Which Zoom?

[Konta]

Hello All!

I currently have an Oly 12-100 f/4 as my "general use" lens, and absolutely love it. However, I am not convinced I "need" it. I know - necessity is a fluid concept.

I am now wondering if perhaps the Oly 12/40 f/2.8 (I or II?), Oly 12-45 f/4, Panasonic 12-35 f/2,8 (I or II?) or Panasonic 12-60 f/2.8-4 may be a better option. They are all smaller, lighter and cheaper than the 12-100, so that appeals to me. I switched over from FF to MFT with the idea of having a lighter kit, so the size is a big factor. And who doesn't want to save money??

Anyhow, I was hoping to hear from anyone that may have experience with two or more of the four lenses I am talking about here. They would be paired with an OM-1 (primarily stills) and G9 (more for video). Because of the latter, I was thinking maybe the 12-60 makes sense for the dual IS. I don't think I will miss the 60-100 FL as I have a 40-150 for that, when needed.

I am throwing the Oly 12-40 in there for consideration mostly for the weather sealing as I am more likely to use the OM-1 in conditions that could benefit from sealing, and not sure if the Panasonic offers adequate protection when mounted on the OM-1.

FWIW, the 12-60 and 12-45 are my front runner options.

Thank you!

 

[bs1946]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

 

[Trolleyman]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

 

[finnan haddie]

12-40 and 12-45 don't have enough tele reach.

Always switching back and forth to an 40-150 gets annoying very quick, when looking for the best perspective / FL in the neighbourhood of the 40|45 "bump".

So PL 12-60/2.8-4.0 is my choice.

 

[Konta]

12-40 and 12-45 don't have enough tele reach.

Always switching back and forth to an 40-150 gets annoying very quick, when looking for the best perspective / FL in the neighbourhood of the 40|45 "bump".

So PL 12-60/2.8-4.0 is my choice.

Thank you! I had the 24-70 for years on my camera, and seldom thought it was not enough for my use. Nowadays I am photographing my kiddos more than anything, so I will generally be closer! I think the tele end of something like the 12-100 may be missed for travel but TBD!

 

[UrbaneHobbit]

I have the 12-100 f/4 and 12-40 f/2.8. Since getting the 12-100, I rarely use the 12-40, but I always love the results I get. I should really try higher ISOs so that I can use the 12-40 indoors more often.

Anyway, I think the 12-60 might be the one for you. Good intermediate focal range, and you would gain larger apertures at the shorter end, in exchange for losing the 40mm on the longer end. If you intend to keep the 12-100, then I don't think you'll miss the weather-sealing on the 12-60. I personally just grab the 12-100 if I'm going outdoors and it looks like any kind of rain. I have never tried the 12-60 f/2.8-4, but many on here swear by it. Sometimes, late at night, I check used 12-60 prices on Amazon...

 

[finnan haddie]

12-40 and 12-45 don't have enough tele reach.

Always switching back and forth to an 40-150 gets annoying very quick, when looking for the best perspective / FL in the neighbourhood of the 40|45 "bump".

So PL 12-60/2.8-4.0 is my choice.

Thank you! I had the 24-70 for years on my camera, and seldom thought it was not enough for my use. Nowadays I am photographing my kiddos more than anything, so I will generally be closer! I think the tele end of something like the 12-100 may be missed for travel but TBD!

I thought you'd carry the 40-150 for tele anyway?
Then you might consider the recent PL 12-35/2.8 (the third generation of the P 12-35), though I personally have not used it.

 

[Konta]

12-40 and 12-45 don't have enough tele reach.

Always switching back and forth to an 40-150 gets annoying very quick, when looking for the best perspective / FL in the neighbourhood of the 40|45 "bump".

So PL 12-60/2.8-4.0 is my choice.

Thank you! I had the 24-70 for years on my camera, and seldom thought it was not enough for my use. Nowadays I am photographing my kiddos more than anything, so I will generally be closer! I think the tele end of something like the 12-100 may be missed for travel but TBD!

I thought you'd carry the 40-150 for tele anyway?
Then you might consider the recent PL 12-35/2.8 (the third generation of the P 12-35), though I personally have not used it.

