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

BruceRH wrote:

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.

So, I'd be better served with option 2 (Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + Olympus Travel Kit (14-150 II 4-5.6 + 17mm 1.8 + hoods and pouches) + ECG-2 grip.), I guess!

Thank you again

LS.

sellera wrote:

BruceRH wrote:

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.

So, I'd be better served with option 2 (Olympus OM-D E-M5 II + Olympus Travel Kit (14-150 II 4-5.6 + 17mm 1.8 + hoods and pouches) + ECG-2 grip.), I guess!

Thank you again

LS.

For me, yes, I like option 2, and then get the Oly 45 prime at some point in the future. You can always buy used, most of my lenses are used but you would never know. The 17mm stays on my Pen-F, a very nice lens. I think you will love the E-M5 MK II, it is an excellent camera! Good luck!

BruceRH wrote:

For me, yes, I like option 2, and then get the Oly 45 prime at some point in the future. You can always buy used, most of my lenses are used but you would never know. The 17mm stays on my Pen-F, a very nice lens. I think you will love the E-M5 MK II, it is an excellent camera! Good luck!

Why, thank you again, Bruce, I was already inclined because of the prime

LS

I like primes too, and have most m43 ones, including the 17/1.8. And amongst primes, I prefer 35mm equivalent too, with the FD35/2.8 being my most-used lens on my old Canon film SLRs. But nonetheless I don't really like the 17/1.8. as its not that sharp and has some color fringing issues with backlit subjects.

The general-purpose lens I really like is the 12-35/2.8 Panasonic. It's more compact than the 12-40, and offer true 'bag of primes' image quality. Not only is it better than the 17 at 17, but offers excellent image quality across its (truly useful) 12-35mm range. Yes, f1.8 gives you a little less DOF if that floats your boat, but neither is going to be a bokeh monster at 17mm.

I think the 15/1.7 Panasonic is the better lens, offering the excellent IQ a modern prime should. But it is pricier. Given how much I use the 12-35, I probably shouldn't keep the 17/1.8, much less consider replacing it with the 15, however.

The lenses I end up using a lot are the 12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, and Olympus 40-150/2.8 with the 1.4x teleconverter. The image quality is really high, the focus speeds are great, and the build quality superb. I find DOF control perfectly acceptable for nearly all uses, but if low DOF is required I'll haul the 45/1.8 or 75/1.8, either of which will provide much shallower DOF than the 17 due to the focal length. And they are really sharp.

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I like the 17mm for the snap ring manual focus, and for the money is quite good. I like to use MF. With that said, I don't have the Pany 15mm but it seems most love it. The 75mm is outstanding and yes, very sharp as is the 45. The problem is way too many choices! There really are many nice choices. The 12-35mm is one that if I find a good used one, I will have to give it a go. For a starter kit that the OP is looking for, I think his option 2 is a good one, and add some used primes in the future.

Steve_ wrote:

I like primes too, and have most m43 ones, including the 17/1.8. And amongst primes, I prefer 35mm equivalent too, with the FD35/2.8 being my most-used lens on my old Canon film SLRs. But nonetheless I don't really like the 17/1.8. as its not that sharp and has some color fringing issues with backlit subjects.

Wow - nice to know.

The general-purpose lens I really like is the 12-35/2.8 Panasonic. It's more compact than the 12-40, and offer true 'bag of primes' image quality. Not only is it better than the 17 at 17, but offers excellent image quality across its (truly useful) 12-35mm range. Yes, f1.8 gives you a little less DOF if that floats your boat, but neither is going to be a bokeh monster at 17mm.

I guess a well built GP lens is better for the daily shooter.

I think the 15/1.7 Panasonic is the better lens, offering the excellent IQ a modern prime should. But it is pricier. Given how much I use the 12-35, I probably shouldn't keep the 17/1.8, much less consider replacing it with the 15, however.

I've never consider using pana lens on a oly body -- how does it handles?

