New to MFT and need lens advice

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?
2. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?
3. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60? 
4. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Conrad

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

Probably depends on which lenses you have. Perhaps listing them might inform those who are smarter than me.

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

There is little benefit except in some longer focal lengths: dual focus will not work if brands are crossed, and viability of cross-brand weather sealing is unknown.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

The 2.8-4 is generally considered better but it is bigger and heavier. There are plenty of threads on this topic in this forum as both are popular. If you don't mind the size and less snappy AF, perhaps adapting the 43 lens might suffice.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Seems like a good choice. If you're short on cash, the Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 has excellent image quality for $99 new, hence the "plastic fantastic" nickname.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Thank you, we strive to be practically perfect in every way. We never fight and we're always polite

Regards, Conrad

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?
2. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?
3. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?
4. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Conrad

1 - They likely will focus slower on the GX7. These lenses were not designed/optimized for contrast detect autofocus [or the DFD enhanced version]

2. Some features [dual IS; DFD focus; focus stacking...] require matched body and lens brands.

3. You probably would be happier without the adapter for the 'walk around' normal, so the choice would be mostly between the Panasonic and Panasonic / Leica flavors of the lens.

4. An alternate might be one of the travel zoom lenses, again favoring Panasonic, with in lens image stabilization .

With your FT lens list, I’d buy an adapter and a used EM1.1 or give up on your FT lenses.  The 50/2 might still be useful as an MF lens.  If your 14-54 is mk II it might work OK on a Panasonic body.  My 14-54 mk I works fine on EM1.1 and better on an EM1.2.  Never had a 70-300.  The 9-18 FT lens works on my GM1, as it’s CDAF optimised.  Not my favourite lens, but it does the job.  There seems to quite a bit of copy variation in the M.Zuiko version.

I gave up on my 12-60 SWD when the cable went for a second time.  I really loved the lens but I’m not sure either of the Panasonic lenses will match my copy, which was really strong at the tele end, whereas my 14-54 is best at the wide end and the 12-40 doesn’t have a tele end.  I decided to stick with the 14-54.

I use my 50-20 SWD which works as well on an EM1.2 as it did on an E30, although with better IQ.  The Panasonic equivalent is a really great lens but expensive.

Andrew

Thank you all for the sage advice, it was very helpful.

I think for now I'll just start with getting the Panasonic 12-60 and spend some time learning the camera. Probably follow that with one of the telephotos (would love the PL 50-200 but need to save up for that) and maybe the 30 macro.

As for my Oly 43 glass, I'll just keep using it on my E-1 and E-30 and skip the adapter.

I'll keep following the discussion on the board and perhaps post some photos.

Regards, Conrad

At least for now, you might consider pairing your 12/32 with Panasonic's similarly small 35/100...

https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/panasonic/35-100mm-f4-5.6-mega-ois-lumix-g-x-vario/review/

... for a combination that's about the same weight as their cheaper 12/60 option.

Peter

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

All Pannys use CDAF (later model also DFD). AFAIK there are some CDAF optimised FT lenses that could be workable on Panny M43, but AF speed should not be fad from the lighting instant AF speed on using M43 lenses. Others PDAF based FT lenses could expect a very slow or haunting AF...

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

Not really, specially the older GX7 does not support DFD, that until now only Panny lenses are DFD compatible.

Having said that, since the IBIS of GX7 is very primitive (the first Panny to have IBIS) and its 0.5~1 stop effective IS would be just better than nothing. Since most Panny zoom lenses are OIS (3~3.5 stops), could be better than non OIS (majority) Olympus lens.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

I heard on IQ both 12~32 & 12~60 (including the PL f/2.8-4 version) should be very close.

If you use a WR body, e.g. G85, G95, G9, GH5 etc, the WR 12~60 could give you a WR setup. Since GXs are not WR, this might do no extra good to you.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Might also consider the 45~150. They are in similar price tag, so do IQ. 45~175 uses internal zoom that might appeal to some people. I finally settled on 45~150 because of its smaller size on parking position.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Conrad

Bassam Guy wrote:

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

Probably depends on which lenses you have. Perhaps listing them might inform those who are smarter than me.

