Testing out my new Oly 45 1.8... I'm Astounded!

photohounds wrote:

The Zuiko is a bit more consistently sharp across the frame, the panny has a sweeter centre spot - these reviews are fairly representative of the ones I've read.

Zuiko 45 1.8
Panny 25 1.4

Overall I'd make that a draw (except on price/size and weight). You can also consider the Zuiko 25 1.8 AS WELL and have TWO compact, fast lenses for the a hundred or so bucks and only 50 grams more than one panny.
Balance two lenses versus one, against a THIRD of a stop as you see fit.

I can't argue with this really, the two Olys are very good for the price when compared to the Panasonic 25. The reason i ended up choosing the Panny over the Oly 25 (for my walk around lens) was my camera choice. I know i insist on having silent mode, and at the moment, Olympus doesn't have it, and may never have it. So if i am to be certain my lenses work with DFD which one would assume makes it's way into future Panny bodies, i chose the PL 25.

Also, not to nitpick but it's 2/3 stop faster. Doesn't seem like much but it allows me 2/3 a stop lower ISO which was another reason i chose the PL.

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The slower, heavier, bigger (but cheaper) Sigma 60/2.8? Again, I get the sense there's little difference when new. Slightly sweeter centre, worse edges. Longevity for off-brand lenses?

As for the Sigma 60, it's one of the few lenses to break the 80 mark on lens tip, and it does so at F/2.8 and F/4. This lens may not be compatible with DFD but it was so cheap for what you get, and i don't tend to need fast AF as much for my portraits so i didn't care. All good lenses though, it's nice to have so many good options.

I've seen reviews that find fault with the 16 and 60mm AF and strange noises. Still, at $180 posted to AUS , it is almost "expendable", isn't it?

It is indeed affordable. I have had no issues with AF on my GX7, no noises or failures.

"Run to the light, Carol Anne. Run as fast as you can!"