a filter too to protect it.

Either way that one stop difference is not that huge of a difference for me at least even if it was a Panasonic lens.

I would save and get the 35-100 2.8 if you are at the level or point to spend this on a prime lens that will only every be one focal length. The 12-35, 35-100 2.8 is really a nice pair.

I look at fast zooms as a group of individual prime lenses.

If the F-stops were more like 2 stops of light, maybe that would be a bigger deal, but for me 1.8 might as well be 2.0 and then to 2.8 is one stop of light.

If the camera does well at high ISO's that is one thing you change or one notch on the shutter speed.

To me its not worth $900 for one stop of light when for another $600 at this level you can get a way more versatile range.

Save up for it you'll really be happy with it.
Click to expand...
Personally, I reason completely differently. While the 35-100/2.8 is a good lens if you need to quickly change focal length across the 35-100 range and want decent low-light capability, the 75 has a number of advantages that are of greater importance to me. It is 1.3 EV faster (which is a lot when the going gets rough or if you want maximal subject isolation which is more difficult achieve with MFT than with bigger formats), it has better MTF values at equivalent apertures, and is optically close to perfect in pretty much every regard. On top of that, it is somewhat smaller and lighter and significantly less expensive.

If you have the 45/1.8 (as both the OP and I), the gap in the FL range up to 75 is something I can easily live with. And 75 is not a whole lot shorter than 100, particularly since the MTF values of the 75 are so high and the lens so fast (helps keep ISOs and noise down) that it easily permits a bit of cropping.
 
Pikme said:
Pikme wrote:

BTW, I know this is well known problem, but good grief it is terrible to write a response on the iPad since the forum changes!! Every other word is wrongly 'corrected' now, every other word has to be typed, deleted, typed, deleted and then you read over the post and see that more phrases and entire sentences have morphed into unintelligible gibberish again. Why can't dpreview get this mess fixed!
Click to expand...
Plus one ! It is a real pain ! All the more so that my iPad often misses some letters, especially I O P and H, it drives me mad, because I have to correct every two words. I think that it is the addition of the iPad spell checker and the forum text editor spellchecker which are playing havoc together, just like using OIS and IBIS at the same time. I don't understand why they can't just disable their own spellchecker when they detect any mobile devices. that shouldn't be rocket science !
 
rrr_hhh said:
rrr_hhh wrote:
rrr_hhh said:
Pikme wrote:

BTW, I know this is well known problem, but good grief it is terrible to write a response on the iPad since the forum changes!! Every other word is wrongly 'corrected' now, every other word has to be typed, deleted, typed, deleted and then you read over the post and see that more phrases and entire sentences have morphed into unintelligible gibberish again. Why can't dpreview get this mess fixed!
Click to expand...
Plus one ! It is a real pain ! All the more so that my iPad often misses some letters, especially I O P and H, it drives me mad, because I have to correct every two words. I think that it is the addition of the iPad spell checker and the forum text editor spellchecker which are playing havoc together, just like using OIS and IBIS at the same time. I don't understand why they can't just disable their own spellchecker when they detect any mobile devices. that shouldn't be rocket science !
Click to expand...
 
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
amtberg said:
amtberg said:
acahaya wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
amtberg wrote:
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
amtberg wrote:
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
Anders W said:
Anders W said:
acahaya wrote:
Anders W said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Anders W said:
Anders W wrote:

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
Click to expand...
I have tested mine thoroughfully too and have come to the same conclusion. Without the grip, I try to use at least 1/320 sec. Faster is always better; with the grip I get better results (about one stop slower at 1/200). I like to use F4-F5.6 and 400 ISOs with that lens. Outdoors, in daylight it isn't too difficult to keep fast speeds, because of its F1.8 largest aperture.

i use the 1/8th second antishock systematically too : it makes a real difference with that lens.
 
Last edited:
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
amtberg wrote:
amtberg said:
Anders W wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses... it helped me mull over my decision. I think I should be fine using it at 1/150th of a second. Of course that may mean higher ISOs, but I get very good results at 3200 so it shouldn't be too much of a problem, except in very low light....
Click to expand...
Just in case it would help you make up your mind, I might mention that the lowest shutter speed I would try with this lens on my E-M5 is 1/160 but I'd rather go to 1/200 to be on the safe side. Below 1/160, shutter shock spoils the fun. Yes, I can still get passably sharp shots below 1/160. But I don't care much for those. I want tack sharp and this lens, more than any other, is capable of delivering just that. So it would be a shame not to let it do so.

