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Panasonic G85 from an Olympus user

Started Nov 20, 2016 | Discussions thread
Michael Meissner
OP Michael Meissner Forum Pro • Posts: 28,013
Focus speed of classic 4/3rds lenses

I tried 3 classic 4/3rds lenses (Olympus 9-18mm, Olympus 70-300mm, and Olympus 50-200mm mark I) to see how fast they focused.

Both the 9-18mm and 70-300mm have CD-AF (contrast detect auto focus) firmware installed, which helps with focusing on micro 4/3rds bodies (and the last 2 generations of classic 4/3rds bodies in live view mode).  The 50-200mm lens does not have CD-AF support.

Focusing in my living room, I felt that all 3 lenses were usable for focusing on fixed or slow moving targets.  I felt that the G-85 focused all 3 lenses faster than my E-M5 mark I.

Of course, the E-M1 mark I is faster on these lenses.  However, the 50-200mm mark I (i.e. not SWD) still focuses a little slow, even with the E-M1.  But the 50-200mm is weather sealed.

Having the large grip on the G-85 helped in holding the 2 telephoto lenses, just like it does on the E-M1 (and the E-M5 when I have a grip on it).  The 70-300mm was slightly more balanced than the 50-200mm due to the lens being lighter.

I took a quick flash picture with the 50-200mm (without installing the lens hood), and at about 10 feet away, it did not seem to cause a shadow due to the length of the lens, which means the pop-up flash is up high enough.

Unfortunately in Massachusetts, it is kind of a bleh time of year in terms of photos.  The leaves have fallen, but we don't have snow.  I've also been busy on the weekends and the Thanksgiving break, and I haven't had time to photograph much outside of the house.

 Michael Meissner's gear list:Michael Meissner's gear list
Olympus Stylus 1 Olympus TG-5 Olympus E-M5 III OM-1 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 +13 more
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