Can I have both? -Or- Why MFT works for me.

It's been exactly 5 years since I bought my first MFT camera, an E-PM2. Shortly after I got rid of my Canons (APS-C, and P&S) and Nikon (1") because I could now do it all with one system, and liked the results better. The missing EVF was addressed with the OMD EM10, still my camera of choice today.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether larger Pro lenses make sense for a smaller sensor system. After all, you can get a FF body with a smaller, cheaper lens which gives you the same result?

So I too went ahead and got an FF camera with a fantastic, small lens. Great sensor too, and good results. However, I hated having to carry two bodies, or picking one and potentially missing shots I could have taken with the other. I also got a bunch of blurry shots because it had inferior AF and no IBIS. One gets used to such luxuries.

So I sold that thing and had another look at the Pro lenses. And realized that you can have it both in one system... a small and light setup, AND a high quality, fast, thin OOF option.

So here is a quick look at my lens collection. I realized that I have most FL's covered with a smaller, perhaps slower lens, and a fatter, faster one...

This gives me high image quality potential, in FL's between 7.5mm and 250mm. And I have the option to go light for a day hike, or take some of the heavier guns for special occasions.

So let's have a quick look at my camera bag...

7.5mm Rokinon or 8mm Oly Pro?

This is a tough one. The Roki is optically so good that it is always with me, making it hard to justify the Oly Pro. However, f3.5 vs f1.8 may be significant for night skies, tight canyons, dark alleys? Nice thing about most lenses, they keep some of their value and can be sold after remorse kicks in.

15mm PanaLeica or 17mm Oly Pro?

Lifting up both lenses shows a clear difference. The Olympus says "luxury". However, the Leica is so good that to me, it's the epitome of a Perfect Prime: small, light, and optically awesome. However, the f1.2 of the Pro can provide better subject separation... if we are after that look. It can make a difference indoors, low light, etc.

Kit lens or PL 12-35?

Just kidding, there is no contest. While the 14-42 is small and light, its IQ, especially corner performance, does not please this pixel-peeper. It's welded to my IR converted EPM2 and does a fine job there. The PL is very similar to the Oly 12-40, perhaps a little bit smaller and lighter. Good choice when not sure which primes to take.

45mm Oly or 36mm Canon/Viltrox M2?

Well... isn't that some pair? The Oly is another almost Perfect Prime. Two issues: I don't use the FL very much, and the minimum focusing distance is rather... distant. The cheap Nifty 50 turns into a playful 36/1.3 and seems to have its niche carved out whenever fast AF is not needed. Will keep both.

40-150 Oly or 55-250 Canon/Viltrox M1?

The Oly plastic fantastic has its spot in my bag. It's just amazing what a combination of zoom range, light weight & small size, IQ, and ridiculous price MFT offers us. If 150mm isn't quite enough, the Canon/Viltrox provides a longer alternative. Sure its AF isn't as good as some native options, but IQ is good and price is right.

Looking at my lenses, I wanted to know what kind of overlap I had, only to find out that there wasn't much! I guess I am all set!!

Yeah. Looks like I can have it all with one system. Life is good.

I solved my FF lust with the Olympus F1.2 Pro prime lenses.  My serious kit now is the E-M1 Mkii and/or the E-M1X along with several Pro lenses.  With set of lenses depends on what I am planning on doing.  The Pen F with the F1.8/2.0 Premium prime lenses is my "social" family outing camera.  I am super pleased with this range of cameras and lenses.  I can mix and match to my heart content.

Yep, everyone is different (which is a good thing, of course).

One slow and rainy day, I weighted my equipment and spreadsheeted various possible combos for particular scenarios. Of course I am not looking at this before I leave the house, still it gives a good idea of how heavy the bag could be. All weights are in grams.