Very preliminary thoughts on the 40-150 F2.8

rsmithgi wrote:

Just received it yesterday. Took a few of the dog (I'll spare everyone) and my son practicing soccer. Thoughts:

1. For me, it's big. I've never owned any F2.8 zoom so it is a big change and will take getting used to but I think it will be worth it.

Agree but also 1 reason I sold it and re-bought the Lumix 35-100mm 2.8 for more portability

2. It is very sharp.

Agree

3. Proper technique will be much more important than when using my Panny 45-150 F4 - 5.6. Several factors:

a. Hand holding is more difficult with a larger heavier lens. Motion blur from camera movement will be an issue.

b. Depth of field is very shallow at times when wide open. I can see that focusing on the wrong eye will go from no big deal to missed shot.

c. Tracking moving soccer players will be harder due to the size and weight. I'm used to a very light setup and this will required some practice.

Always a challenge with a long tele; try the 100-400mm

4. It is a damn pretty lens.

Yes; love that hood design; wish they do the same on the 100-400mm

5. Built like a tank.

Yes, same as the 12-40mm and 300mm f4

6. I need to rethink my camera bags and straps.

I had to buy another backpack just because of this

7. I need to try out my tripods and heads to make sure they are up to the task.

Most ball heads should be able to ; mine was bought for DSLR use so ...

8. Makes me want the E-M1 to get the better C-AF since photographing my son playing soccer was a big reason for the lens.

Maybe...the EM1 II should do  even better?

1 negative for me: I don't like the bokeh so much , it's kind of nervous; another reason for me to let it go

I now have the Lumix 35-100mm 2.8 and Leica 100-400mm to cover that range and more but need to carry 2 lenses