Heading West — Versatile Landscape & Astro lens for em10ii?

I'm heading to Utah and Arizona in a few weeks for some camping in the many National Parks in the area, and want to make the best of the many photo ops I'm sure to have.

I just recently got into the game with a Oly EM10ii, and have the kit 14-42mm IR F3.5-5.6, as well as M. Zuiko 40-150mm F4-5.6.

I'm looking to get a new lens without doubling the cost of the trip, that can be used for both landscape and astrophotography. (Don't know when I'll have a chance to be back in an area with such little light pollution and potential for astro)

I've been mainly checking out the Lumix 20mm f1.7 or 14mm f2.5, mostly because the speed and attractive price, plus the small profile seem ideal to be hiking with.

Is it worth it to buy either of these, or would it be a waste compared to the performance of the kit lens at 14mm? Would you recommend one over the other? I'm torn between the wider FOV and faster aperture.

Any other lens recommendations that I should be considering here? Is there something amazing for this that would be worth spending a bit more on?

Any input or experience is appreciated, thanks in advance!

Don't forget your can also rent. The 20mm f1.7 is $31/week at lensrental.com. I have rented a couple of lenses from them.

Rick_I wrote:

I'm heading to Utah and Arizona in a few weeks for some camping in the many National Parks in the area, and want to make the best of the many photo ops I'm sure to have.

I just recently got into the game with a Oly EM10ii, and have the kit 14-42mm IR F3.5-5.6, as well as M. Zuiko 40-150mm F4-5.6.

I'm looking to get a new lens without doubling the cost of the trip, that can be used for both landscape and astrophotography. (Don't know when I'll have a chance to be back in an area with such little light pollution and potential for astro)

I've been mainly checking out the Lumix 20mm f1.7 or 14mm f2.5, mostly because the speed and attractive price, plus the small profile seem ideal to be hiking with.

Is it worth it to buy either of these, or would it be a waste compared to the performance of the kit lens at 14mm? Would you recommend one over the other? I'm torn between the wider FOV and faster aperture.

Any other lens recommendations that I should be considering here? Is there something amazing for this that would be worth spending a bit more on?

Any input or experience is appreciated, thanks in advance!

Welcome to the wonderful world of micro four thirds! This is definitely a great opportunity to rent a lens before committing to a purchase. Try the Olympus 12mm f2.0 or the Panasonic 12mm f1.4, or splurge and get the Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 pro or the 8mm f1.8 fisheye pro (note I don't own or have experience with any of these lenses, but they are the ones I would select). Keep in mind you will need a tripod for astrophotography.

I mean, it's not as cheap as other lenses, but not super expensive either.  I don't use it as much as I used to as I am settling into Eastern Canada...

… But for western landscapes, especially astro, it is hard to beat the pro fisheye.  Mountaintop vistas, red-rock landscapes, in tight arches, it does all very well with a little practice.  And in my mind (and usage), it is the best astro lens out there for M4/3.

It is a little more, but also will be worth its keep.  I love the 20mm, and it is affordable, but it will leave you wanting more for astro, and is not as big a jump up from your kit zooms as the fisheye, in focal length especially.  It is a very serviceable lens, sharp, usable, and unfortunately a bit boring by comparison for me, though I do use it at times when situations demand.

Now, not everyone loves the fisheye, and some people hate it.   But for landscapes and astro, it will be your best friend in this system if you use it a bit.