Alternative(s) to M.Zuiko ED 12-40mm f2.8 Pro for OM-D E-M1

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

These are the other lenses on promotion with Olympus. Any thoughts on which other zoom lenses might be high quality in this lineup? how is the 9-18? 12-50?

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lens_promotion?icn=bluebar&ici=lensbundle

Alternatively, I might be willing to go with a zoom and prime or two primes.

If I get two primes which two would be a good set.

17/25? 17/45? 25/45?

My total budget is really about $2,000-$2,200 (max).

I live overseas, live out of a backpack so portability is important, shoot 99% outside, a variety of subjects including people, events, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks

Andrew

Click to expand...

I have the 12-50 and it does a very nice job as long as you can stop it down a bit to around 6.5-F8. Wide open it is a little soft at the corners. It has really nice contrast and Saturation and the AF is super fast. I think you will be happy with it even after you get your 12-40 (which I also have). The 12-50 makes a very nice video lens because of it has both power zoom or manual zoom capabilities. These were shot with the 12-50 https://www.flickr.com/photos/smopho/sets/72157644917406034/

First I agree with the previous poster about the 12-50mm -- it is actually a pretty nice lens and offers some excellent features, including a very effect 'Macro' Mode.

But have you considered buying used from KEH? They offer a six month warranty on their equipment, as well as a 'no questions asked' 14 day return policy, and they are absolutely honest and customer oriented. I just checked, and you can get a Like New Minus (basically new) E-M1 for $1,082, a 12-50mm (Excellent Plus Condition) for $257, and a 45mm f/1.8 for $299 (Excellent Condition). That's a total of $1,638 -- leaving you with budget for a battery grip or good flash.

I have dealt with KEH for many years and have never had a bad experience. They are very conservative in rating their equipment.

Just a thought.

--
God Bless,
Greg
www.imagismphotos.com
www.mccroskery.zenfolio.com
www.pbase.com/daddyo

Plenty of new ex-kit lens available from Korea/Japan for approx. $800 - most have the Worldwide Warranty card included (and it is still valid)

What about the Panasonic X 12-35 ? Check the availability and price. It is an equally good performer.

Thanks, so far, for the ideas.

I think I'm primarily looking at the Olympus system for the camera/lens promotions on their website.

Does the 12-50 and the 25 prime make sense? My idea being that I will carry the OMD E1 with the 25 on me all the time (small and portable enough), and then switch to the 12-50 when I need more range, flexibility and variety.

With the E1 it comes in at $1899. Maybe I can afford a decent flash too.

Thanks

Andrew

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

These are the other lenses on promotion with Olympus. Any thoughts on which other zoom lenses might be high quality in this lineup? how is the 9-18? 12-50?

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lens_promotion?icn=bluebar&ici=lensbundle

Alternatively, I might be willing to go with a zoom and prime or two primes.

If I get two primes which two would be a good set.

17/25? 17/45? 25/45?

My total budget is really about $2,000-$2,200 (max).

I live overseas, live out of a backpack so portability is important, shoot 99% outside, a variety of subjects including people, events, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks

Andrew

Click to expand...

You should look at http://www.mu-43.com/forumdisplay.php?f=17 for a 12-50 or other quality lenses. You should be able to save quite a bit, even over KEH's prices. eBay is another good source. I was able to get a like new 12-50 for $150. The Oly 25 1.8 is another terrific lens as well as the budget Oly 40-150R, usually around $100.

Wow, frustrating. The 12-50 and 45 make a good, affordable pair that I've actually backpacked with. Choosing two primes would depend on what you typically shoot, but I like the 45 and 25 as a pair, and they're quite small and light for anybody living out of a backpack. I'd suggest the 12 and 25 or 45, but that would be a budget-killer (not to mention the 75). Regret I can't comment on the 17.

Good luck!

Rick

Skeeterbytes said:

Regret I can't comment on the 17.

Click to expand...

Which one? the 2,8/17 is a small pancake with kit lens quality.


the 1,8/17 is a honest improvement, but not the best lens Olympus did. It's compact, there is a good feel to it, the snap manual focus ring is convenient and its just a $400 set back at a FoV that is likely to get lots of usage.

I had it for about a week, returned to the store and decided to pay the extra for the PL15 (which was back order when I first bought the 1,8/17). Absolutely no regrets. I can't say I was dissatisfied with the Olympus, the PL won on this FoV.