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

There is little benefit except in some longer focal lengths: dual focus will not work if brands are crossed, and viability of cross-brand weather sealing is unknown.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

The 2.8-4 is generally considered better but it is bigger and heavier. There are plenty of threads on this topic in this forum as both are popular. If you don't mind the size and less snappy AF, perhaps adapting the 43 lens might suffice.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Seems like a good choice. If you're short on cash, the Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 has excellent image quality for $99 new, hence the "plastic fantastic" nickname.

But it is not OIS?

The 0.5~1 stop effective IBIS of GX7 & Oly 40~150 might not be the best option. I might pay US$20~30 more for the Panny 45~250 or 45~175. Both could expect 3+ stops effective IS on GX7, and if OP will upgarde to a later Panny later, could enjoy DUAL IS or DUAL IS-2 for another 1~1.5 stop of effective IS.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Thank you, we strive to be practically perfect in every way. We never fight and we're always polite

Regards, Conrad

dlevitt wrote:

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?
2. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?
3. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?
4. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Regards, Conrad

1 - They likely will focus slower on the GX7. These lenses were not designed/optimized for contrast detect autofocus [or the DFD enhanced version]

2. Some features [dual IS; DFD focus; focus stacking...] require matched body and lens brands.

AFAIK, most native M43 lenses would support Panny's version of in-camera focus stacking ( Post Focus) or any of the 4 bracketing modes including focus bracketing. Panny bodies will make use the AF feature of the lens. It is done differently from Olympus.

However, GX7 is not DUAL IS, nor DFD compatible. Since it is not 4K ready, it does not support Post Focus as well. There is only 1 bracketing mode (Exposure) on GX7...

3. You probably would be happier without the adapter for the 'walk around' normal, so the choice would be mostly between the Panasonic and Panasonic / Leica flavors of the lens.

Indeed Olympus M43 lenses also 😀, except for the IS because the IBIS of GX7 is merely nothing.

4. An alternate might be one of the travel zoom lenses, again favoring Panasonic, with in lens image stabilization .

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alcelc wrote:

Bassam Guy wrote:

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

Probably depends on which lenses you have. Perhaps listing them might inform those who are smarter than me.

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

There is little benefit except in some longer focal lengths: dual focus will not work if brands are crossed, and viability of cross-brand weather sealing is unknown.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

The 2.8-4 is generally considered better but it is bigger and heavier. There are plenty of threads on this topic in this forum as both are popular. If you don't mind the size and less snappy AF, perhaps adapting the 43 lens might suffice.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Seems like a good choice. If you're short on cash, the Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 has excellent image quality for $99 new, hence the "plastic fantastic" nickname.

But it is not OIS?

The 0.5~1 stop effective IBIS of GX7 & Oly 40~150 might not be the best option. I might pay US$20~30 more for the Panny 45~250 or 45~175. Both could expect 3+ stops effective IS on GX7, and if OP will upgarde to a later Panny later, could enjoy DUAL IS or DUAL IS-2 for another 1~1.5 stop of effective IS.

Interesting, never knew that the GX7 was so IBIS challenged.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Thank you, we strive to be practically perfect in every way. We never fight and we're always polite

Regards, Conrad

Isola Verde wrote:

At least for now, you might consider pairing your 12/32 with Panasonic's similarly small 35/100...

https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/panasonic/35-100mm-f4-5.6-mega-ois-lumix-g-x-vario/review/

... for a combination that's about the same weight as their cheaper 12/60 option.

Peter

Hmmm, good point. I may consider that option. Thanks.

Bassam Guy wrote:

alcelc wrote:

Bassam Guy wrote:

CJackJr wrote:

Hi all,

I've been an Olympus 43 owner for many years (see my gear list) and a member of the Olympus SLR forum (although I haven't posted for a while). I recently purchased a Panasonic GX7 with a Lumix G Vario 12-32 lens. I'm quite happy with it and now MUST add to my lens collection. Being new to MFT I have a few questions:

1. Is it worth getting a 43-MFT adapter to use my Oly FT lenses on the GX7? If so, any recommendations?

Probably depends on which lenses you have. Perhaps listing them might inform those who are smarter than me.