The lenses I end up using a lot are the 12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, and Olympus 40-150/2.8 with the 1.4x teleconverter. The image quality is really high, the focus speeds are great, and the build quality superb. I find DOF control perfectly acceptable for nearly all uses, but if low DOF is required I'll haul the 45/1.8 or 75/1.8, either of which will provide much shallower DOF than the 17 due to the focal length. And they are really sharp.

The 40-150 PRO is a dream lens. how does it feels shooting? Well balanced?

I really liked the 45-75 tip -- I'll seriously consider one of those.

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I'll look for the Marumi. Any specific models?

Thanks again for the tips!

LS

sellera wrote:

Steve_ wrote:

I like primes too, and have most m43 ones, including the 17/1.8. And amongst primes, I prefer 35mm equivalent too, with the FD35/2.8 being my most-used lens on my old Canon film SLRs. But nonetheless I don't really like the 17/1.8. as its not that sharp and has some color fringing issues with backlit subjects.

Wow - nice to know.

Some people like the 17 a lot, and I wanted to as well. But with zooms as good as they are, when I resort to a prime I want it razor-sharp, like my copies of the 45 and 75.

The general-purpose lens I really like is the 12-35/2.8 Panasonic. It's more compact than the 12-40, and offer true 'bag of primes' image quality. Not only is it better than the 17 at 17, but offers excellent image quality across its (truly useful) 12-35mm range. Yes, f1.8 gives you a little less DOF if that floats your boat, but neither is going to be a bokeh monster at 17mm.

I guess a well built GP lens is better for the daily shooter.

Everyone has their perspective on this, but I was surprised at just how good the 12-35 is, without being a huge beast. 24-70mm in 35 equivalent is the meat of the working range for general shooting, and having access to prime-like image quality across this wide range is hard for me to pass on.

I think the 15/1.7 Panasonic is the better lens, offering the excellent IQ a modern prime should. But it is pricier. Given how much I use the 12-35, I probably shouldn't keep the 17/1.8, much less consider replacing it with the 15, however.

I've never consider using pana lens on a oly body -- how does it handles?

There are minor quirks when mixing lenses and bodies, but in most cases they aren't deal breakers. I don't think the 15's aperture ring works on Olympus bodies, for instance, but since no other lenses on the Oly offer this feature it doesn't compute at the buying-decision level for me.

The lenses I end up using a lot are the 12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, and Olympus 40-150/2.8 with the 1.4x teleconverter. The image quality is really high, the focus speeds are great, and the build quality superb. I find DOF control perfectly acceptable for nearly all uses, but if low DOF is required I'll haul the 45/1.8 or 75/1.8, either of which will provide much shallower DOF than the 17 due to the focal length. And they are really sharp.

The 40-150 PRO is a dream lens. how does it feels shooting? Well balanced?

I was surprised how trim and svelte a thing it is. Handling is really good on my E-M1. I don't use the OEM grip but do have an Arca-Swiss compatible grip plate on the bottom that gives my another 1/2" of length to the standard grip. I have big hands, and my pinky misses the bottom of the grip without it.

I also have a (4/3) 50-200SWD, and although size and weight looks similar to the 40-150 on paper in reality it's huge in comparison. And with the 40-150 not extending when you zoom, the handling is that much better.

I paid $969 for the 40-150 Pro new-in-box from Hong-Kong. No real warranty, but I'll forgo that to save $330 since these things are well-built and rarely have an issue within the 1-year US warranty period anyway. I am very happy with what I got for my money.

I really liked the 45-75 tip -- I'll seriously consider one of those.

The 45 is especially useful. It's tiny, cheap, well-built, and strikingly good optically. And the 45mm focal length delivers a lot less DOF than anything at 17mm when that's the goal. A dream close-range portrait lens, IMO. It's also easy to carry along with a 12-35, making a pretty darn capable setup.

If you later add a 40-150 Pro, you've got the meat of a really good system. I find buying up all the primes first delays purchasing these winning zooms, which once bought see nearly all the use.

