wide angle prime lens (7.5mm 8mm or/and 12mm)

[Leo]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

 

[Uncle Frank]

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

I can't tell you which of the focal lengths would best suit your style of photography, but I can shed some light on the branding issue. Here is an excerpt from the Wikipedia article on Samyang Optics Company:

Samyang Optics Company Limited is a Korean company founded in 1972, manufacturing optical equipment, CCTV and photographic accessories. All Samyang lenses are produced in the company's plant in Masan, South Korea... Samyang SLR lenses are also branded as Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon, Walimex, Bower, Opteka, Bell and Howell, Polar, and Pro-Optic.

From everything I've read, the differences between the Samyang, Rokinon, and Bower 7.5mm f/3.5 fisheye lenses for u4/3 are in the badges, packaging, warranty, and price. The lens construction, both in body and contained opical elements, is identical. BH Photo prices for the 4/3 mount black versions of the 3 brands are as follows:

Rokinon 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $249
Bower 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $259
Samyang 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $298

I own the Rokinon version, and am very pleased with it, both in ergonomics and image quality.

 

[Leo]

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

I can't tell you which of the focal lengths would best suit your style of photography, but I can shed some light on the branding issue. Here is an excerpt from the Wikipedia article on Samyang Optics Company:

Samyang Optics Company Limited is a Korean company founded in 1972, manufacturing optical equipment, CCTV and photographic accessories. All Samyang lenses are produced in the company's plant in Masan, South Korea... Samyang SLR lenses are also branded as Vivitar, Falcon, Rokinon, Walimex, Bower, Opteka, Bell and Howell, Polar, and Pro-Optic.

From everything I've read, the differences between the Samyang, Rokinon, and Bower 7.5mm f/3.5 fisheye lenses for u4/3 are in the badges, packaging, warranty, and price. The lens construction, both in body and contained opical elements, is identical. BH Photo prices for the 4/3 mount black versions of the 3 brands are as follows:

Rokinon 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $249
Bower 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $259
Samyang 7.5/3.5 fisheye (black): $298

I own the Rokinon version, and am very pleased with it, both in ergonomics and image quality.

--Framk,

Warm regards, Frank
Galleries at fdrphoto.smugmug.com

Framk,

I have selected "Reply with quote" as your post is exemplary in clearness and answering style. Thank you.

In 2013 I have rented a Panasonic 7-14mm for my several days tip to Mt. Shasta region. With this lens I was able to capture images simply not possible with 14 mm lens. One example is below. The camera was able to capture the whole subject includin the Moon from distance of 25 feet or so. The lens was set to 7mm (view angle is 120 deg).










The Panasonic lens is a zoom lens and I could zoom In/Out (provides a feel of security , however I almost always used it set to the shortest - 7mm during the trip. The 7-14mm lens is only 120 degree simpered with specified 180 deg for 7.5mm. In one place I have read that Rokinon 7.5mm 180 degree is related to a projected circle or something like that. Then what is a view angle for a Rokinon 7.5mm?

Thank you again.

Leo

 

[Uncle Frank]

The Panasonic lens is a zoom lens and I could zoom In/Out (provides a feel of security , however I almost always used it set to the shortest - 7mm during the trip. The 7-14mm lens is only 120 degree simpered with specified 180 deg for 7.5mm. In one place I have read that Rokinon 7.5mm 180 degree is related to a projected circle or something like that. Then what is a view angle for a Rokinon 7.5mm?

Thank you again.

Leo

The 7.5/3.5 gives a view of 180 degrees as measured on a diagonal, Leo. You'll find more precise/insightful information from this article at Photozone.

The interesting thing is that the lens produces pretty linear results at the centerline. I find it useful for landscapes without using de-fishing software.

But I also enjoy using its distortion as a design element.

--
Warm regards, Frank
Galleries at fdrphoto.smugmug.com

 

[EarthQuake]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

As mentioned already the 7.5/3.5 is a Samyang design, and all of the various brands are the same lens design and construction, so buy whichever one is the cheapest. I went with the Rokinon because I had a $50 amazon discount which made it cheaper than other brands at other sites.

