Newly born OM-D M-E5 Mark II searches for polygamy relationship with 2 or 3 lenses.

Hello, mates!

I’m a 41 y/o Brazilian lawyer who has shot film for most of his life, first with an Olympus PEN, later with a Pentax ME SLR with a 50mm M 1.4 SMC lens, Japanese version. Transition to digital was delayed until I couldn’t find film to shot.

The logical step was to buy a DSLR. Since gear here is too expensive, I’ve saved enough for a brand new Nikon D5200, bought 3 years ago, with the 18-55 kit lens. I’ve also added a 35mm 1.8G and a 70-300 VR to my lenses, and since then, I’ve been switching between the 35 and the 70-300, in a 70%-30% ratio.

I love my setup – I’m no pro; photography for me is not a career, just a hobby that I like a lot. Until now, post-processing, if needed, was briefly made via LR, just to correct shadows, light and exposure. The APS-C on the D5200 is good enough for my shots, and I tend to print little to none of the final results. Don’t get me wrong – it was all going well until August 2015, when I fall in love with a little camera recently launched, the OM-D E-M10 II.

Since then, I’ve been reading a lot, both here and in the MU-43, trying to learn the most about this new – at least for me – mirrorless technology. I’ve started to save again, this time to buy an E-M10 II, with the kit lens (14-42), the affordable 40-150 R zoom and the 17mm 1.8 prime. The more I read, the more I fall in love.

As I’ve stated before, gear in Brazil is too expensive and our Olympus branch, for unknown reasons, doesn’t sell photographical stuff here. So I decided to travel to US, spend a week having some fun in Florida, and return with a brand new E-M10 II! But life had other plans for me…

I ended up earning some more money and start considering M10’s bigger sister, the O-MD E-M5 II. Weather sealing, full magnesium alloy body, 40MP multi exposure – wow! Weather sealing itself had me, as I live in a city by the sea, with a high humidity index, and sand, a lot of sand.

So, to the forum again – this time to learn more about the E-M5 II! I have to admit, choosing the body was easy breezy, the real struggle lies on the glass. As my trip is scheduled to November only, I’ve changed my mind so many times that I’m losing it! Ergo, here are the options I’m willing to buy, both at the same price – almost!

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + 12-40 2.8 PRO lenses + 40-150 R zoom + ECG-2 grip:

I’m fascinated by the construction and sharpness of the PRO lens and I’m pretty sure it would stay 90% of the time attached to my M5 II. But then I remember the ratio to film (24-80, 5.6) and I realize I’d get almost none DOF and bokeh, and the plot start to thick. Every review of the PRO states that, too. Plus, I really love the speed and size of prime lenses – but size is not a decision factor for me.

The 40-150 R is a no brainer: with almost all the budget spent on the M5 II and the PRO, the hundred dollar zoom is the way to go, even if it doesn’t have weather seal. Besides, if it lasts for a year or two, the money would be well spent.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + Olympus Travel Kit (14-150 II 4-5.6 + 17mm 1.8 + hoods and pouches) + ECG-2 grip.

So, as I’ve said two paragraphs before, I love prime lenses, and this soon-to-be-launched Travel Kit has just the one I was looking for, the 17mm 1.8, bundled with a 14-150 all-range lens – the latter is even weather sealed. I know it’s not as sharp as the 12-40 PRO, but the range is versatile enough for the everyday use. The bundle is being sold with almost US$ 200 discount, comparing to the standalone versions of the lenses. Plus, they both come with the original Olympus hoods and pouches.

So, now you all know my story and my struggles, I’d really like some advice on the above options. Which one should I choose?

Other suggestions are more than welcome, as long they don’t break my bank.

Some other related questions:

Are the Hoya’s PRO CPLs and NDs still at the top of the benefit-cost ratio? I’ve been using them on the D5200 with no issues and excellent results.

Is the larger eyecup for the E-M5 II, the EP-16, really superior to the one shipped with the camera? I’ve read that it’s better for those who, like me, wear glasses.

I’m planning to use my old Pentax M 50mm 1.4 SMC with a Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter K to M43 mount. I’m no stranger to manual mode and manual focus, and I guess it would be an amazing portrait lens (100mm). But I’m worried that the Amazon reviews shows mixed opinions. Anyone has something on that?

