New to MFT and need lens advice

alcelc wrote:

Bassam Guy wrote:

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?

Probably depends on which lenses you have. Perhaps listing them might inform those who are smarter than me.

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?

There is little benefit except in some longer focal lengths: dual focus will not work if brands are crossed, and viability of cross-brand weather sealing is unknown.

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?

The 2.8-4 is generally considered better but it is bigger and heavier. There are plenty of threads on this topic in this forum as both are popular. If you don't mind the size and less snappy AF, perhaps adapting the 43 lens might suffice.

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?

Seems like a good choice. If you're short on cash, the Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 has excellent image quality for $99 new, hence the "plastic fantastic" nickname.

But it is not OIS?

The 0.5~1 stop effective IBIS of GX7 & Oly 40~150 might not be the best option. I might pay US$20~30 more for the Panny 45~250 or 45~175. Both could expect 3+ stops effective IS on GX7, and if OP will upgarde to a later Panny later, could enjoy DUAL IS or DUAL IS-2 for another 1~1.5 stop of effective IS.

Interesting, never knew that the GX7 was so IBIS challenged.

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.

Thank you, we strive to be practically perfect in every way. We never fight and we're always polite

Regards, Conrad