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Suggestions on gear

Started Feb 4, 2017 | Discussions thread
OP jor23 Senior Member • Posts: 1,556
Re: You have many options already

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I think your quest boils down to that bit. Seems like you're looking for a small photo kit for everyday carry. You've had some nice compacts and some nice, smaller MFT bodies in your hands.

I see a few options, with little-to-no need to buy anything.

Carry one of the compacts and leave your MFT gear behind unless you believe there's a possibility for something out of the ordinary that day. Figure out which compact best meets your needs, and let the others go.

I do this already. RX100 is always with me.

Carry your E-M1 solely with the 12-40. That's a balanced package, and your 40-150 would complement it well if you want something longer in the bag. It's a great lens that nearly covers the FL range of all of your primes. Unless there's a specific quality about those primes that gives them a significant edge over the 12-40, there's no need to carry any of them.

This is fine when sightseeing. Not great for walks in a park, or after dinner. Not great when you have to drag alone a 3yr old. I do this when i know there's gonna be some action shots, like swing, running, or biking.

Carry one of the smaller MFT bodies with the 12-40 (might be a little awkward & large) or some of your primes. Again, bring the little 40-150 along, if desired. If you want a WA, the Olympus 9-18 is quite small, and would fit well with some of your little primes. If you don't mind lens changes and want the smallest MFT ILC combo in your hands, primes are the only way to go.

sometimes, I feel I am not using my nice prime lenses enough. They are still much better than the RX100 or LX100.

Carry a small MFT body or E-M1 with one prime lens. Even the E-M1 becomes a small camera with a little lens mounted, and you have a few to choose from already. The "normal" 25mm lens would be a safe bet. I used to carry my E-PL1 + Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and was happy with what that combination offered. If you decided that WA was more to your liking, the Olympus 9-18 would again be a good choice for a single lens, but only if brightness wasn't a major concern.

Another question that I don't believe was answered: how do you plan to carry whatever you decide on? Bags, clips, packs, etc. all can have an impact on what you may decide makes the right everyday kit for you.

I normally use a bag. I got a lowepro passport bag that i really like. it's like a diaper bag with camera insert. i can have my camera and stuff for my kid in it.

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