I will carry the 40-150 when I have a need for the reach. Kid’s sports, indoor performances, travel. Pretty specific use cases for me! I’ll look into that!

 

[Konta]

I have the 12-100 f/4 and 12-40 f/2.8. Since getting the 12-100, I rarely use the 12-40, but I always love the results I get. I should really try higher ISOs so that I can use the 12-40 indoors more often.

Anyway, I think the 12-60 might be the one for you. Good intermediate focal range, and you would gain larger apertures at the shorter end, in exchange for losing the 40mm on the longer end. If you intend to keep the 12-100, then I don't think you'll miss the weather-sealing on the 12-60. I personally just grab the 12-100 if I'm going outdoors and it looks like any kind of rain. I have never tried the 12-60 f/2.8-4, but many on here swear by it. Sometimes, late at night, I check used 12-60 prices on Amazon...

Thank you! I’d sell the 12-100 to fund whichever one of these lenses I get. TBH, I don’t really shoot often in extreme weather - will sometimes gets stuck in some drizzling rain but that may be it. Who knows what the future holds.

 

[bs1946]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

 

[Skeeterbytes]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

Snap MF does work on Panny cameras, also accesses the focus aids like peaking, distance gauge, magnification. IDK about the L-Fn button. Only OIS works on a Panny IBIS body, while with Panny OIS on Oly, you can choose between them.

I mostly find it weird they decided to not make their TCs work across brands. So few lenses take them why would somebody acquire FOUR?

Cheers,

Rick

 

[bs1946]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

Snap MF does work on Panny cameras, also accesses the focus aids like peaking, distance gauge, magnification. IDK about the L-Fn button. Only OIS works on a Panny IBIS body, while with Panny OIS on Oly, you can choose between them.

I mostly find it weird they decided to not make their TCs work across brands. So few lenses take them why would somebody acquire FOUR?

Cheers,

Rick

None of the functions I mentioned worked on my two different GX7s, GM5s, or my first GX9. If they now work on other or newer Panasonic bodies, then this is probably the result of newer firmware. Focus aids are purely functions of the camera. This is why they all work with fully manual lenses that have no contacts to communicate with the camera. It's also why every digital camera I have ever owned, except my Leica Ms has a Shoot Without Lens Option because the camera has no idea a a fully manual lens is attached.

 

[Optimist_Eyes]

I can share what I use and why.

My 12-45 f/4 is my main lens for hiking and landscape. It has become my go-to lens.

I had the 12-40 f/2.8 first, but it was a bit too heavy (in the hand) for the long and arduous hikes that I take. That is why I switched to the 12-45 f/4. However, I keep the 12-40 because my nephews are in sports and I use the lens for that because f/2.8 beats f/4 when the lights are low! But I almost never take the 12-40 on hikes now.

The 12-40 is a tad faster in focus speed and lock on, but only if shooting fast sports.

I also use the old 14-42 when I really need to save every last ounce and the light and weather are nice. But 14 mm in often just not wide enough and I have to change lenses more. Thats also why I decided against the 14-150.

I was using the 40-150 variable aperture zoom for my longer shots, but I found that I was either fine with 40-45mm on the 12-40 or 12-45, or I would rack the 40-150 way out to 100mm or longer. And the 40-150 is just not long enough for wildlife. So I added the 75-300 recently. It stays in my pack mostly but it sure is nice when there are birds or wildlife on my hikes!

I have the 9-18 too and it sometimes comes along in the backpack. But I rarely use it because the 12mm is wide enough for most of my shots.

The 12-100 would not suit my needs because it is just too bulky and heavy to stay on my camera at all times during my hikes. And 100mm is really not long enough for wildlife and birds. I just rarely use the 45-100mm range.

For me the key thing is weight in hand or around my neck (mostly use wrist straps). I can tolerate the extra ounces in the pack, but the extra weight in my hands or wrists just wears me out.

I have the OM-1 and OM-5 (and EM1.3 and EM5.3 that I haven't got around to selling just yet!).

 

[Hope1943]

Hello All!

I currently have an Oly 12-100 f/4 as my "general use" lens, and absolutely love it. However, I am not convinced I "need" it. I know - necessity is a fluid concept.

