Four Thirds lenses vs Micro Four Thirds lenses IQ

I have several 4/3 lenses that I use on  my EM1 with an inexpensive Viltrox adapter.  They auto focus fast and well on the EM1, and will also AF on the GX7 - but slower.

I really like the 4/3 15-54 II lens on the EM1.  Great pictures, if you don't mind it being a bit bigger and heavier than say, the 14-45 micro 4/3 lens.  Of course, the 14-54 II is faster, and i frequently use it as an all purpose lens in darker places.  Recommended.

I also use a 4/3 9-18 lens with adapter on the EM1, and love it.  I think it is at least just as sharp, maybe sharper - than the micro 4/3 version.  Recommended.

I also have the 4/3 14-45 lens, but see no point to it as I have the smaller micro 4/3 14-45 lens, which is a very good lens.

However, The 4/3 70-300 lens on the EM1 is just as fast focusing as my Panasonic 100-300 lens - and IMO, just as sharp - maybe sharper - at 300.  I think it also has better color and contrast.  With the adapter, it is about 1/2 inch longer than the Panny.   It is a bit heavier, however.  Recommended - and it is cheaper than the 100-300 lens or the Oly equivalent.  Recommended.

I do not have a 4/3 macro lens.  I do have a Raynox 150, and it works great with the 70-300 or the 100-300.  It takes not much space in the bag either.  For a macro lens, any of the various 50 mm macro film era, manual focus lenses will work just fine, as will any of the 90-105 manual focus film era lenses - with appropriate cheap adapters, of course.

Most macro needs manual focus anyway, so you haven't lost much, if anything, by not having auto focus.  I had the 4/3 35 macro, but the working distance was very short, and I sold it.  I've not had the 4/3 50 macro.

Now if I want to go light, the 12-32, the Oly 17, and the oly 40-140 all fit with an M1 (or GX7) body in a small Pacsafe brand belt pack.  I can still use the Raynox on the 40-140.

With the larger 4/3 lenses, you will probably want a more traditional bag.

I hope my experience with these lenses might be helpful, or at least provides some things to consider.

Peace.  ...and Best Wishes

John