Superzooms?? Panasonic 14-140mm F3.5/5.6 VS Leica 14-150mm F3.5/5.6

Since you have an E-M1 with IBIS you might also consider the Olympus 14-150mm. I have it and like it. Here is a review:

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-m-zuiko-digital-ed-14-150mm-f-4-5-6-lens-review-22983

Also a review of the Panasonic 14-140mm II:

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-lumix-g-vario-14-140mm-f-3-5-5-6-lens-review-22632

mandrake1 wrote:

Hi!

I eventually made the plunge, sold my E5 and bought myself an E-M1 and I love it... and that it's lightweight compared to the E5!

I couln't resist and have already bought some primes

But I have on question for family holidays or walkarounds : I've always loved my Leica 14-150mm, but it 's really heavy. From what I understand, the best native m4/3 superzoom is the Panasonic 14-140mm F3.5/5.6.

But quality wise, how does the Panasonic compare to the Leica?

Thanks!

I've had my P-L 14-150 for more than five years now - soon after I got my GH1 with the 14-140. I found both the 14-140 and 14-45 (supposedly a superb zoom) not up to my expectations with edge/corner softness.

Suffice it to say, at now nearly 75 years of age, that heavy lunk of the 14-150 rarely left the GH1, 2, 3, and now GH4. It's just too damned good if you're going to be printing fairly large, with corner-to-corner sharpness at all FL's stopped down a bit to 5.6-6.3. A much lighter version of the BlackRapid cross-chest strap has eliminated any neck strain.

The deities willing, it will be visiting Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and briefly Thailand with me this coming January.

Pete

Thanks Sterling, G1Houston, AdamT, JL, Henry and Pete!

Since I’ve own the E-M1, I’ve come to realize that for my style of shooting (mostly shooting people in available light), the fast m43 primes and fast AF is what suits me best, although I’m more used to 4/3 zooms. And that I really like the weight difference, like I said.

As for traveling, I want to travel light (well, I’ve been saying that for years but have never been able just to take 1 or 2 lenses with me…).

So, although I understand that the Leica is superb (and it is!) whereas the 14-140mm II is « just » good for a superzoom (and from what I’ve read better than the Olympus, which is probably not bad itself), I think I’m gonna have to make compromises and try the Pana. Actually, if I refrain from pixel-peeping and concentrate on real-life use, it should not be too hard to make a compromise in favour of a lens said to be the best native m4/3 superzoom

I’ m gonna try and find a good price for one, hope I don’t have the shutter shock problems (really weird, for sure, since the 0 second anti-shock should solve the problem, we’ll see if I am luckier) and try it.

After having resisted, I think I’m ready to let go of my heavier equipment, including the 2 Panaleicas I have (25mm and 14-150mm) as well as my Zuikos (12-60mm since I favour the primes), well, even of my 50mm f2, otherwise brilliant, but not as fast to focus as my new m4/3 primes (25mm and 75mm, as well as the 14mm 2.5, that I have had the opportunity to try for the first time for Halloween, really happy I had them)… but I guess I’m gonna keep my 50-200mm SWD for a long time (I use it to take pictures of my daughter who is in a dance troup). As for the 7-14mm, not sure yet (sure a nice 7mm prime would be nice), it really is a special lens.

Had you asked me not even 2 weeks ago, I too would have said that I would keep my Leica 14-150mm forever… as well as others. But  for me,« gaswise », financial choices have to be made! It's hard to let go, but it's exciting to discover new possibilities.

Again, thank you all for helping me figuring the new direction I’m gonna take as far as equipment go!