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

Started Feb 28, 2014 | Discussions thread
Paulmorgan Veteran Member • Posts: 9,499
Re: Olympus 25mm f/1.8 or Sigma 30mm f/2.8?

traveler_101 wrote:

I realise they are not fully comparable, both in focal length and speed, so I suppose I could put my question this way: could I get away with the Sigma or do I need to pluck down $400 for the Olympus?

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.

Needs: I use digital for family and some basic travel shooting. I have a child and it helps to have a lens that focuses quickly! I want a quick-to-focus "normal" FL to supplement the 14 (28mm equivalent), which is too wide for snapshot shooting, IMO.

The Olympus 25/1.8 seems like an ideal lens, though perhaps the verdict is still out on it (?) And $400 is still a lot of money as far as I'm concerned. The Sigma 30/2.8 is a little too narrow and slow, but I think i could live with that. What about its focus speed? And does anyone know if the new version is better in some regards to the older version?

Sell the 20 and get the 19mm.

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