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I'll look for the Marumi. Any specific models?

The ones I focus on (no pun intended) are of the SHG grade (Super High Grade). These are top-quality Japanese-made multicoated filters with trim frames and great performance. I prefer them to the most expensive grades of Hoyas, and they cost like the lower-end ones.

Here's what the 45/1.8 Oly does best:

Steve_ wrote:

sellera wrote:

Steve_ wrote:

I like primes too, and have most m43 ones, including the 17/1.8. And amongst primes, I prefer 35mm equivalent too, with the FD35/2.8 being my most-used lens on my old Canon film SLRs. But nonetheless I don't really like the 17/1.8. as its not that sharp and has some color fringing issues with backlit subjects.

Wow - nice to know.

Some people like the 17 a lot, and I wanted to as well. But with zooms as good as they are, when I resort to a prime I want it razor-sharp, like my copies of the 45 and 75.

You have a point. I can have de 12-40 PRO for everyday use (17mm included) and the 45 1.8 for razor sharp portraits.

The general-purpose lens I really like is the 12-35/2.8 Panasonic. It's more compact than the 12-40, and offer true 'bag of primes' image quality. Not only is it better than the 17 at 17, but offers excellent image quality across its (truly useful) 12-35mm range. Yes, f1.8 gives you a little less DOF if that floats your boat, but neither is going to be a bokeh monster at 17mm.

I guess a well built GP lens is better for the daily shooter.

Everyone has their perspective on this, but I was surprised at just how good the 12-35 is, without being a huge beast. 24-70mm in 35 equivalent is the meat of the working range for general shooting, and having access to prime-like image quality across this wide range is hard for me to pass on.

That's something I'm still poundering: O12-40 or P12-35. I'll have one of those.

I think the 15/1.7 Panasonic is the better lens, offering the excellent IQ a modern prime should. But it is pricier. Given how much I use the 12-35, I probably shouldn't keep the 17/1.8, much less consider replacing it with the 15, however.

I've never consider using pana lens on a oly body -- how does it handles?

There are minor quirks when mixing lenses and bodies, but in most cases they aren't deal breakers. I don't think the 15's aperture ring works on Olympus bodies, for instance, but since no other lenses on the Oly offer this feature it doesn't compute at the buying-decision level for me.

Well, that would be a second prime. The 45 won me, even if she don't have a metal body.

The lenses I end up using a lot are the 12-35/2.8, 35-100/2.8, and Olympus 40-150/2.8 with the 1.4x teleconverter. The image quality is really high, the focus speeds are great, and the build quality superb. I find DOF control perfectly acceptable for nearly all uses, but if low DOF is required I'll haul the 45/1.8 or 75/1.8, either of which will provide much shallower DOF than the 17 due to the focal length. And they are really sharp.

The 40-150 PRO is a dream lens. how does it feels shooting? Well balanced?

I was surprised how trim and svelte a thing it is. Handling is really good on my E-M1. I don't use the OEM grip but do have an Arca-Swiss compatible grip plate on the bottom that gives my another 1/2" of length to the standard grip. I have big hands, and my pinky misses the bottom of the grip without it.

I also have a (4/3) 50-200SWD, and although size and weight looks similar to the 40-150 on paper in reality it's huge in comparison. And with the 40-150 not extending when you zoom, the handling is that much better.

I paid $969 for the 40-150 Pro new-in-box from Hong-Kong. No real warranty, but I'll forgo that to save $330 since these things are well-built and rarely have an issue within the 1-year US warranty period anyway. I am very happy with what I got for my money.

Quite a setup. I'm starting my M43 collection now, so I'm being overcautious.

I really liked the 45-75 tip -- I'll seriously consider one of those.

The 45 is especially useful. It's tiny, cheap, well-built, and strikingly good optically. And the 45mm focal length delivers a lot less DOF than anything at 17mm when that's the goal. A dream close-range portrait lens, IMO. It's also easy to carry along with a 12-35, making a pretty darn capable setup.

