Thinking of something narrower: Panasonic 42.5 F/1.7, Olympus 45mm F/1.8 or Sigma 30mm F/2.8

Hithertoo wrote:

I'm thinking about getting a narrower prime, for closer crop photos. I have the Olympus 12mm F/2 and Panasonic 20mm F/1.7. 30mm is a little different to 20mm and will give me 60mm instead of 40mm, the other options are the 42.5mm and 45mm which are just about the same at around 85 to 90mm, or there abouts. The Sigma is the cheapest option.

I've discounted the Olympus 60mm and 75mm options as they're really too long for indoor use, I've tested it out with my 14-42 at 30mm and 40-150 at 45mm, I can't really decide. I've got a slightly obscure normal lens at 40mm so I could go with a 60mm or an 85mm or 90mm option. I really can't decide, the Sigma option is very cheap, and I like a slightly wider lens, but it just might not do it for me.

I would get the 45mm f1.8.  If you're in the US, the follow-on question is whether to get the Int'l version(no warranty) for $245(from ebay and amazon) or get a full warranty for $350.  I chose the former when I bought mine (from amazon).

The Sigma 30mm is cheaper but you lose 1-1/3 stop.  However, 45mm is pretty long for me and I use it to shoot stage shows and portraits.  The bokeh at that focal length is much better than 25mm(and probably 30mm).  I like mine a lot but I find my 25mm f1.8 is more versatile.

Maybe get the 45mm first and the 30mm later (unless you're planning a 25mm) as I believe they complement your 20mm.  i.e. 20mm + 30mm + 45mm