I have the 7.5/3.5, the 7-14/4 and the 12/2.

First off, the Samyang 7.5mm and Panasonic 8mm (I assume this is what you mean when you say 8mm) are both fisheye lenses with 180 degree AOV. With fisheye lenses, the focal length isn't really that important, and is not directly comparable to rectilinear(non fisheye) lenses. So the two fisheye lenses are significantly wider than the 7-14mm at 7mm, even when de-fished. The biggest difference between the 8mm and 7.5mm is that the Panasonic has AF, though I've read a review which states the 7.5mm is a little better optically. With fisheye lenses, AF isn't really that important, as nearly everything is in focus all of the time (only except is very close objects).

Neither of the fisheye lenses will let you use filters either (or rather, not easily), similarly to the 7-14mm. I did modify my 7-14mm to allow rear-mount filters (to fix the purple flare issue on Oly bodies), and I do occasionally tape a bit of 4 stop ND gel film to the back of my 7.5mm. Neither can take front mount filters without some sort of hacking together a large mounting system. For something like graduated ND, honestly I would just do it in post in Lightroom.

The 12/2 is a nice lens, but it isn't really that wide. the 7-14mm is significantly wider, and the fisheyes are completely different lenses. So I think you really need to figure out how wide of a lens you need.

For me, again I the 12/2, 7-14 and 7.5, each lens is very different and I use it for different purposes:

7.5: I use this lens mostly for HDR 360 panorama captures. Capturing as fast as possible is important for this so the wider lens the better. I also use it in really tight spaces or when I want the fisheye distortion for a special effect.

7-14: This is my bread and butter wide lens, I use it for architecture, cityscapes, interiors, even a bit of landscape. Its a very good and versatile lens. The 7.5 is wider, but for general purpose use I like being able to compose the lens as is, and not rely on correcting the fisheye distortion later.

12/2: I use this lens mostly in low light, but it does a bit of city shooting as well. Usually I take this lens out when I'm shooting with a few primes, like the 12/25/42.5, that makes a good combo. Again this lens isn't nearly as wide as the others so if you want a very wide lens, it probably won't cut it.

 

[paris1968]

The interesting thing is that the lens produces pretty linear results at the centerline. I find it useful for landscapes without using de-fishing software.

You are right, but this is true of any fisheye lens. Any straight line passing through the center of the image, or along a radius, will be undistorted, regardless of its angle. Any circle or arc which shares the same center as the center of the image, will likewise be undistorted. For instance, imagine a bicycle wheel with the axle at the center of the image. Each spoke will be straight, and the rim will remain perfectly circular. Only the further away from the center, the radially oriented spoke will be foreshortened.

As you point out, this is useful for landscapes. If you keep the horizon passing through the center of the image, it will remain level and undistorted. If you have two parallel lines and that would converge at the center, even though that center might be any distance behind the focal plane, they will remain parallel and undistorted.



BTW, the Rokonon MFT fisheye is an great lens, and a real bargan.

 

[bs1946]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

I got the 12mm f/2.0 with my E-M10. It is a fantastic lens; blazing fast autofocus, Extremely sharp and has excellent IQ. It has an all metal body and mount and comes with a snap-back feature that instantly puts the lens and E-M10 into MF mode (only works on Olympus bodies). Before the 12mm, the wides lens I had was an 18mm Fuji lens. I have no experience with fisheyes.

As another member pointed out, Samyang makes all of the lenses sold by the three brands. Strangely, I have seen user reviews claiming one brand was terrible and they replaced it with one of they other two which was fantastic; perhaps there are differences. They are all manual focus, larger, and heavier than the 12mm. Another consideration is the fact that Samyang builds their lenses in every mount out there except Nikon 1. I believe the 7.5mm was designed for M43 only and there are tons of images here that show it is an excellent lens.

 

[Anders W]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

What have you already got on the WA side and what do you want to use the new lens for?