If you later add a 40-150 Pro, you've got the meat of a really good system. I find buying up all the primes first delays purchasing these winning zooms, which once bought see nearly all the use.

Until now, my mental setup is, as follows:

1. O12-40 PRO / P12-35

2. O40-150 R

3. O45mm 1.8

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I'll look for the Marumi. Any specific models?

The ones I focus on (no pun intended) are of the SHG grade (Super High Grade). These are top-quality Japanese-made multicoated filters with trim frames and great performance. I prefer them to the most expensive grades of Hoyas, and they cost like the lower-end ones.

Amazon will take almost a full month to deliver any Marumi filters. Strange. I'll keep searching.

Here's what the 45/1.8 Oly does best:

WOW -- jaw-dropping. ULTRA sharp. Any post processing?

LS.

Until now, my mental setup is, as follows:

1. O12-40 PRO / P12-35

2. O40-150 R

3. O45mm 1.8

I bought my 12-35/2.8 before the 12-40 existed, and honestly expected to replace it with the 12-40 after its introduction. And although the 12-40 is a great device, I think I like the 12-35 better. It's quite a bit more compact, and weighs less. And I think its color reproduction a bit juicier, with a slightly higher contrast that many Panasonic lenses demonstrate. They are both truly great lenses.

The 12-35 also has great stabilization, which may prove useful if you'd like a Panasonic body at some point. I have to admit the GX8 and GX85 have a lot going for them even if I don't get one. I could see a GM5 replacing my old EM5 for center-console of my car duty.

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I'll look for the Marumi. Any specific models?

The ones I focus on (no pun intended) are of the SHG grade (Super High Grade). These are top-quality Japanese-made multicoated filters with trim frames and great performance. I prefer them to the most expensive grades of Hoyas, and they cost like the lower-end ones.

Amazon will take almost a full month to deliver any Marumi filters. Strange. I'll keep searching.

You generally have to buy them via ebay. Dealer distribution is a crapshoot, unfortunately. And I errored in my previous post, the grade I buy is the 'DHG' series, not SHG (which you've probably already surmised).

WOW -- jaw-dropping. ULTRA sharp. Any post processing?

Glad you like. There were shot, as all my stuff is, using a RAW/Lightroom workflow. But they didn't require major adjustments, just the normal shadow-lift and highlight recovery adjustments. Being shot at base ISO in broad daylight noise reduction and sharpening were fine at LR defaults levels.

Here's a couple more from that set, to show off the bokeh (along with sharpness):

The Oly 45 made me look to shoot portraits for the first time - I shot 30 or so at this US Civil War re-enactment. It's a really fun lens and just one example of the sort of gems that populate the m43 lens lineup. My bad back made me try out the platform, but the maturity of the mount and lenses made me stay.

Steve_ wrote:

Until now, my mental setup is, as follows:

1. O12-40 PRO / P12-35

2. O40-150 R

3. O45mm 1.8

I bought my 12-35/2.8 before the 12-40 existed, and honestly expected to replace it with the 12-40 after its introduction. And although the 12-40 is a great device, I think I like the 12-35 better. It's quite a bit more compact, and weighs less. And I think its color reproduction a bit juicier, with a slightly higher contrast that many Panasonic lenses demonstrate. They are both truly great lenses.

The 12-35 also has great stabilization, which may prove useful if you'd like a Panasonic body at some point. I have to admit the GX8 and GX85 have a lot going for them even if I don't get one. I could see a GM5 replacing my old EM5 for center-console of my car duty.

Indeed - if I ever get a GH4 the OIS lens would sure make a difference. And I'm planning to -- someday

I would recommend Marumi filters. I find the quality better than Hoya and the prices much better as compared to the better Hoya grades (the only ones worth using).

I'll look for the Marumi. Any specific models?

