Finally got the new 20mm for my epl5.

I upgraded from a P&S to the epl5 half a year ago. Being a student, I don't want to spend too much on fancy lenses without the skill to make the most out of them. So I started with the kit lense and Oly40-150R. Now that I've learned the basics I decided it's time to own my first prime. I bought a de-kitted 20mm II for 1800RMB, or 290USD. It's not the cheapest prime or pancake, but it serve the most purposes. It's going to be my walk-around pancake, my low-light lens and my environmental portrait lens.

I don't think I need to comment on the IQ, so here's some thoughts on other aspects:

1. The focus is slow, but not slower than my old P&S, which I've used for years and not once complained about its focus speed. It hunts slower than the kit lens, but not more. So it requires a bit of patience, but at least the experience is not frustrating.

2. The aperture clicks loudly. Turning flicker reduction to off/auto for some reason solves this problem. Can anyone give me an explanation?

3. The lens mount is uncomfortably tight. I've heard this happens with em-10 but not with epl5. At least nothing seems to be scratched yet.

4. There is some banding at ISO3200 and above. But I wouldn't worry about it. It's only slightly more distracting than the noise at such ISO. Maybe I got lucky. Besides, with IBIS such high ISO is not needed if there is any light at all.

5. With the kit lens I mostly shoot at 14mm, but the 20mm felt natural too. It helps me to focus on the subject instead of just getting everything in. With a two time crop I can also use it as a 40mm f1.7 portrait lens that's good enough on my 1080p screen.

My Oly 45/1.8 actually feels tighter on my GF6 than the 20/1.7, go figure. I really like the solid build of the 20mm, the silver metal just looks cool, totally inconsequential and cosmetic but what the heck (not like version I was much cheaper when I got it in November)...

My GF6 isn't much to look at but the 20mm classes it up little.

On a more serious note, the praise, size, and specs of the 20mm were one of the big attractions to M43 for me; specially the possibility of pairing it with a pancake zoom for an ultra portable setup.

GeorgeZZ wrote:

3. The lens mount is uncomfortably tight. I've heard this happens with em-10 but not with epl5. At least nothing seems to be scratched yet.

Compared to your two zooms with plastic mounts, the metal mount 20mm will feel tighter.

I remember thinking my Oly 45mm was pretty tight when I first got it, but maybe I am used to it as it feels the same as my 20mm now.

I have had four M43 cameras to try, EPL1, EPM1, EPL5, and EM5. They all look to me to use the same metal mounting plate on the camera.  Unless they changed the part recently, I believe they should all act the same.

krugman wrote:

ulfie wrote:

Regardless of its (fairly minor) drawbacks, the bottom line is that the P20/1.7 can and does deliver excellent IQ (Image Quality). After all, the final image is what really counts, no?

Well yes, it is an outstanding lens, but a secondary issue arises if you can't get the lens on and off the camera. I had to return this fine lens because it was almost impossible to remove it once I managed to get it on the camera. I replaced it as best I could with the Sigma 19mm, which Lens Rental testing shows to be very nearly as good as the 20mm and much better than the kit zoom or Pana 14-45 zoom or the Oly 17 f2.8. I believe that it tested better than the 17 f1.8 also but I don't recall that comparison clearly. Anyway the Sigma arrives Friday and I will know more after that. B and H doesn't have any of the 19mm available, and Amazon had only one or two left when I ordered mine. I would prefer to use the 20mm but not if I can't get it off the camera.

Severa suggestions have been made about lubrication the camera flange or the lens mount, and if the 19, which should arrive soon, proves difficult to get on and off the camera, I may try one of these out of desperation, and in that case I would post my results here. The suggestions include WD-40, white lithium grease, and sebum. They all sound risky to me. Many posters strongly advise not lubricating.

Krugman

Do not lubricate. Eventually you will find lubricant and abrasives on the sensor

GeorgeZZ wrote:

I upgraded from a P&S to the epl5 half a year ago. Being a student, I don't want to spend too much on fancy lenses without the skill to make the most out of them. So I started with the kit lense and Oly40-150R. Now that I've learned the basics I decided it's time to own my first prime. I bought a de-kitted 20mm II for 1800RMB, or 290USD. It's not the cheapest prime or pancake, but it serve the most purposes. It's going to be my walk-around pancake, my low-light lens and my environmental portrait lens.

I don't think I need to comment on the IQ, so here's some thoughts on other aspects:

1. The focus is slow, but not slower than my old P&S, which I've used for years and not once complained about its focus speed. It hunts slower than the kit lens, but not more. So it requires a bit of patience, but at least the experience is not frustrating.

2. The aperture clicks loudly. Turning flicker reduction to off/auto for some reason solves this problem. Can anyone give me an explanation?

3. The lens mount is uncomfortably tight. I've heard this happens with em-10 but not with epl5. At least nothing seems to be scratched yet.

4. There is some banding at ISO3200 and above. But I wouldn't worry about it. It's only slightly more distracting than the noise at such ISO. Maybe I got lucky. Besides, with IBIS such high ISO is not needed if there is any light at all.

5. With the kit lens I mostly shoot at 14mm, but the 20mm felt natural too. It helps me to focus on the subject instead of just getting everything in. With a two time crop I can also use it as a 40mm f1.7 portrait lens that's good enough on my 1080p screen.

Can you post ISO 3200 shots which shows banging, please?

Banding in the shadows in broad daylight does get a bit annoying.

s_grins wrote:

Can you post ISO 3200 shots which shows banging, please?

-- hide signature --

Camera in bag tends to stay in bag...

Sorry but I formatted my card as I'm about to leave for my Easter vacation. Will be using 20mm a lot at night and post some example after I get back.

LaMesa wrote:

GeorgeZZ wrote:

With a two time crop I can also use it as a 40mm f1.7 portrait lens that's good enough on my 1080p screen.

Using the lens as a 40mm means a four time crop, which turns your 16MP into 4MP - not really bad, either.

Herbert

I thought that from 20mm to 40mm is 2 time crop and the size is reduced to 1/4th? You got what I meant anyway. 4MP at ISO200 is plenty enough for portrait on web, people don't want to see every single speck on their faces anyway.