The 12/2 is a nice lens but its only major advantage over other options is that it is fast. That's a significant advantage if you're shooting moving subjects in low light (which is why I bought one) but hardly otherwise.

For many other things, you'd be better or equally well off with something else. Several standard zooms now go down to 12 mm. And if you want to go wider than that, you have the 9-18 and 7-14. The "RokiBowYang" is a very good lens for the money and highly recommended if it's a fisheye you are after. But be aware that a fisheye will be a whole lot wider than the 7-14 at 7 mm, let alone 12 mm. So personally, I don't really see the fisheye as a replacement for ordinary WAs at or below the UWA border line. You can get a feel for the differences here:

Loading…

www.dpreview.com

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

 

[Leo]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

What have you already got on the WA side and what do you want to use the new lens for?

The 12/2 is a nice lens but its only major advantage over other options is that it is fast. That's a significant advantage if you're shooting moving subjects in low light (which is why I bought one) but hardly otherwise.

For many other things, you'd be better or equally well off with something else. Several standard zooms now go down to 12 mm. And if you want to go wider than that, you have the 9-18 and 7-14. The "RokiBowYang" is a very good lens for the money and highly recommended if it's a fisheye you are after. But be aware that a fisheye will be a whole lot wider than the 7-14 at 7 mm, let alone 12 mm. So personally, I don't really see the fisheye as a replacement for ordinary WAs at or below the UWA border line. You can get a feel for the differences here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50745276

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

Hi Anders,

I would prefer 9-18 based on its size, weight, and supported AF and IS. Thank you as I would buy a fisheye, which is not my style.

I was searching Adorama and found that Olympus 9-18 is offered in two different designs. I do not remember and review/test mentioned such difference. I have checked B&H and found that they also overfed two versions of this lens.

The question is are these two designs are different not only physically but optically. Which one provides better Image Quality?

Leo

 

[Anders W]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

What have you already got on the WA side and what do you want to use the new lens for?

The 12/2 is a nice lens but its only major advantage over other options is that it is fast. That's a significant advantage if you're shooting moving subjects in low light (which is why I bought one) but hardly otherwise.

For many other things, you'd be better or equally well off with something else. Several standard zooms now go down to 12 mm. And if you want to go wider than that, you have the 9-18 and 7-14. The "RokiBowYang" is a very good lens for the money and highly recommended if it's a fisheye you are after. But be aware that a fisheye will be a whole lot wider than the 7-14 at 7 mm, let alone 12 mm. So personally, I don't really see the fisheye as a replacement for ordinary WAs at or below the UWA border line. You can get a feel for the differences here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50745276

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

Hi Anders,

I would prefer 9-18 based on its size, weight, and supported AF and IS. Thank you as I would buy a fisheye, which is not my style.

I was searching Adorama and found that Olympus 9-18 is offered in two different designs. I do not remember and review/test mentioned such difference. I have checked B&H and found that they also overfed two versions of this lens.

The question is are these two designs are different not only physically but optically. Which one provides better Image Quality?

Hi Leo,

One these two lenses (the Zuiko) is for Four Thirds (the old DSLR system) and the other (the M.Zuiko) for Micro Four Thirds. You would want the latter.

 

[Leo]

I am trying to select a wide lens from three focal lenses: 7.5mm, 8mm and 12mm.

The 12mm is not that dramatically wide as 7.5mm and 8mm which are true fisheye lenses.

There are several latest posts related to the subject, however the mien benefit of reading then was sample photos taken with 7.5mm and 12mm.

The subject complicated that these lenses are marketed under three different names: Rokinon, Samyang and Bower. It seems that the lenses may differ as they priced differently. The listed manufacturers are offering the same focal lenses under their own brands.

I have used a 7-14mm Panasonic lens on a GX1 with excellent results. However, using a graduated filter was not easy. The distortions at 7mm were small and easily corrected. The view angle was around 120deg not 180deg.

1) I can not decide on 12mm vs 7.5/8.mm.

What have you already got on the WA side and what do you want to use the new lens for?

