Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 75mm F1.8: terrific lens, but focal length?

I think I was under the influence of GAS (gear addiction syndrome) when I decided to buy this lens. Certainly, it was early in my process of acquiring a set of core lenses for my new M43 kit that I thought the 75mm would be an important member. This reflected upon my experience of using the Canon 135L; a legendary lens. A razor sharp medium telephoto that has great scene compression, colour rendition and subject separation. The Olympus 75mm seemed like it would fit into this space in my line-up.

When I use the 75mm, I have to consciously throw it in my bag. It's not a natural choice. I guess my main use for this focal length is in street situations, particularly in crowds or parades, where I want to pick out subjects with high levels of separation. The 75 does this admirably. There are quite a few public events coming up where I will definitely throw it in the bag. This probably doesn't justify this lens' cost, but would feel loathe to give it up just yet. I am now only three months into my M43 journey, and having any lens that can separate subjects as well as this lens does means I will keep it.

So, what's good about the Olympus 75mm? I love its rendition, which is very close to the Canon 135L. It has great build quality, although it would be sweet if it was weatherproof. It is a lot smaller than the Canon 135L. It is sharp, has very nice contrast, good bokeh and is very quick.

Here are a few shots I took recently using the 75mm:

If you stay a few feet more away from what your mind is used to, a 75 can work like a 25.  I had to retrain my mind and my legs each time I switch from 25 to 45 to 75

I like the 75 when I want to be as far away from the 'action' as possible, giving me more working space to find the best spot to compose my picture.

addlightness wrote:

If you stay a few feet more away from what your mind is used to, a 75 can work like a 25. I had to retrain my mind and my legs each time I switch from 25 to 45 to 75

I like the 75 when I want to be as far away from the 'action' as possible, giving me more working space to find the best spot to compose my picture.

That's a very good point.