Thank you very much and please excuse my somewhat broken English!

Luciano Sellera

TL;DR: I NEED HELP CHOOSING GLASSES AND OTHER STUFF FOR MY OM-D E-M5 II.

I think (if my googling is correct), that would be polyphacy, not polygamy (or something like that, anyway)

Soulhand wrote:

I think (if my googling is correct), that would be polyphacy, not polygamy (or something like that, anyway)

I have heard both polyphacy and polyamorous! HA!

East Coast Photog wrote:

I have heard both polyphacy and polyamorous! HA!

Yeah, here we say poliamor, almost the same

Soulhand wrote:

I think (if my googling is correct), that would be polyphacy, not polygamy (or something like that, anyway)

Indeed -- my mistake. the word on the subject was supposed to be polygamic!

sellera wrote:

Hello, mates!

I’m a 41 y/o Brazilian lawyer who has shot film for most of his life, first with an Olympus PEN, later with a Pentax ME SLR with a 50mm M 1.4 SMC lens, Japanese version. Transition to digital was delayed until I couldn’t find film to shot.

The logical step was to buy a DSLR. Since gear here is too expensive, I’ve saved enough for a brand new Nikon D5200, bought 3 years ago, with the 18-55 kit lens. I’ve also added a 35mm 1.8G and a 70-300 VR to my lenses, and since then, I’ve been switching between the 35 and the 70-300, in a 70%-30% ratio.

I love my setup – I’m no pro; photography for me is not a career, just a hobby that I like a lot. Until now, post-processing, if needed, was briefly made via LR, just to correct shadows, light and exposure. The APS-C on the D5200 is good enough for my shots, and I tend to print little to none of the final results. Don’t get me wrong – it was all going well until August 2015, when I fall in love with a little camera recently launched, the OM-D E-M10 II.

Since then, I’ve been reading a lot, both here and in the MU-43, trying to learn the most about this new – at least for me – mirrorless technology. I’ve started to save again, this time to buy an E-M10 II, with the kit lens (14-42), the affordable 40-150 R zoom and the 17mm 1.8 prime. The more I read, the more I fall in love.

As I’ve stated before, gear in Brazil is too expensive and our Olympus branch, for unknown reasons, doesn’t sell photographical stuff here. So I decided to travel to US, spend a week having some fun in Florida, and return with a brand new E-M10 II! But life had other plans for me…

I ended up earning some more money and start considering M10’s bigger sister, the O-MD E-M5 II. Weather sealing, full magnesium alloy body, 40MP multi exposure – wow! Weather sealing itself had me, as I live in a city by the sea, with a high humidity index, and sand, a lot of sand.

So, to the forum again – this time to learn more about the E-M5 II! I have to admit, choosing the body was easy breezy, the real struggle lies on the glass. As my trip is scheduled to November only, I’ve changed my mind so many times that I’m losing it! Ergo, here are the options I’m willing to buy, both at the same price – almost!

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + 12-40 2.8 PRO lenses + 40-150 R zoom + ECG-2 grip:

I’m fascinated by the construction and sharpness of the PRO lens and I’m pretty sure it would stay 90% of the time attached to my M5 II. But then I remember the ratio to film (24-80, 5.6) and I realize I’d get almost none DOF and bokeh, and the plot start to thick. Every review of the PRO states that, too. Plus, I really love the speed and size of prime lenses – but size is not a decision factor for me.

The 40-150 R is a no brainer: with almost all the budget spent on the M5 II and the PRO, the hundred dollar zoom is the way to go, even if it doesn’t have weather seal. Besides, if it lasts for a year or two, the money would be well spent.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + Olympus Travel Kit (14-150 II 4-5.6 + 17mm 1.8 + hoods and pouches) + ECG-2 grip.

So, as I’ve said two paragraphs before, I love prime lenses, and this soon-to-be-launched Travel Kit has just the one I was looking for, the 17mm 1.8, bundled with a 14-150 all-range lens – the latter is even weather sealed. I know it’s not as sharp as the 12-40 PRO, but the range is versatile enough for the everyday use. The bundle is being sold with almost US$ 200 discount, comparing to the standalone versions of the lenses. Plus, they both come with the original Olympus hoods and pouches.

