Panny 14-45

[Hgreblo1]

I recently purchased a G5 camera and a used Pansonic 14-45 lens. I'm curious of what you think of the combination and what you would recommend as a middle-range zoom lens.

HGreblo

 

[photofan1986]

It is a very good lens, albeit quite slow.

 

[Michael J Davis]

I recently purchased a G5 camera and a used Pansonic 14-45 lens. I'm curious of what you think of the combination and what you would recommend as a middle-range zoom lens.

I bought the 14-45 in 2008 with a G1, and have been delighted with it ever since - and was impressed with the OIS. Two years ago I got the Oly 12-40mm which is a little sharper at the edges and is a constant f2.8 - but some 4x the price (and weight it feels like) !

But I still have no hesitation in using the 14-45 when I want a lighter outfit.

I suggest the ideal mid range zoom would be the Panny 35-100 but it might be a bit pricy - I haven't got one, and have been happy with the 45-200 that came with my original G1 purchase. But some appear to have poor copies so watch it.

Anyway don't worry about what we think - get shooting and enjoy it!

Mike

 

[dlpruk]

I had and enjoyed that combination, which offers outstanding value for money nowadays.

Just add a 20mm f1.7 pancake to your kit and you'll cope with low light better.

 

[alcelc]

I recently purchased a G5 camera and a used Pansonic 14-45 lens. I'm curious of what you think of the combination and what you would recommend as a middle-range zoom lens.

HGreblo

14-45 was once the best standard kit zoom of Pany's camp. At its days the 14-42 M1, 14-42 PZ were of no comparison.

Lately, a lot of opinion that 14-42 M2, as well as the tiny 12-32, could deliver better IQ.

I bought GX85 and 12-32 3+ months ago. After a lot of testing, 12-32 is a capable lens but very often I might not very sure on its IQ. A lot of time it is sharp and of good contrast. But when under boring lighting condition (like an overcast day in the shadow), I had a few very disappointed images. IMHO 14-45 is a more consistence lens, easier to use and never fail me once yet since 2008.... If not for the 12 wider coverage, and of its portability, I might put 14-45 as my major walk around lens.

Of course, can't really compare to the many times more expansive pro zooms. But in similar f/stop the difference is not really obvious.

In complementary to 14-45, you might consider:

• for tiny set up: 35-100 f/4-6.3 (unfortunately short reach)
• for reasonable small set up: 45-150 f/4-5.6
• for longer reach: 45-175 PZ

All of them are not expansive (45-150 be the most cost friendly) and would reach up to max 200 or 300~350mm eq FF. I currently also replace the heavy 45-200 by the 45-150, together with 7-14 and 12-32, being my full range travel set up.

BTW, if not like the older 14-45, 14-140 M2 in fact is a single lens solution which could produce slightly better IQ than 14-45...

 

[aliasfox]

The 14-45 is the lens that all other m4/3 kit zooms are measured against. The original 14-42 was found desperately wanting, the Oly 14-42 IIR is optically decent, but is both uninspiring to look at and hold, and both the Oly 12-50 and Panny 12-60 are more functional, but by reputation, not as critically sharp as the 14-45.

The only competition in the kit lens realm comes from the Panny 14-42 II, which is small, optically excellent, and attractive, and the Panny 12-32, which is optically quite good as well, and very compact. For video work, the 14-45 and 14-42 II are a bit more preferred due to the presence of the manual focus ring that the 12-32 lacks.

 

[richj20]

I recently purchased a G5 camera and a used Pansonic 14-45 lens. I'm curious of what you think of the combination

The 14-45mm is one of the best lenses I have. Unfortunately, it doesn't get much use since acquiring a 12-35mm which gives me the wider range for certain types of landscapes.

But, you know what? I'm hard pressed to notice any significant difference in the picture quality between the two lenses.

A few years ago I put up a page about this lens. Most of the photographs were with the lens mounted on a G3, so your G5 should be fine.

Panasonic 14-45mm

and what you would recommend as a middle-range zoom lens.

When I used the 14-45mm I carried also a 45-150mm lens. It's a fine performer, and I have some photographs here:

Panasonic 45-150mm

- Richard

--
http://www.rsjphoto.net

 

[peppermonkey]

That the Panasonic 14-42mm M2 is equal to the old 14-45mm except one (I think the 14-42mm m2) is ever so slightly sharper at the wide end while the other is ever so slightly sharper at the far end.

That the 12-32mm is a very good lens but a step inferior to the 14-45mm yet much wide (12mm) and much smaller. I.e. value wise the same but optically slightly inferior.

Course both new lenses are supported (or will be...not sure) with Dual-IS and probably faster in AF.

I recently purchased a G5 camera and a used Pansonic 14-45 lens. I'm curious of what you think of the combination and what you would recommend as a middle-range zoom lens.

HGreblo

14-45 was once the best standard kit zoom of Pany's camp. At its days the 14-42 M1, 14-42 PZ were of no comparison.

Lately, a lot of opinion that 14-42 M2, as well as the tiny 12-32, could deliver better IQ.

I bought GX85 and 12-32 3+ months ago. After a lot of testing, 12-32 is a capable lens but very often I might not very sure on its IQ. A lot of time it is sharp and of good contrast. But when under boring lighting condition (like an overcast day in the shadow), I had a few very disappointed images. IMHO 14-45 is a more consistence lens, easier to use and never fail me once yet since 2008.... If not for the 12 wider coverage, and of its portability, I might put 14-45 as my major walk around lens.

Of course, can't really compare to the many times more expansive pro zooms. But in similar f/stop the difference is not really obvious.

In complementary to 14-45, you might consider:

• for tiny set up: 35-100 f/4-6.3 (unfortunately short reach)
• for reasonable small set up: 45-150 f/4-5.6
• for longer reach: 45-175 PZ

All of them are not expansive (45-150 be the most cost friendly) and would reach up to max 200 or 300~350mm eq FF. I currently also replace the heavy 45-200 by the 45-150, together with 7-14 and 12-32, being my full range travel set up.

BTW, if not like the older 14-45, 14-140 M2 in fact is a single lens solution which could produce slightly better IQ than 14-45...

 

[Hgreblo1]

My thanks to all the forum members who replied to my post, I think that I will get good use out of my 14-45 lens. I'm not really sure of a medium zoom lens yet. I'm leaning toward the 44-150 though.

Kind Regards,

HGreblo

 

[Hope1943]

Both your G5 and your 14-45 lens are excellent. You will enjoy using them, and they both will provide good service and excellent pictures. I have them both, and they are great. G5 was my first m4/3 cam, and I still use it even though i now have others . I'd suggest the Panny 45-150 next. Enjoy!

Peace.

John