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

These are the other lenses on promotion with Olympus. Any thoughts on which other zoom lenses might be high quality in this lineup? how is the 9-18? 12-50?

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lens_promotion?icn=bluebar&ici=lensbundle

Alternatively, I might be willing to go with a zoom and prime or two primes.

If I get two primes which two would be a good set.

17/25? 17/45? 25/45?

My total budget is really about $2,000-$2,200 (max).

I live overseas, live out of a backpack so portability is important, shoot 99% outside, a variety of subjects including people, events, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks

Andrew

Click to expand...

I love primes. I have the Olympus 12mm f2.0, Olympus 17mm f1.8, Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN, and Sigma 60mm f/2.8 DN. All excellent lenses. If I were getting an E-M1 with two primes from Olympus for the discounts, I would pick the following pairs.

1. E-M1, 17mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8 $2100 plus tax

2, E-M1, 12mm f/2.0, 25mm f/1.8 $2300 plus tax

3. E-M1, 12mm f/2.0, 45mm f/1.8 $2300 plus tax

Which you choose would depend on what you shoot mostly. The 17/25 combos is too close and the 25/45 may be the same. But the 25/45 would be the cheapest set at $2000 with the E-M1. I believe Olympus charges sales tax on all orders, but I may be wrong. Shipping would be free.

Thanks again. Since I'm really pressed for time and want to play with the camera before leaving I don't have much time for shopping the used markets, and finding any missing accessories. Though, KEH looks good.

Any thoughts on these ideas?

1) The 25 prime and the 12-50. I'm thinking I can keep the 25 on the camera and carry with me every day, whereas I would use the 12-50 when I need more flexibility. The 12-50 looks bigger to me than the 12-40 Pro.

2) The 25 prime and the 9-18.

I want a lens on my camera that will make me want to put the camera in my bag every day, not just for times when I get in the mood to shoot.

I live in rural Cambodia. 99% of my shooting is outside, people, festivals, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks again

Andrew

I have both, but sometimes I prefer using the 12-60, for the extra reach. Great IQ and can be found for around $400.

Smopho said:

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

These are the other lenses on promotion with Olympus. Any thoughts on which other zoom lenses might be high quality in this lineup? how is the 9-18? 12-50?

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lens_promotion?icn=bluebar&ici=lensbundle

Alternatively, I might be willing to go with a zoom and prime or two primes.

If I get two primes which two would be a good set.

17/25? 17/45? 25/45?

My total budget is really about $2,000-$2,200 (max).

I live overseas, live out of a backpack so portability is important, shoot 99% outside, a variety of subjects including people, events, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks

Andrew

Click to expand...

I have the 12-50 and it does a very nice job as long as you can stop it down a bit to around 6.5-F8. Wide open it is a little soft at the corners. It has really nice contrast and Saturation and the AF is super fast. I think you will be happy with it even after you get your 12-40 (which I also have). The 12-50 makes a very nice video lens because of it has both power zoom or manual zoom capabilities. These were shot with the 12-50 https://www.flickr.com/photos/smopho/sets/72157644917406034/

Click to expand...

I agree about the 12-50, especially as a video lens. I use mine mainly on my E-PL5 rather than my E-M1 as it is a reasonable do it all lens. Mind you, it would never replace my 12-40 as my main 'standard' lens!

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

These are the other lenses on promotion with Olympus. Any thoughts on which other zoom lenses might be high quality in this lineup? how is the 9-18? 12-50?

Loading…

www.getolympus.com

Alternatively, I might be willing to go with a zoom and prime or two primes.

If I get two primes which two would be a good set.

17/25? 17/45? 25/45?

My total budget is really about $2,000-$2,200 (max).

I live overseas, live out of a backpack so portability is important, shoot 99% outside, a variety of subjects including people, events, parties, temples, landscapes.

Thanks

Andrew

Click to expand...

How about the 17mm f1.8 and the 40-150 f4-5.6? 17mm for low light wide/normal, and the flexibility of longer range in the 40-150. These would also be complimentary once you get the 12-40. I just spent last weekend in London and walked around with the 17mm and the 40-150, along with the 45mm and Panny 12-32. The 12-32 was nice, but unless I really needed the 12-14mm range, the 17mm took most of the shots, especially in lower light. The 45mm was the least used lens.

Andrewjmarino said:

Hi,

I was all excited to buy this combo (above) from the Olympus website today, especially when I saw the $300 discount pop up on the checkout screen.

