Lens suggestions for museums old houses and galleries

12-40 pretty much covers it.  Even in dim light, I can usually brace myself well enough so 2.8 is sufficient. 
Throw in a wide angle, especially if there are arches, vaulted ceilings or close quarters.  I have the 9-18 for this, but the 7-14 would be better.

vanfred wrote:

I visit a lot of old country houses, museums etc and never feel I have the right lens. If has to be fast, no flash allowed.

I tend to use the Lumix 20mm 1.7, just wondering what others use.

My cameras are Olympus e-p5 mostly with a viewfinder and Olympus M10 mark 1.

Thanks

Pana 15/1.7 + Pana 25/1.4 + Pana 30/2.8 Macro.

because for the wider AoV for limited indoor space.

I pick 15 because of the DFD for my Panny. You might find 17 f/1.8 also good for Oly bodies.

Miss tilly wrote:

Great post, good question, I never seem to have the right lens for these situations, I have often considered the 20 1.7 but have been put off by reports of noisy and slow autofocus. Will be interesting to read responses, thanks for posting.

Might be some misinformation?

20 f/1.7 on AFS can focus as fast as most native M43 lenses. However it is not for CAF. It is also not a quiet lens for video as well.

For still, low lighting indoor of museum type of shooting, it is perfect to use if you does not wish a wider AoV for the usual tighter indoor shooting space.

Many thanks to everyone who responded it has given me a lot to think about and contains really good advice. I have googled every lens mentioned in this thread.

Polarising filter, why did I not think of that for museums, great advice, one has been ordered.

I would like to buy number of the lenses mentioned but they are above my price point so I will look out for the Olympus 12-40mm

That is very helpful, much appreciated, thank you.