A few additional observations.

1. I have tested this very carefully and systematically. It's not a matter of casual impressions.

2. I was expecting these results. The lens that the 75/1.8 is replacing in my kit, a legacy Minolta MD 85/2, behaved in the same way or even a tad worse and has about the same FL, the same weight, and the same dimensions (with adapter). I bought the 75/1.8 nevertheless.

3. I much appreciate the E-M5 IBIS for what it can do with other lenses at other shutter speeds. It's only with some particular lenses and some particular shutter speeds that the shutter shock (rather than IBIS per se) spoils the fun.

4. One should keep in mind that the standard shutter-speed rule of 1/EFL, which in this case would translate to 1/150 is considered a pretty liberal one these digital days. Many would say that 1/2xEFL is more in line with what you need for tack-sharp results.

5. Your mileage may vary. I can only speak for myself, and my particular copy of lens and body.
amtberg said:
amtberg said:
acahaya wrote:
amtberg said:
rladd wrote:

I have a Panasonic G5 which is fabulous. I also love my Olympus 45mm 1.8 lens. I'm tempted to buy the Olympus 75mm lens after reading its great reviews, but I'm on the fence. I'm thinking that at that focal length I would miss the IS. I also do have the Lumix 45mm - 150mm which is pretty good (but not quite awesome) and fairly slow (4.0-5.6).

Just curious if other Lumix users have bought the 75mm Olympus lens and how you like it.

Many thanks, Bob
Click to expand...
Should not be a problem if shooting with shutter speed of 1/150s and faster. Maybe you can try for yourself before buying?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
ryan2007 said:
ryan2007 wrote:

To me its not worth $900 for one stop of light when for another $600 at this level you can get a way more versatile range.

Save up for it you'll really be happy with it.
Click to expand...
That is only one aspect of the story. The other being that this lens is incredibly sharp all over the frame, including in the corners and that from F2.8 up to even F8 it is the sharpest mft lens. Wide open, it has an incredibly creamy bokey. And at all apertures it is showing a great micro contrast.

But given your usual bias against everything Olympus I'm not surprised by your conclusion.

The 75mm isn't an easy focal length, it is a beautiful lens, but I find it often a little too long. For portraits, you have to stand quite far away from your subjects, too far away for my taste. I prefer to use it for landscapes, or architecture details and the like.

--

rrr_hhh
 
Last edited:
Yes, they should. The m.ZD 75/f1.8 is probably the best lens I've ever used, and I've used some of the best from Pentax, Zuiko, Panasonic and Sony G/CZ.

Yes, you have to be careful using such a long focal length without IS, and poor technique will show. But with good technique it's a non-issue, especially given how sharp it is wide-open.

All shot with the GH2.

8192840464_83ce6b5580_o.jpg


8192840114_4af0dfca69_o.jpg


8104226998_631bd6e51a_c.jpg


8104227818_e2194726f3_c.jpg


8372511810_852906c245_c.jpg


8371442119_f9d2334cef_c.jpg


8191763517_75b31b85fa_o.jpg


8104211449_a9d6dd6cf6_c.jpg


8104213551_f7c338ac15_c.jpg
 
rrr_hhh said:
rrr_hhh wrote:
rrr_hhh said:
ryan2007 wrote:

To me its not worth $900 for one stop of light when for another $600 at this level you can get a way more versatile range.

Save up for it you'll really be happy with it.
Click to expand...
That is only one aspect of the story. The other being that this lens is incredibly sharp all over the frame, including in the corners and that from F2.8 up to even F8 it is the sharpest mft lens. Wide open, it has an incredibly creamy bokey. And at all apertures it is showing a great micro contrast.

But given your usual bias against everything Olympus I'm not surprised by your conclusion.

The 75mm isn't an easy focal length, it is a beautiful lens, but I find it often a little too long. For portraits, you have to stand quite far away from your subjects, too far away for my taste. I prefer to use it for landscapes, or architecture details and the like.
Click to expand...
It's usually too long for indoors use if it's an ordinary room rather than a hall we are talking about. But if you have the required space, I see more uses than those you mention: stage performances of any kind, social events (e.g., weddings and receptions), portraits (not only head-and-shoulder but also half figure and whole figure), and stealthy street shooting.

Lovely lens. Unlike you, I am very happy with my copy of the 45/1.8 too, but the 75/1.8 is possibly a small notch up with respect to microcontrast even in that very tough comparison.
 
Last edited:
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