11 - 22 four thirds lens or 12 micro four thirds?

I owned an 11-22mm for many years on my E-1, E-620, and E-5. As you know, it's a fabulous lens, even by 2012 standards.

I shoot m4/3 with an E-PL3 now. I have the 12mm f/2. I love it. The size matches the camera(s) and the image quality is excellent.

I've gotten used to the smaller size of m4/3. I used to enjoy the larger size of a true DSLR. No longer. If you are moving to m4/3, I say go with the native lenses. If you think you will miss the zoom, consider the Lumix 12-35mm. Either way, if you are leaving 4/3, it's time to find a good home for the Zuiko 11-22mm.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA

I own a 12mm F2 and it is a very good lens and you can get it for around $600 used.  Also consider the 9-18 and the 7-14 which are also very good lenses.  In my opinion, the value is in the 9-18 because it is very light and compact and about the same size as the 12mm F2.  It is also cheaper.  If I was going to buy a wide angle for landscape, I would get the 9-18.  If I was going to buy a wide angle for street shooting or nostalgia, get the 12mm F2.  Good luck finding the 7-14, it's highly sought after.  I'd get it to have the best of both worlds if size isn't important.

spwilliams13 wrote:

I have been a user four thirds lens since purchasing the E1 more years ago than I care to remember, my most used lens is the 11-22 purchased in an extravagant impulse purchase before travelling to New Zealand, suffice to say it has never been regretted. I have just taken the plunge to move to the OMD E-M5 after losing patience with the launch of a new four thirds camera. My question is should I sell the 11-22 to support the purchase of the 12 mm prime?

My primary use is landscape but the purchase of the OMD was triggered by another trip this time to (hopefully) photograph the northern lights in February. I am less worried about focus time given the lens will be fixed on infinity for most of the trip. Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.

thanks.

Stuart

I have both.  The 12 has many advantages but they don't seem to me to mean much for your purposes.  I would keep the 11-22 for now, although eventually IMHO you'll want the 12 and 20 or 25.

...a Lumix 8mm f/3.5 fisheye. I have a close friend in Anchorage who raves about the usefulness of a fisheye lens for northern lights. Of course, YMMV.

BTW, I have the Lumix 8mm f/3.5 fisheye. It's a dandy of a lens.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA