Olympus 25mm f/1.8 or Sigma 30mm f/2.8?

traveler_101 wrote:

Background: (1) the lens will be for use on a E-PL5 that I am buying to replace my E-PM2 (which I am giving to my wife); (2) I am a prime shooter, and although I do use the Olympus 40-150 on occasions, I am not looking for another zoom; (3) currently I have the Panasonic 14/2.5 and 20/1.7, mark I; (4) I have been relying a lot on the 14/2.5 but often find myself cropping. Ok, but not ideal. The 20/1.7 was my favourite lens on the E-P1, but I find its focus speed lacking.

I also have the E-PL5. I have never placed the kit lens on the body, because either the Sigma 30mm 2.8 or the 40-150m is usually mounted.

The Sigma 30mm is my favorite lens: it focuses quickly, smooth bokeh, great price ($200). The new version is identical to the old version. They just put a metal skin on it.

I also have children and the lens is great for portraits and it focuses fast enough to keep up.

If given the choice, I would have purchased the Oly 25mm. However, I also own an E-PL1, and with the Sigma mounted to the E-PL1 there is comfort when I set the body down in a public place that there's only $300 dollars worth of kit there to be damaged.

On portraits, I prefer two eyes in focus, so the Sigma's 2.8 aperature is almost always good for me. On full body shots the Oly 25mm's, 1.8 would be nice.

The one reason I would go for the Oly is that at 3200 ISO, and with the Sigma at 2.8, indoors in dimly lit scenario, I only get a shutter speed of 1/40 - 1/60. I imagine the Oly at 1.8 would allow for 1/80 - 1/100.

Sigma 30mm shots: