Stick with Oly 12-40 or...

switch to new PL 12-60 or 12-35. Currently using G85 and love the Oly 12-40 so far. I'm still at a point where I can return the lens w/o penalty. It's superbly built with great optics as everyone knows. Just wondering if I'm missing much since the Oly doesn't support dual i.s. and the new PanyLeica and 12-35 lenses do. Appreciate thoughts.

If you like the 12-40 and have it, why consider a switch to the 12-35? The optics are similar and there is not much difference in size weight. There is also the close focus ability and the snap MF ring to consider. The 12-60 is a different story. Personally, I have the 35-100 F2.8 and don't mind switching lenses a few times a day. In hiking, however, I often carry only the 12-40....

At this focal length it is hard to image more image stabilization would matter or would ever be evident. I don't see any indication on any of my images that indicate that the IBIS is not sufficient. Shooting a very long lens is a different matter.

Biggest question I'd have is whether you use C-AF a lot, like on moving kids or pets? If you do then I'd switch for the sake of the improved DFD autofocus you get with a Panasonic lens on a Panasonic body. Difference in stabilization, in my opinion, isn't a big enough reason to switch, especially if you are happy with the 12-4.

Nothing wrong with the 12-40 but I'll be switching for (at a cost ):

Usually PL lenses are great in build and optics (have never seen a bad one)

I need the extra reach

I don't mind losing 1 stop at the long end (Reserve shallow DOF for primes)

I prefer the smaller size /weight for an all around all day shooting lens

Weather sealed

Using same filter as the 12-40

AF should be better on a Lumix body

Don't blame you if you elect to keep the 12-40

Cheers,

Thanks all for the comments. My lean is to keep the 12-40 as I too don't think the loss of dual IS at this focal length is something I would notice. I also don't see me using C-AF all that much with this lens. I will look at the 35-100 2.8 in the future where the dual IS and C-AF will be useful.

redstone1 said:

switch to new PL 12-60 or 12-35. Currently using G85 and love the Oly 12-40 so far. I'm still at a point where I can return the lens w/o penalty. It's superbly built with great optics as everyone knows. Just wondering if I'm missing much since the Oly doesn't support dual i.s. and the new PanyLeica and 12-35 lenses do. Appreciate thoughts.

Click to expand...

I'd return the Oly because the dual IS system for video is ridiculously good. Could help for stills, but I rarely need more than 1 stop of IS in most of my still shooting and the G85 by itself should get you closer to 2 stops already with the body only.