Zuiko 9-18 v. Lumix 14 + Converter v. Zuiko 12 for a city shooter

Salutations, everyone,

Long-time lurker, first-time inquirer. Before we get started, I actually want to thank all you wonderful people for helping me pick a GM5 over a GX85, a decision that will hopefully reveal a bit of what I am looking for in a second lens.

I live in New York, I love shooting architecture, and I even feel a bit like my eyes just "look" wide, like when I've got the 35mm on my wife's D5500, which is supposed to be standard human site, right, well, I always find the FOV is too narrow. I bought my camera to basically be in my briefcase at all times, so that it might help me share what a marvelous world we live in with everyone else.

I picked up a great Sigma 30mm for $100 at B&H to go with my camera, because it didn't come with a lens, just a lightly used body. But now I'm in the market for the lens I really want, and I was hoping you all could help.

Quantitatively, I understand the fixed lens will have better IQ than the zoom. I really don't want to carry more than two lens, though, the 30 and a wide-angle something. I like the idea of the versatility of the 9-18. That said, true to some prior discussions, I wonder if wouldn't be happier with a better lens than the Sigma, like the 25/1.4, since some of my night shots are indeed noisier than I'd like.

In short, will I be grateful I have the reach/versatility of the 9-18, or will I be happier with the 12, or maybe the 14, which with an adapter is about as big as the 12, and gives me some of that added versatility. And as I mentioned, these are briefcase lens, so not really considering the 7-14s, unless you guys can really convince me. Also, is there another set up I'm totally forgetting and should consider.

Hope I haven't gone on too long. Just love the spirited debates around here, so I really wanted to give it my all.

Thanks, and happy shooting.

In short, will I be grateful I have the reach/versatility of the 9-18, or will I be happier with the 12, or maybe the 14, which with an adapter is about as big as the 12, and gives me some of that added versatility. And as I mentioned, these are briefcase lens,

You may also want to consider Panasonic 12-32. Yes, it's slower than both mZuiko 12mm and Lumix 14mm, but unlike them it has OIS, which on a body without IBIS may prove more important than a step or two wider aperture.

The 12-32 sounds like a good option for that size body. For a small, fast, superwide lens them wait a few months for the upcoming Laowa 7.5mm f/2 lens. It is a manual focus lens which is very tiny. I would expect it to ship around the beginning of the next quarter. These lenses are ideal for that body.

To the OP:  The 12-32 for the GM1 is so tiny, versatile, and sharp for the money that it would be my first choice (Note:  I also own the Sigma and like it very much on a very old Panasonic G3 body).

I own and use the Panasonic 14 f2.5,  I believe it is the shallowest prime in m43.  It is WAY smaller than the Olympus 15 f1.7 which some are recommending.

I own and use the 9-18 Zuiko.  While not a "pancake" lens, it is collapsible and relatively small for what it does.  I use it a lot as a travel lens because I find 12 is not wide enough.  I think its current $600 price is a little high but........

Olympus makes two "body cap" lenses,  lens caps with lenses in them.  No focusing ring but there is a tiny stop down lever to give you some control of depth of field.  The 15mm f8 is about $50 new and a 9mm f8 fisheye is $75-$100, new prices.  The 15 is surprisingly good in full sunlight.  These are definitely the smallest, no matter what anyone else tells you, flush with the camera body.

However, my favorite small lens is the Panasonic 20mm f1.7.  It is criticized for its slow AF but it has Summicron-like qualities.  Based on nothing, I speculate that Leica helped design this lens since there are a number of Leica-Panny m43 lenses

My very first m43 prime lens was the 14/2.5 (bought used for ~$150).  I also bought a 0.76x wide converter to go with it.

My first zoom lens was the 9-18mm, very good IQ and superb for city portraits like NY.  I use it mostly @9mm.

The 14/2.5 goes very well with my GM1, even with the converter.  I like its warm color and its IQ is up there with many other prime at f2.5 - see lensrental review

For outdoors, I prefer the 9-18mm.  For lowlight/indoors, I find the 14/2.5 (being 1.3 stops faster) more suited.

FWIW, I prefer primes and only take the 9-18 when I need the 9mm.  The 14/2.5 + 0.76x converter is only a 10.6mm/2.5, not as wide as 9mm.  Waiting for a 8/9mm f2.5 or f2.8 rectilinear prime.

GM1 + 14/2.5 + 0.76x converter

GM1 + 14/2.5

EM10 + 9-18mm hand-held.  The 3-axis helps a lot.

After a couple of years with the 14mm I got the 15mm 1.7.

It is bigger and makes the camera a bit bulky but there is no comparison.

Especially if you do architecture. The pop and the sharpness helps in post.

You can get close results with the 14mm with a little post but they will never look the same.

If you use the Capture One you can get some more FV.