The 12/2 is a nice lens but its only major advantage over other options is that it is fast. That's a significant advantage if you're shooting moving subjects in low light (which is why I bought one) but hardly otherwise.

For many other things, you'd be better or equally well off with something else. Several standard zooms now go down to 12 mm. And if you want to go wider than that, you have the 9-18 and 7-14. The "RokiBowYang" is a very good lens for the money and highly recommended if it's a fisheye you are after. But be aware that a fisheye will be a whole lot wider than the 7-14 at 7 mm, let alone 12 mm. So personally, I don't really see the fisheye as a replacement for ordinary WAs at or below the UWA border line. You can get a feel for the differences here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/50745276

2) Which one of these three Rokinon, Samyang and Bower is the OEM is not clear. Also, the OEM version may not be the best.

3) Is a lens version with a hood removing option should be preferred?

The lens itch came from an Adorama unexpected $50 credit to be applied to the next purchase

Thank you for opinions and ideas.

Leo

PS My thank to all for the help in the firmware update of my week old OMD

Hi Anders,

I would prefer 9-18 based on its size, weight, and supported AF and IS. Thank you as I would buy a fisheye, which is not my style.

I was searching Adorama and found that Olympus 9-18 is offered in two different designs. I do not remember and review/test mentioned such difference. I have checked B&H and found that they also overfed two versions of this lens.

The question is are these two designs are different not only physically but optically. Which one provides better Image Quality?

Hi Leo,

One these two lenses (the Zuiko) is for Four Thirds (the old DSLR system) and the other (the M.Zuiko) for Micro Four Thirds. You would want the latter.

Thank you Anders!

I have forgotten all about 4/3 … despise the cameras I had in the past E-330, E-510, E-410, E-600, E-620 …. I should change my slipping pattern from 4.5hrs to 8hrs and work 6hrs days with a hope to recover

Now I am up to nose in m4/3: Pna GX1 (my first one). Then PL5, PM2 and finally M10. Leo

 

[Leo]

Anders,

Thank you for refreshing my brains. I always separate m4/3 from 4/3 when I am looking for lens reviews at Imaging-Resource. This time my brains panicked as I saw the $100 price difference

I have attached another photo taken with Panasonic 7-14, which is exceptionally sharp and contrast lens. This photo out of the camera was with no distortion. The only inconvenience was no thread for filters. I held a Cokin P-size Graduated filter in front of lens, probably degrading the image.





I like wide Rokinon, however m4/3 would simplify image processing. The price difference still too dramatic not to considered.
Leo

 

[Anders W]

Anders,

Thank you for refreshing my brains. I always separate m4/3 from 4/3 when I am looking for lens reviews at Imaging-Resource. This time my brains panicked as I saw the $100 price difference

Happens to all of us from time to time.

I have attached another photo taken with Panasonic 7-14, which is exceptionally sharp and contrast lens. This photo out of the camera was with no distortion. The only inconvenience was no thread for filters. I held a Cokin P-size Graduated filter in front of lens, probably degrading the image.

Nice shot! I like it!

When it comes to GNDs, you should explore multiple-exposure techniques (bracketing exposure and stacking the images in PP) as an alternative when you find the time. Better end results (more control), especially for some scenes (some HDR scenes are difficult or impossible to do well with GNDs) and no need to buy and carry a bunch of filters. Plus it works perfectly well with the 7-14 too.

I like wide Rokinon, however m4/3 would simplify image processing.

You mean the fisheye. Oh yes, that's a very nice lens for a very modest price.

The price difference still too dramatic not to considered.

Not sure I follow you here. Price difference between what?

 

[Leo]

Anders,

Thank you for refreshing my brains. I always separate m4/3 from 4/3 when I am looking for lens reviews at Imaging-Resource. This time my brains panicked as I saw the $100 price difference

Happens to all of us from time to time.

I have attached another photo taken with Panasonic 7-14, which is exceptionally sharp and contrast lens. This photo out of the camera was with no distortion. The only inconvenience was no thread for filters. I held a Cokin P-size Graduated filter in front of lens, probably degrading the image.

Nice shot! I like it!

