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First impressions - 14-54 mk1 on E-M5

Started Apr 20, 2014 | Discussions thread
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zuikowesty
zuikowesty Veteran Member • Posts: 4,158
First impressions - 14-54 mk1 on E-M5

I've had a few days to try out the 14-54 mk1 lenses I got from eBay. Here are my observations, which I'm sure are nothing new to most of you:

1. It feels solid, and manual focus is easy with the E-M5. It is large and heavy on the E-M5, but still feels well balanced.

2. AF speed is ok for static subjects, but not for even slow moving adults. I switched to MF today while visiting friends, and felt like I was back in OM days, hoping to get focus.

3. It is definitely sharper across the frame than all of the lenses I have, except maybe the 12-32. It is not, however, sharp to the corners, where it gets soft, and some CA creeps in. Still far better than the kit lenses (14-42, 12-50) in all respects though.

4. Close focus is very good, perhaps 20-25% closer than the 14-42, and far closer than the 12-32.

So for now, for me, the 14-54 is my walkabout lens for scenery, flowers and portraits of well behaved adults.

If kids or animals are involved, I either need the E-PM2 + 12-32 in my pocket, or I need to put the 14-42 on the E-M5.

So the small investment in the 14-54s (< $150 each) is worth it, but has only made me want the 12-40 even more, to get the best all-round lens, and save some size and weight.

The second 14-54 can stay on my old E-410, where the AF is very quick.

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 zuikowesty's gear list:zuikowesty's gear list
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Olympus PEN E-PM2 Olympus E-M5 II Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro Samyang 7.5mm F3.5 Fisheye +11 more
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Olympus PEN E-PM2 Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5
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