But, the 12-40 is on backorder from Olympus. I called and they said maybe 3-4 weeks. Maybe that's why there was an extra $100 discount at checkout, hmm?

The problem is I'm leaving for a trip in about 3 weeks. B&H and Adorama are also closed for the Jewish holidays. Buying retail is a (much pricier) alternative.

Click to expand...

The 12-40 is the best lens yet for the Oly - I've only had mine 2 months but think it's superb *at max aperture*.

I would however suggest you look for another excellent lens - and that's the 14-45mm (NOT42) Panasonic. It was the first lens introduced in the m43 system and it is also excellent - and fantastic value for money - it should cost you S/H something in the region of the extra discount you got. ... and it's a lot lighter than the 12-40. At f3.5 - 5.6 it's a bit slower than the f2.8 of the 12-40, but can be used at full aperture throughout the range.

PS when you get the 12-40 take extra care of the lenshood. I lost mine yesterday. ;-(

Mike

--

Mike Davis
Photographing the public for over 50 years
www.flickr.com/photos/watchman

Jeff Tokayer said:

I have both, but sometimes I prefer using the 12-60, for the extra reach. Great IQ and can be found for around $400.

--
My nickel, since the penny is now discontinued...
Jeff.

Click to expand...

this would be my choice as well, depending on my needs

Jeff Tokayer said:

I have both, but sometimes I prefer using the 12-60, for the extra reach. Great IQ and can be found for around $400.

--
My nickel, since the penny is now discontinued...
Jeff.

Click to expand...

same here, also for me the 12-60mm is my alternative and the xtra lenght sometimes is quite handy.. regards jan

Hasn't anyone mentioned Panny's pro grade 12-35 (if IQ is important). I recently purchased the 12-32 and it is very good but not in the same class.

Andrewjmarino said:

Thanks again. Since I'm really pressed for time and want to play with the camera before leaving I don't have much time for shopping the used markets, and finding any missing accessories. Though, KEH looks good.

Any thoughts on these ideas?

1) The 25 prime and the 12-50. I'm thinking I can keep the 25 on the camera and carry with me every day, whereas I would use the 12-50 when I need more flexibility. The 12-50 looks bigger to me than the 12-40 Pro.

Click to expand...

The 25mm f/1.8 is reputed to be excellent optically and has blazing fast autofocus. The only downside is the build quality. To keep the cost down, Olympus went to a plastic body instead of the metal bodies used in for the 12mm, 17mm, and 75mm. The 45mm f/1.8 is the same, fantastic in the optical and autofocus department but so-so build. Even so I just bought the 45 today from a local company because right now it has a $50 in the U.S. and they were offering a $50 or more trade in on any old lens regardless of age or condition. I've never been a great fan of the 50mm FOV and love the 35mm FOV which is why I have the 17mm f1.8.

If you want, you can go to Robin Wong's web site and see his reviews on the 25mm. He used to be an Olympus fanboy and now he works for Olympus Malaysia, but his reviews show the results of real world street shooting instead of pixel peeping and radar targets. There is Darren Miles on YouTube. He is a South Florida photographer who has done shorts reviews on a number of Olympus lenses including the 25mm. Again, real world results.

Can't help you with the other two. I'm not much of a zoom guy. I had the loan of the 12-40mm for a while and kept shooting almost everything at 16mm because I would forget to zoom; 16mm is where the lens is parked when fully retracted. It is an excellent lens; f/2.8 across the full range excellent autofocus and IQ, adds an extra FN button on the lens, has the AF/MF snap-back feature like the 12mm and 17mm, metal body, and with your E-M1 a weather-proofed system.

Andrewjmarino said:

2) The 25 prime and the 9-18.

I want a lens on my camera that will make me want to put the camera in my bag every day, not just for times when I get in the mood to shoot.

I live in rural Cambodia. 99% of my shooting is outside, people, festivals, parties, temples, landscapes.

Click to expand...

Since you are in Cambodia, have you looked at Olympus Malaysia or Japan. Or perhaps a reputable dealer in Hong Cong or Europe. I would recommend Henry's in Canada, I have delt with then and they are reputable.

Andrewjmarino said:

Thanks again

Andrew

Click to expand...

Then you don't feel like you are settling as these two lens choices are indeed complimentary to the 12-40. You can then bide your time and pull the trigger on the 12-40 when a good deal hits.