The ones I focus on (no pun intended) are of the SHG grade (Super High Grade). These are top-quality Japanese-made multicoated filters with trim frames and great performance. I prefer them to the most expensive grades of Hoyas, and they cost like the lower-end ones.

Amazon will take almost a full month to deliver any Marumi filters. Strange. I'll keep searching.

You generally have to buy them via ebay. Dealer distribution is a crapshoot, unfortunately. And I errored in my previous post, the grade I buy is the 'DHG' series, not SHG (which you've probably already surmised).

Yes - minor typo. I'm gonna search for them on EBAY!

WOW -- jaw-dropping. ULTRA sharp. Any post processing?

Glad you like. There were shot, as all my stuff is, using a RAW/Lightroom workflow. But they didn't require major adjustments, just the normal shadow-lift and highlight recovery adjustments. Being shot at base ISO in broad daylight noise reduction and sharpening were fine at LR defaults levels.

Yes, I really liked them. When I shot film, the TRI-X 400 was my weapon of choice, was one of the few films that we had available here.

Here's a couple more from that set, to show off the bokeh (along with sharpness):

I'm really impressed, mate. Do you host the photos somewhere so I can check out your gallery?

The Oly 45 made me look to shoot portraits for the first time - I shot 30 or so at this US Civil War re-enactment. It's a really fun lens and just one example of the sort of gems that populate the m43 lens lineup. My bad back made me try out the platform, but the maturity of the mount and lenses made me stay.

Yes, despite of we have different cultures and history, I'm well aware of those events: I watched House of Cards and they spent some chapters showing the reenactments and I thought it was an awesome opportunity to shoot this live piece of history!

Thank you again for your patience!

LS

Yes, I really liked them. When I shot film, the TRI-X 400 was my weapon of choice, was one of the few films that we had available here.

Those were my first attempt at B&W conversion, I believe all I did was click the 'B&W' tab in LR. I've since started using the (excellent) Silver Efex Pro2 plugin for B&W conversions, which is now freely available from google. Here's a few taken at another re-enactment with the 12-35 and processed with Silver Efex Pro2 for a bit more dramatic tone. Hopefully they show how good of a 35mm prime the 12-35 makes (along with a 12 and 23mm one :)).

I'm really impressed, mate. Do you host the photos somewhere so I can check out your gallery?

I don't maintain any galleries, but do appreciate your kind comments. I've been shooting since match-needle SLRs were cutting edge, and find I'm still the limiting factor, even with the sensor as small as m43's 13x17mm. Surely larger formats can produce higher image quality, but good m43 gear is so much better than what we scratched away with in decades past it's hard for me to worry about it much.

Yes, despite of we have different cultures and history, I'm well aware of those events: I watched House of Cards and they spent some chapters showing the reenactments and I thought it was an awesome opportunity to shoot this live piece of history!

I do have a fairly deep interest in Civil War history, but even if I didn't these are great photo ops. I find them one of the best events to practice your portraiture, as everyone is dressed to the nines and more than happy to have their picture taken. Refreshing, as so many people don't want their pictures taken, much less pose for you.

The re-enactor smoking in the first shot I posted gave me so many chances at it he got light-headed and dizzy from the smoke.. heh. You don't find cooperation like that just anywhere, and it produced a shot I'm really pleased with.

I've not shot one in several years now, but probably will again in the future when I get around to working on my portraiture again.

Thank you again for your patience!

No problem, and good luck with your trip and purchases.

First of all, your English is excellent. Much better than some native born English speakers, so there was no need to apologize for it. Although the apology certainly does demonstrate humility and good manners!

Second of all..... you have discovered a serious problem with this system. We have TOO MANY good options. With over 40 bodies and well over 100 different lenses it can sometimes get confusing. Especially for new users.

Having all these options is really a good thing, because you can customize your kit for your own style and needs. But it also means you might be tempted to buy too much in your initial enthusiasm. It also means that new users can be overwhelmed or confused.

