I have a large collection of M4/3 lenses and like most of them.
I'm not fond of my Zuiko 14-42 Mark II kit lens because its lock broke the first time I used it. It was not abused in any way. Its lock is fragile junk.
However, it works fine without a lock. So I guess it's a non issue, but it's annoying.
Also, the photos I took with it were not as sharp as I'd like them to be. I get much sharper images from my Panasonic 12-32.
However, to be fair... I only used the 14-42 one time the first day I owned the camera. So maybe I didn't yet know how to properly use the camera. My initial experiences with it soured me on it. I've never used it again.
Now I'm familiar with the camera and it has had numerous firmware updates over the years. So maybe I should try using my 14-42 again.
Another reason I don't use the Zuiko 14-42 is that I bought a Panasonic 12-32 which I love! I loved the 12-32 the first time and every time I've used it. The results have been surprisingly good. My 12-32 punches above its weight class.
However, the 12-32 came into my life after I was proficient with the camera. So is the 12-32 optically better than the 14-42, or is it just me? I don't know. What I do know is that I prefer the 12-32 zoom range and lens small size.
A few years ago, I bought a Panasonic 14-42 F3.5-5.6 II. I hoped it'd be better quality than Zuiko 14-42. The Pan 14-42 defineately has better build quality than Zuiko 14-42. However, 14-42 zoom range doesn't suit my needs. I prefer the Pan 12-32 and often use it at 12mm. I don't even know how the Pan 14-42 performs optically because I never use it.
I bought a Zuiko 12-45mm F4 pro lens, but never use it because it's so much larger and heavier than Pan 12-32.
The Pan 12-32 is my go to zoom lens. It's the love of my life.
Another lens I never use is my Laowa 7.5mm. It's wider than I need and the perspective distortion (keystoning) is difficult to prevent or control.
The Laowa 9mm is just right for my UWA needs. The 9mm is optically fantastic (especially on M4/3 camera). I can easily control keystoning with the 9mm. I love the 9mm.
I like all my other lenses, but I don't love them. I won't list them all here.
If I could only own a few lenses, these are my must have lenses that I love and can't live without. In order of importance to me:
Pan 12-32, Laowa 9mm, Zuiko 25mm F1.8, Pan 35-100.
What are your favorite lenses?
