New to MFT and need lens advice

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

All Pannys use CDAF (later model also DFD). AFAIK there are some CDAF optimised FT lenses that could be workable on Panny M43, but AF speed should not be fad from the lighting instant AF speed on using M43 lenses. Others PDAF based FT lenses could expect a very slow or haunting AF...

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

Not really, specially the older GX7 does not support DFD, that until now only Panny lenses are DFD compatible.

Having said that, since the IBIS of GX7 is very primitive (the first Panny to have IBIS) and its 0.5~1 stop effective IS would be just better than nothing. Since most Panny zoom lenses are OIS (3~3.5 stops), could be better than non OIS (majority) Olympus lens.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

I heard on IQ both 12~32 & 12~60 (including the PL f/2.8-4 version) should be very close.

If you use a WR body, e.g. G85, G95, G9, GH5 etc, the WR 12~60 could give you a WR setup. Since GXs are not WR, this might do no extra good to you.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Might also consider the 45~150. They are in similar price tag, so do IQ. 45~175 uses internal zoom that might appeal to some people. I finally settled on 45~150 because of its smaller size on parking position.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Conrad