My general advice to you is to keep it simple.

Buy a basic kit, then add on as you discover you need something else. You don't have to buy everything at the onset. And delaying purchases can sometimes help you get a better idea of what you really need, and even get better prices as models age and are discounted or appear on the used or refurbished market. And sometimes waiting means you can buy a better lens in the future that isn't available today.

The EM5 II is an outstanding camera, and every option you mentioned was a good one. So it all comes down to what is best for you, and not what others think should be best for you.

My own preference is also for prime lenses, and you have lots of good options there. You almost cannot go wrong with the outstanding primes offered by both Panasonic and Olympus. I would NOT buy the battery grip unless I had one of the really large lenses (300mm f/4, 40-150mm PRO, 100-400mm, etc.) I prefer to carry spare batteries, and I don't find grips that useful for smaller lenses. But that is just me. Others may disagree.

The 40-150mm f/4-4.6 R is a ridiculously good lens. Small, reasonably sharp, light, compact, and cheap, it makes a lot of sense to own one. If you don't need a faster aperture or weather sealing, then spending 12 times more for the PRO version could be money wasted. Unless of course, you need the better lens. And it really is a better lens. Much better.

If weather sealing is important for you, then you really need weather sealed lenses to go with your weather sealed body. The 12-40mm PRO and the 14-150mm II are excellent choices. There is also a rumored Olympus 12-100mm f/4 PRO which will be weather sealed too. Unfortunately, there aren't many weather sealed primes right now. The planned Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 will be weather sealed, and pretty expensive at around $1,300.

Honestly.... if I was wealthy, I would buy them all! But like you, I have to make careful selections, based on my budget.

Good luck to you, and welcome to the fold!

The whole family! Three bodies, plus eleven lenses! (......so far!)

I find it difficult to give advice about what gear you should buy! Anyway I just got hold of a used 12-40 in mint condition and must say that I fell in love at first click!

In spite of it's fat body (382 gr.) the fast snappy focus, the very good sharpness and the ability to focus close more than compensate.

Steve_ wrote:

Yes, I really liked them. When I shot film, the TRI-X 400 was my weapon of choice, was one of the few films that we had available here.

Those were my first attempt at B&W conversion, I believe all I did was click the 'B&W' tab in LR. I've since started using the (excellent) Silver Efex Pro2 plugin for B&W conversions, which is now freely available from google. Here's a few taken at another re-enactment with the 12-35 and processed with Silver Efex Pro2 for a bit more dramatic tone. Hopefully they show how good of a 35mm prime the 12-35 makes (along with a 12 and 23mm one :)).

Man, those pictures won't cease to amaze me. You got great results even with the zoom lens!

I'm really impressed, mate. Do you host the photos somewhere so I can check out your gallery?

I don't maintain any galleries, but do appreciate your kind comments. I've been shooting since match-needle SLRs were cutting edge, and find I'm still the limiting factor, even with the sensor as small as m43's 13x17mm. Surely larger formats can produce higher image quality, but good m43 gear is so much better than what we scratched away with in decades past it's hard for me to worry about it much.

I'm with you -- I'm dropping DSLRs as soon I put my hands on my new baby

Yes, despite of we have different cultures and history, I'm well aware of those events: I watched House of Cards and they spent some chapters showing the reenactments and I thought it was an awesome opportunity to shoot this live piece of history!

I do have a fairly deep interest in Civil War history, but even if I didn't these are great photo ops. I find them one of the best events to practice your portraiture, as everyone is dressed to the nines and more than happy to have their picture taken. Refreshing, as so many people don't want their pictures taken, much less pose for you.

The re-enactor smoking in the first shot I posted gave me so many chances at it he got light-headed and dizzy from the smoke.. heh. You don't find cooperation like that just anywhere, and it produced a shot I'm really pleased with.

I've not shot one in several years now, but probably will again in the future when I get around to working on my portraiture again.