1. Is there a benefit to sticking with Panasonic MFT glass on a Panasonic camera or do Oly (and other manufacturers) lenses work just fine?

There is little benefit except in some longer focal lengths: dual focus will not work if brands are crossed, and viability of cross-brand weather sealing is unknown.

1. Even though I have the 12-32, I'm considering the 12-60 as my "walk-around" lens. (I have used the Oly 12-60 on my 43 gear and really liked its range.) Any thoughts on which 12-60?

The 2.8-4 is generally considered better but it is bigger and heavier. There are plenty of threads on this topic in this forum as both are popular. If you don't mind the size and less snappy AF, perhaps adapting the 43 lens might suffice.

1. Lastly, I'd like something longer than the 12-60 to use occasionally for wildlife and candid photos of my grandkids playing. I've been looking at the Lumix 45-175. Any thoughts on that lens or anything else I should consider that is in that general price range?

Seems like a good choice. If you're short on cash, the Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 has excellent image quality for $99 new, hence the "plastic fantastic" nickname.

But it is not OIS?

The 0.5~1 stop effective IBIS of GX7 & Oly 40~150 might not be the best option. I might pay US$20~30 more for the Panny 45~250 or 45~175. Both could expect 3+ stops effective IS on GX7, and if OP will upgarde to a later Panny later, could enjoy DUAL IS or DUAL IS-2 for another 1~1.5 stop of effective IS.

Interesting, never knew that the GX7 was so IBIS challenged.

What would we expect for the first IBIS body of Panny?

IIRC some members rated the IBIS of GX7 close to the IBIS of the earliest Olympus...

Except for G9, the IBIS of Panny's GX and G are still not as powerful as its eq class Olympus bodies. e.g. the GX85 or GX9, IBIS should be around 2+ stops top which is behind that of EM10 class of models. So are the G85/G95 which is 0.5~1 more stop effective IBIS than GX (largely because of its improved ergonomic), but still not as effective as EM5 class.

Therefore Panny needs DUAL IS to rival Olympus on this department. Fortunately, Panny does not short of DUAL IS lenses... Hence, there are always more restrictions on lens selection on Panny bodies than Olympus bodies.

I'll really appreciate any and all responses to even just one of my questions. I know from past experience that members of these forums have a wealth of valuable information and are more than willing to share advice/opinions. Thanks in advance.

Thank you, we strive to be practically perfect in every way. We never fight and we're always polite

Regards, Conrad

This is what I love about DPReview forums. Ask a few questions and then sit back and get educated. Thanks folks. But don't let me interrupt you.

CJackJr wrote:

This is what I love about DPReview forums. Ask a few questions and then sit back and get educated. Thanks folks. But don't let me interrupt you.

Another lesson:

The Olympus 60mm is the longest and most popular Micro Four Thirds macro lens. Many start with one of the 30's (Panasonic or Olympus) and end up with the 60. You get more working room for more lighting options, less lens shade, and fewer scared insects flying off or running away. And, it works double duty as an excellent portrait lens.

New, it is $399. Used, I guess, should be comparable to a new 30.

Sorry, nothing political, just a celebrity

View: original size

John,

Thanks for the advice, it reinforces what others have said and gives me a better idea of how to proceed. I did pull the pin and purchased a Lumix 12-60 and look forward to using it and learn more about the camera. I'll wait a while and give some more thought about what long zoom I might want to purchase.

One thing that's pretty clear from all the comments is not to waste time and money on an adapter for my 43 lenses. I don't plan on getting rid of them but will just continue to use them on my 43 cameras. I do love the 50 f2 and will keep that on my E-30 and I can't help but love the images I still get from my E-1. Low light and quick focus haven't really been an issue for me. (The E-520 and E-600 with kit lenses will probably get handed down to the grandkids to learn the basics of photography.)

Hope you have a nice Thanksgiving.

Regards, Conrad

Good points, thanks.