When it comes to GNDs, you should explore multiple-exposure techniques (bracketing exposure and stacking the images in PP) as an alternative when you find the time. Better end results (more control), especially for some scenes (some HDR scenes are difficult or impossible to do well with GNDs) and no need to buy and carry a bunch of filters. Plus it works perfectly well with the 7-14 too.

I like wide Rokinon, however m4/3 would simplify image processing.

You mean the fisheye. Oh yes, that's a very nice lens for a very modest price.

The price difference still too dramatic not to considered.

Not sure I follow you here. Price difference between what?

Thank you for the image comments.

The lenses price range is very dramatic, however the lens differences are drama no less :

The price for Rokinin 7.5mm = $280

Olympus 8mm = $749

Panasonic 12-32mm = $347

Olympus 9-18mm = $699

Olympus 12mm = $799

Olympus 12-40mm = $899

Panasonic 7-14mm = $970

Panasonic 12-35mm = $997

Each of the lens would allow a 13x19 print

The easiest, however, not executable plan, is 4-5 even overlapping lenses. plus 4-5 ezra bodies

Leo

 

[Anders W]

Anders,

Thank you for refreshing my brains. I always separate m4/3 from 4/3 when I am looking for lens reviews at Imaging-Resource. This time my brains panicked as I saw the $100 price difference

Happens to all of us from time to time.

I have attached another photo taken with Panasonic 7-14, which is exceptionally sharp and contrast lens. This photo out of the camera was with no distortion. The only inconvenience was no thread for filters. I held a Cokin P-size Graduated filter in front of lens, probably degrading the image.

Nice shot! I like it!

When it comes to GNDs, you should explore multiple-exposure techniques (bracketing exposure and stacking the images in PP) as an alternative when you find the time. Better end results (more control), especially for some scenes (some HDR scenes are difficult or impossible to do well with GNDs) and no need to buy and carry a bunch of filters. Plus it works perfectly well with the 7-14 too.

I like wide Rokinon, however m4/3 would simplify image processing.

You mean the fisheye. Oh yes, that's a very nice lens for a very modest price.

The price difference still too dramatic not to considered.

Not sure I follow you here. Price difference between what?

Thank you for the image comments.

The lenses price range is very dramatic, however the lens differences are drama no less :

The price for Rokinin 7.5mm = $280

Olympus 8mm = $749

Panasonic 12-32mm = $347

Olympus 9-18mm = $699

Olympus 12mm = $799

Olympus 12-40mm = $899

Panasonic 7-14mm = $970

Panasonic 12-35mm = $997

Each of the lens would allow a 13x19 print

The easiest, however, not executable plan, is 4-5 even overlapping lenses. plus 4-5 ezra bodies

Decisions, decisions. But if you already have the 14-45 and 40-150, and would like to cover a bit more on the WA side, one of the UWA zooms and/or the RokiBowYang fisheye strikes me as the most natural complement.

Note that the Olympus 8 mm FE is an FT lens. Panasonic has a 8 mm FE for MFT but I see little reason to choose it over the RokiBowYang unless you find AF and aperture linkage important (and I personally don't for a fisheye).

 

[peppermonkey]

Hi Anders,

I would prefer 9-18 based on its size, weight, and supported AF and IS. Thank you as I would buy a fisheye, which is not my style.

Umm...just a point for the 7.5mm fisheye lenses...you really don't need AF.

Frankly, leave it at infinity and everything that is farther than a meter away is in focus. The rare times you do want to focus on something that is closer than a meter...well, the manual focus ring is one of the better ones out there IMO.

Course it is a fisheye which may not be to your tastes. I generally defish when I want...and because it's so wide, cropping the edges (where most of the softening comes from) isn't that big a deal at least to me.

--
Hubert
My non-digital gear: Agfa Isolette, Ricoh Ricohflex VII, Zorky 4, Fed 2, Konica Big Mini, Konica Auto S2, K1000, Yashica Electro 35 GX, Recesky
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2034/2457111090_00eafbf8a4_m.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peppermonkey/