Here we have the reenactment of the discovery, but it's more like a theater play, and by far less professional than yours!

Thank you again for your patience!

No problem, and good luck with your trip and purchases.

TY!

LS

TorsteinH wrote:

I find it difficult to give advice about what gear you should buy! Anyway I just got hold of a used 12-40 in mint condition and must say that I fell in love at first click!

I bet I'll love it too!

In spite of it's fat body (382 gr.) the fast snappy focus, the very good sharpness and the ability to focus close more than compensate.

I'm already used to carry a DSRL, I bet the M5II + 12-40 won't hurt

Thank you!

LS

Marty4650 wrote:

First of all, your English is excellent. Much better than some native born English speakers, so there was no need to apologize for it. Although the apology certainly does demonstrate humility and good manners!

Yes, you, sir, stand correct

Second of all..... you have discovered a serious problem with this system. We have TOO MANY good options. With over 40 bodies and well over 100 different lenses it can sometimes get confusing. Especially for new users.

Exactly. When browsing for Nikon gear, I just have to know the focal distance I want, the body type I have (FX or DX) and BOOM! "2 of 2 lenses match your search criteria".

Having all these options is really a good thing, because you can customize your kit for your own style and needs. But it also means you might be tempted to buy too much in your initial enthusiasm. It also means that new users can be overwhelmed or confused.

I'm, indeed, a bit confused, but my concern is more about the quality and usefulness for the lenses I'm willing to buy!

My general advice to you is to keep it simple.

YES!

Buy a basic kit, then add on as you discover you need something else. You don't have to buy everything at the onset. And delaying purchases can sometimes help you get a better idea of what you really need, and even get better prices as models age and are discounted or appear on the used or refurbished market. And sometimes waiting means you can buy a better lens in the future that isn't available today.

I know, but I only travel to US twice a year at most; I can't buy body and lenses around here, as Brazilian Oly won't sell. If I buy from amazon and choose to deliver here, I'll be taxed in 80-85%. That's why I'm using this opportunity to buy all the gear I can / need!

The EM5 II is an outstanding camera, and every option you mentioned was a good one. So it all comes down to what is best for you, and not what others think should be best for you.

Thank you!

My own preference is also for prime lenses, and you have lots of good options there. You almost cannot go wrong with the outstanding primes offered by both Panasonic and Olympus. I would NOT buy the battery grip unless I had one of the really large lenses (300mm f/4, 40-150mm PRO, 100-400mm, etc.) I prefer to carry spare batteries, and I don't find grips that useful for smaller lenses. But that is just me. Others may disagree.

I won't buy it, I'll stick to the ECG-2, just for the grip. And yes, I'm considering an extra pair of batteries, too!

The 40-150mm f/4-4.6 R is a ridiculously good lens. Small, reasonably sharp, light, compact, and cheap, it makes a lot of sense to own one. If you don't need a faster aperture or weather sealing, then spending 12 times more for the PRO version could be money wasted. Unless of course, you need the better lens. And it really is a better lens. Much better.

No way, at least not for now! I'll stick to the 40-150 R for some time!

If weather sealing is important for you, then you really need weather sealed lenses to go with your weather sealed body. The 12-40mm PRO and the 14-150mm II are excellent choices. There is also a rumored Olympus 12-100mm f/4 PRO which will be weather sealed too. Unfortunately, there aren't many weather sealed primes right now. The planned Panasonic 12mm f/1.4 will be weather sealed, and pretty expensive at around $1,300.

I have something in my mind: 12-40 PRO + 40-150 R + 45mm. How does it sounds?

Honestly.... if I was wealthy, I would buy them all! But like you, I have to make careful selections, based on my budget.

Well, If I was welthy, I won't bother to travel, I would pay the taxes and have all the gear delivered here by YESTERDAY

Good luck to you, and welcome to the fold!

Thank you again for the kind words and patience!

The whole family! Three bodies, plus eleven lenses! (......so far!)

Someday, Marty, someday

LS