OLY PEN E-P7 with Zuiko 17mm 1.8

One month ago I bought a PEN E-P7 as a kit with a 14-42mm pancake lens.

The kit lens 14-42mm was OK after testing different settings and advises from DPR members and OM System, but...no 100% satisfaction regarding sharpness.

Looked for an affordable replacement and bought a (silver) Zuiko 17mm 1.8 prime for a great price on Amazon.be (359€, in a genuine box !) to chase for a better result.

Did some testing and must say that I'm very happy with this new lens although it was designed in 2012.

If interested in the results...see my gallery, three photos at a time...AUTO, P and A mode


Remarcable...when using "AUTO" (which I normally don't use but now only to test the different settings) delivers a slightly underexposed picture (on my monitor), "P" mode and, most used "A" mode delivers great results

Next step...lens hood but...69€ from Olympus is IMO ridiculous, I go for a replacement brand. (Also still 36€)

embie2 said:

Did some testing and must say that I'm very happy with this new lens although it was designed in 2012.

If interested in the results...see my gallery, three photos at a time...AUTO, P and A mode

https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/8798569556/albums/zuiko-17mm-tests

Click to expand...

could you pls post img: P7110033 & P7110035 in original full resolution size here. thanks

on AUTO



[ATTACH alt="On "A" aperture "]3550483[/ATTACH]
On "A" aperture

I agree there is a difference. I like the auto exposure better better than aperture exposure. Auto seemed more saturated.

Red13 said:

I agree there is a difference. I like the auto exposure better better than aperture exposure. Auto seemed more saturated.

Click to expand...

Well, here on DPR the AUTO original looks fine indeed, compared with the Aperture one...Probably I didn't used the correct aperture 2.8 for this test, should have stopped more to 8 or even (sunny) 16 ?

Thanks for looking Red13

Kewl. I think one of the P7 kits was a 17mm f1.8 along with a little OVF in that focal length. Might be fun to know how that works!

embie2 said:

on AUTO

[ATTACH alt="On "A" aperture"]3550483[/ATTACH]
On "A" aperture

Click to expand...

Thank you. Sorry, my request was not about exposure. It was visible on a smaller images from the gallery, the problem is more clear on a hi-res samples.

Pls check your images in highlighted aria, the cars & trees are blurry, while other, both near and distant objects, are relatively sharp. I'm not sure where the focus point originally was (probably center), but this is not normal behaviour for the prime lens.



I've heard some bad reviews about this lens, honestly, I wouldn't be happy about your sample as well.
I would recommend to return this lens.

--
Alex
http://www.instagram.com/alex_cy

UsherFellig said:

Kewl. I think one of the P7 kits was a 17mm f1.8 along with a little OVF in that focal length. Might be fun to know how that works!

Click to expand...

Was that perhaps the E-PL7 you have in mind, quite a few years ago now?

Peter

SonyX said:

embie2 said:

on AUTO

[ATTACH alt="On "A" aperture"]3550483[/ATTACH]
On "A" aperture

Click to expand...

Thank you. Sorry, my request was not about exposure. It was visible on a smaller images from the gallery, the problem is more clear on a hi-res samples.

Pls check your images in highlighted aria, the cars & trees are blurry, while other, both near and distant objects, are relatively sharp. I'm not sure where the focus point originally was (probably center), but this is not normal behaviour for the prime lens.



I've heard some bad reviews about this lens, honestly, I wouldn't be happy about your sample as well.
I would recommend to return this lens.

Click to expand...

Good spotting. The lens is known to be softer on the edges but what you have pointed out is something else like a localised soft spot. I would check the lens for cleanliness and fungus and the filter if used. Also, try another lens so as to eliminate the camera itself.

Dear SonyX

If you have the time for a moment, can you please check if you see the same issue in next pictures ?

























Thank you !

embie2 said:

Dear SonyX

If you have the time for a moment, can you please check if you see the same issue in next pictures ?Thank you !

Click to expand...

For me, in the first instance, this 17mm would be a f/1.8 lens . f/6.3 you have in your pancake kit lens which is more versatile for a street photography.
Yes, the problem is less visible at f/6.3, but it's very pronounced at f/4.5 and at the same place




200%

if you like this focal length, return this lens to Amazon and buy another one

--
Alex

Dear SonyX,

Again many thanks for your expertise !

At first I wasn't aware of this problem and I had doubts if I should return it or not but...since I know and can see the problem I decided to send this lens back and buy another (same) one.

Best regards,