So, now you all know my story and my struggles, I’d really like some advice on the above options. Which one should I choose?

Other suggestions are more than welcome, as long they don’t break my bank.

Some other related questions:

Are the Hoya’s PRO CPLs and NDs still at the top of the benefit-cost ratio? I’ve been using them on the D5200 with no issues and excellent results.

Is the larger eyecup for the E-M5 II, the EP-16, really superior to the one shipped with the camera? I’ve read that it’s better for those who, like me, wear glasses.

I’m planning to use my old Pentax M 50mm 1.4 SMC with a Fotodiox Lens Mount Adapter K to M43 mount. I’m no stranger to manual mode and manual focus, and I guess it would be an amazing portrait lens (100mm). But I’m worried that the Amazon reviews shows mixed opinions. Anyone has something on that?

Thank you very much and please excuse my somewhat broken English!

Luciano Sellera

TL;DR: I NEED HELP CHOOSING GLASSES AND OTHER STUFF FOR MY OM-D E-M5 II.

I would not discount 12-40 as a walk around. Decent bokeh. I don't like it with E-M5 II because its heavy andE-M5 II isn't great with bulky lenses in my experiences with it.

If I were to make a 2-3 lens kit to replace for simlar $$, I recommend:

17mm Olympus 1.8

42.5 Panasonic

Wide-ish: 12-32 Panasonic (hard to find fast, cheap wides), but generally bokeh is less important wide for me)

-Marty

sellera wrote:

Soulhand wrote:

I think (if my googling is correct), that would be polyphacy, not polygamy (or something like that, anyway)

Indeed -- my mistake. the word on the subject was supposed to be polygamic!

Sorry, I was trying too hard. The word for "multiple women" is indeed polygamy. I was attempting to speculate on what the word would be for "multiple lenses". Someone who speaks Greek can probably tell me the real word for it.

My suggestion would be to buy the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F/2,8 and the M.Zuiko 40-15mm R for now.

Both of them are very sharp and would be a good starting point for your lens collection.

I know that you're a prime guy so your next step would be to invest in good prime lenses.

The PanLeica 25mm F/1,4 (or a newer prime at least as bright), or the PanLeica 42,5mm F/1,2 or the M.Zuiko 75mm F/1,7 could be a good choice when your budget will allow you to get a third lens.

Welcome to MFT EM5 II land

I love my Platinum EM5II + grip

It handles just perfectly with any lens

(Lately it got overlooked due to the Pen F)

I use the 14-150mm a lot when  I go out on a trek with only 1 lens

Only downside is shooting under low light and too much DOF  for portraits

The upcoming Olympus 12-100mm F4 should be the better lens for all around shooting

I had the 17mm 1.8 as my default lens on the Pen F until I acquired the Leica 15mm

The latter performs a tad better in contrast and sharpness

The 17mm is no slouch but if you compare the 2 side by side the Leica wins out

Anyway, I highly recommend the combo you have in mind for light travel

Just keep in mind that Leica 15mm gem as another option

(I actually don't use the 12-40mm that much due to weight/size so had sold it recently)

Cheers,

PS: I don't condone polygamy

East Coast Photog wrote:

I would not discount 12-40 as a walk around. Decent bokeh. I don't like it with E-M5 II because its heavy andE-M5 II isn't great with bulky lenses in my experiences with it.

Thanks. I was just speculating based on the specs!

Can you elaborate more about why the EM-5 isn't great with larger lenses? Is it a matter of personal taste or some other issue body-related?

If I were to make a 2-3 lens kit to replace for simlar $$, I recommend:

17mm Olympus 1.8

Ditto -- I'm in love with this lens!

42.5 Panasonic

Man, the first google result almost made my heart stop - see for yourself

Wide-ish: 12-32 Panasonic (hard to find fast, cheap wides), but generally bokeh is less important wide for me)

This is quite a nice lens, very small! How fast it focus? Is it sealed?

Soulhand wrote:

Sorry, I was trying too hard. The word for "multiple women" is indeed polygamy. I was attempting to speculate on what the word would be for "multiple lenses". Someone who speaks Greek can probably tell me the real word for it.

