Advice on Olympus 12-45 f4

SkiHound wrote:

I have both a GX9 and G9. I really like the GX9 for a lot of my uses but in terms of IBIS I think the G9 is much better. Some of that might be that's it's heavier and is just easier to grip and hold steady.

I also own both cameras and conversely I find the smaller lighter GX9 easier to hold steady.

I'm sure the G9 IBIS is more effective, but in my hands not really that noticeably better.

Question: Is the 12-45 stabilized like the 12-60, or does it matter at that max. focal length?

Please disregard my question about stabilization, the answer was given later in the posts.

Skeeterbytes wrote:

Agree, the benefits of 60mm over 45mm are scant, owning both. Now, the wee 12-32's long end disadvantage is noticeable but it has other charms in its pocket.

Amen to that. I used to be a diehard prime shooter (28-35-50-85mm equ.) for as long as I can remember but even though I sometimes miss a few mm at the long end this little gem gets more shooting time than any of my other m43 lenses. My copy is that sharp on my 16MP Olys even into the corners that I don't care about the remaining differences anymore, even for larger prints and only pull out the primes for low light stuff or some portraits. YMMV.

I love my 12-45… especially on the Pen F, seems to be a made-for pairing for the street.

evoprox wrote:

Skeeterbytes wrote:

Agree, the benefits of 60mm over 45mm are scant, owning both. Now, the wee 12-32's long end disadvantage is noticeable but it has other charms in its pocket.

Amen to that. I used to be a diehard prime shooter (28-35-50-85mm equ.) for as long as I can remember but even though I sometimes miss a few mm at the long end this little gem gets more shooting time than any of my other m43 lenses. My copy is that sharp on my 16MP Olys even into the corners that I don't care about the remaining differences anymore, even for larger prints and only pull out the primes for low light stuff or some portraits. YMMV.

Exactly, I do usually take a 15/1.7 along too just in case the light requires it. Just got one of the new Panasonic 9/1.7 and that will be added to the bag too.

For all the feedback and advice. I bought the 12-45 but on balance have decided to return it.

It's a lovely lens, no issues with quality, usability, size, imaging. Have attached some snaps from limited trials but have come to the conclusion that in IQ terms it doesn't exceed my mix of 12 mm f2 / 25 mm f1.8 / 45 mm f1.8. It is certainly sharp but so are all the primes and therefore I'm being lazy in not wanting to swap primes according to my need. I think it renders pictures that my head approves of but they don't necessarily have that WOW factor that I get in particular from my 45mm and generally from the 12mm.

Was a bit surprised at how high it ramped up the ISO settings on the quagmire hound shots, but no quibble with the images.

It would be an extra lens to carry around in my bag as I have no intention of parting company with the 12/25/45 so back to zooming with my feet and making the most of those wonderful compact primes.

Would I recommend the 12-45 f4? Most certainly in terms of its ability, size, build. I just love the primes a little bit more.

Edward Lowy wrote:

I know how you feel, somehow a zoom just isn't right! Many thanks for your views, I appreciate you taking the time.

That's what I thought and felt as well for many years, but it really depends what kind of shots I'm after. I traveled for many years with nothing but a 35/2 on my Nikon F3 and didn't miss too much. Fast forward to 2012 and Fuji X and I started to use the excellent and relatively fast 18-55mm/f2.8-4 way more than my primes. These days with m43 as my main system I use the tiny but suprisingly good P 12-32mm on my Olys more than any other lens unless I'm shooting something that demands some different glass. YMMV.

(BTW, I did some side-by-side comparisons between files shot with those latter two zooms and the petite P1232 holds its own throughout its FL range against the more than 3 times larger Fuji zoom ... respect!)

Skeeterbytes wrote:

I have a new term: quagmire hound.

That lovely feathered coat does not seem to stop spaniels from getting into the muck. A friend's had the added habit of rolling in cow dung while out roaming the countryside.

Dogs.

Ah yes The Quag Dogs!

Would appreciate any advice / experience. TIA.

Edward

I bought the 12-45 f4 only a couple of weeks after its release.

I enjoy the lens a lot. The technical image quality is at a very high level. No further words needed in this regard.

Compared to the 12-40 f2.8 I recognized a different rendition though. Image rendition is oftentimes hard to explain. But it seems to me as if the 12-45 f4 especially has a smoother out of focus rendition compared to the 12-40 f2.8.

Especially at the long end, portraits just seem a bit smoother.

The weight and size difference to the 12-40 is really noticable by the way. More than numbers will tell.

I can recommend this lens.

The only downside is its pretty hefty vignetting at the short end at f4.

Your pup: brittany? Red & white setter? Beautiful!

Marie

InkedMarie wrote:

Your pup: brittany? Red & white setter? Beautiful!

Marie

Welsh Springer Spaniel 😍

Edward Lowy wrote:

InkedMarie wrote:

Your pup: brittany? Red & white setter? Beautiful!

Marie

Welsh Springer Spaniel 😍

Somewhat close! Beautiful! I have a Brit who will be 12 later this month.

Marie