Don't mind, I got it - and it gave me a good chuckle

sellera wrote:

East Coast Photog wrote:

I would not discount 12-40 as a walk around. Decent bokeh. I don't like it with E-M5 II because its heavy andE-M5 II isn't great with bulky lenses in my experiences with it.

Thanks. I was just speculating based on the specs!

Can you elaborate more about why the EM-5 isn't great with larger lenses? Is it a matter of personal taste or some other issue body-related?

For me, this is an ergonomic issue. Any lens that is just a bit heavy makes holding it cumbersome withthe E-M5 (unless there is a grip). Very difficult to hold with one hand.

If I were to make a 2-3 lens kit to replace for simlar $$, I recommend:

17mm Olympus 1.8

Ditto -- I'm in love with this lens!

42.5 Panasonic

Man, the first google result almost made my heart stop - see for yourself

There are two versions, by the way. f/1.2 Panasonic-Leica and f/1.7 Pansonic. 1.2 is heavier and Amazing (and expensive). F/1.7 is excellent optically, stabilized, and quite a bargian.

Wide-ish: 12-32 Panasonic (hard to find fast, cheap wides), but generally bokeh is less important wide for me)

This is quite a nice lens, very small! How fast it focus? Is it sealed?

This is not sealed, though the Panasonic 12-35 F/2.8 is (it is also much lighter than Olympus 12-40)

JeanPierre Martel wrote:

My suggestion would be to buy the M.Zuiko 12-40mm F/2,8 and the M.Zuiko 40-15mm R for now.

Both of them are very sharp and would be a good starting point for your lens collection.

Yes, that's my primary option. Good to know that they're sharp!

I know that you're a prime guy so your next step would be to invest in good prime lenses.

The PanLeica 25mm F/1,4 (or a newer prime at least as bright), or the PanLeica 42,5mm F/1,2 or the M.Zuiko 75mm F/1,7 could be a good choice when your budget will allow you to get a third lens.

Thanks for the tips - as soon as I cash in some more, I'll do it!

dv312 wrote:

Welcome to MFT EM5 II land

I love my Platinum EM5II + grip

It handles just perfectly with any lens

The Platinum was my first choice, but it is nowhere to be found.

(Lately it got overlooked due to the Pen F)

It looks like a work of art, very beautiful.

I use the 14-150mm a lot when I go out on a trek with only 1 lens

Only downside is shooting under low light and too much DOF for portraits

Yes, that's my concern too, but I'm planning to use my pentax lens for portraits, if needed.

The upcoming Olympus 12-100mm F4 should be the better lens for all around shooting

Nice - I've read about it, but I guess there's no date yet, does it?

I had the 17mm 1.8 as my default lens on the Pen F until I acquired the Leica 15mm

The latter performs a tad better in contrast and sharpness

The 17mm is no slouch but if you compare the 2 side by side the Leica wins out

Leica, since I was shooting filme, was in another level. Guess things don't change that much

Anyway, I highly recommend the combo you have in mind for light travel

Just keep in mind that Leica 15mm gem as another option

I'll keep my mind and pockets opened!

(I actually don't use the 12-40mm that much due to weight/size so had sold it recently)

Any particular reason or just the weight?

Cheers,

Saudações!

PS: I don't condone polygamy

Neither do  I, but I barely can afford one fiancee!

East Coast Photog wrote:

sellera wrote:

East Coast Photog wrote:

I would not discount 12-40 as a walk around. Decent bokeh. I don't like it with E-M5 II because its heavy andE-M5 II isn't great with bulky lenses in my experiences with it.

Thanks. I was just speculating based on the specs!

Can you elaborate more about why the EM-5 isn't great with larger lenses? Is it a matter of personal taste or some other issue body-related?

For me, this is an ergonomic issue. Any lens that is just a bit heavy makes holding it cumbersome withthe E-M5 (unless there is a grip). Very difficult to hold with one hand.

I understand. My goal is to attach the ECG-2 to the E-M5 II.

If I were to make a 2-3 lens kit to replace for simlar $$, I recommend:

17mm Olympus 1.8

Ditto -- I'm in love with this lens!

42.5 Panasonic

Man, the first google result almost made my heart stop - see for yourself

There are two versions, by the way. f/1.2 Panasonic-Leica and f/1.7 Pansonic. 1.2 is heavier and Amazing (and expensive). F/1.7 is excellent optically, stabilized, and quite a bargian.

Yes, specially comparing it to the O45!

Wide-ish: 12-32 Panasonic (hard to find fast, cheap wides), but generally bokeh is less important wide for me)

This is quite a nice lens, very small! How fast it focus? Is it sealed?

This is not sealed, though the Panasonic 12-35 F/2.8 is (it is also much lighter than Olympus 12-40)

Hmmmm. Good point. as fast as the Oly? It's a tad expensive.

I use it mainly for weddings/church social events whereby I don't have much time to swap lenses

Lately I've been using mainly the 7-14mm f4 + Lumix 35-100mm 2.8 + bright primes on second bodies so the 12-40mm remains unused

Nothing's wrong with its IQ or build quality, just weight and size

For bokeh, I get better bokehs from the primes and the 35-100mm 2.8

For wides the 7-14mm 4 is more useful

So you can see why the 12-40mm had to go

Cheers,

dv312 wrote:

I use it mainly for weddings/church social events whereby I don't have much time to swap lenses

Lately I've been using mainly the 7-14mm f4 + Lumix 35-100mm 2.8 + bright primes on second bodies so the 12-40mm remains unused

Nothing's wrong with its IQ or build quality, just weight and size

For bokeh, I get better bokehs from the primes and the 35-100mm 2.8

For wides the 7-14mm 4 is more useful

So you can see why the 12-40mm had to go

Cheers,

Perfectly explained. Thank you for the detailed answers, mate!

The 14-150 II is an excellent lens for every day and is slightly smaller and lighter than the the 12-40 Pro. Yes, the 14-150 is not as sharp, but very close and yes it is slower but excellent in good light. Pair it with either the 17 or even the Oly 12mm prime. The 12 is one of my favorites. Get the Oly 45mm prime for low light and portraits.

BruceRH wrote:

The 14-150 II is an excellent lens for every day and is slightly smaller and lighter than the the 12-40 Pro. Yes, the 14-150 is not as sharp, but very close and yes it is slower but excellent in good light. Pair it with either the 17 or even the Oly 12mm prime. The 12 is one of my favorites. Get the Oly 45mm prime for low light and portraits.

Hello, Bruce!

Yes, I'm aware of the excellency of the 12-40 PRO, she's still my #1 choice, paired with the 40-150.

Concerning the first prime, why the O45 over the O17? Because the 17mm distance is covered by the PRO?

I have an 50mm 1.4 K mount that I'll try to use for portraits. If it goes south, I'll try the O45. Like the O25, the 45 is all plastic but the mount, right?

Thank you for bothering to answer me!

LS.

sellera wrote:

BruceRH wrote:

The 14-150 II is an excellent lens for every day and is slightly smaller and lighter than the the 12-40 Pro. Yes, the 14-150 is not as sharp, but very close and yes it is slower but excellent in good light. Pair it with either the 17 or even the Oly 12mm prime. The 12 is one of my favorites. Get the Oly 45mm prime for low light and portraits.

Hello, Bruce!

Yes, I'm aware of the excellency of the 12-40 PRO, she's still my #1 choice, paired with the 40-150.

Concerning the first prime, why the O45 over the O17? Because the 17mm distance is covered by the PRO?

I have an 50mm 1.4 K mount that I'll try to use for portraits. If it goes south, I'll try the O45. Like the O25, the 45 is all plastic but the mount, right?

Thank you for bothering to answer me!

LS.

Yes, the 17mm is covered by the 12-40 Pro but the 17 is still a very nice lens. This is a personal decision though. My favorites are the 12mm, the 14-150mm II, and the Oly 9-18mm. The 45mm is great as a small, indoor telephoto as well as a portrait lens. I really don't use the 12-40 Pro as much as I thought I would even though it is nice. I find the f2.8 on the Pro just is not as useful as the 1.8 on the primes. The 14-150 II is great when there is light and it is sharp, I always have it with me. I use the primes at night and indoors. That works for me.