I am now wondering if perhaps the Oly 12/40 f/2.8 (I or II?), Oly 12-45 f/4, Panasonic 12-35 f/2,8 (I or II?) or Panasonic 12-60 f/2.8-4 may be a better option. They are all smaller, lighter and cheaper than the 12-100, so that appeals to me. I switched over from FF to MFT with the idea of having a lighter kit, so the size is a big factor. And who doesn't want to save money??

Anyhow, I was hoping to hear from anyone that may have experience with two or more of the four lenses I am talking about here. They would be paired with an OM-1 (primarily stills) and G9 (more for video). Because of the latter, I was thinking maybe the 12-60 makes sense for the dual IS. I don't think I will miss the 60-100 FL as I have a 40-150 for that, when needed.

I am throwing the Oly 12-40 in there for consideration mostly for the weather sealing as I am more likely to use the OM-1 in conditions that could benefit from sealing, and not sure if the Panasonic offers adequate protection when mounted on the OM-1.

FWIW, the 12-60 and 12-45 are my front runner options.

Thank you!

First off - I would NEVER part ways with my 12-100, However I use the PL 12-60 the most for my "standard" walk around lens and the 12-45 next. Both are excellent - but keep the 12-100. It is special.

John

 

[Skeeterbytes]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

Snap MF does work on Panny cameras, also accesses the focus aids like peaking, distance gauge, magnification. IDK about the L-Fn button. Only OIS works on a Panny IBIS body, while with Panny OIS on Oly, you can choose between them.

I mostly find it weird they decided to not make their TCs work across brands. So few lenses take them why would somebody acquire FOUR?

Cheers,

Rick

None of the functions I mentioned worked on my two different GX7s, GM5s, or my first GX9. If they now work on other or newer Panasonic bodies, then this is probably the result of newer firmware. Focus aids are purely functions of the camera. This is why they all work with fully manual lenses that have no contacts to communicate with the camera. It's also why every digital camera I have ever owned, except my Leica Ms has a Shoot Without Lens Option because the camera has no idea a a fully manual lens is attached.

GM5. No idea why it's not working for you. Maybe post as a new topic for some ideas?

Cheers,

Rick

 

[bs1946]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

Snap MF does work on Panny cameras, also accesses the focus aids like peaking, distance gauge, magnification. IDK about the L-Fn button. Only OIS works on a Panny IBIS body, while with Panny OIS on Oly, you can choose between them.

I mostly find it weird they decided to not make their TCs work across brands. So few lenses take them why would somebody acquire FOUR?

Cheers,

Rick

None of the functions I mentioned worked on my two different GX7s, GM5s, or my first GX9. If they now work on other or newer Panasonic bodies, then this is probably the result of newer firmware. Focus aids are purely functions of the camera. This is why they all work with fully manual lenses that have no contacts to communicate with the camera. It's also why every digital camera I have ever owned, except my Leica Ms has a Shoot Without Lens Option because the camera has no idea a a fully manual lens is attached.

GM5. No idea why it's not working for you. Maybe post as a new topic for some ideas?

Cheers,

Rick

Sold everything to pay for one of my Ms, Now I'm on my second GX9 with for Panny primes and the 12-60mm kit zoom.

 

[Trolleyman]

One issue you need to consider is that on your OM-1, most of the special features and controls of the Panasonic lenses will either not work or at best partially work on an Olympus or OM body. The same goes when using Olympus or OM-1 lenses on a Panasonic body.

What special lens features and controls on an Olympus lens won't work on a Panasonic body?

The snap-back feature on the 12mm, 17mm and 12-40 will not switch the camera between AF and MF, that has to be done on the camera. The hard stops at MFD and Infinity on the focus ring work in MF because they are built into the lens. The Fn button on my 12-40mm would not even show up in the Fn list. Dual IS on Panasonic bodies will not work with an Olympus IS equipped lens, you can have one turned on and the other has to be off. I believe other Olympus Pro zooms have the same features as the 12-40 f2.8 and would have the same limitations. The rule of thumb seems to be that any feature or control which requires interaction between the body and the lens will not work but but controls or features that function on the lens itself still seem to work.

Snap MF does work on Panny cameras, also accesses the focus aids like peaking, distance gauge, magnification.

IDK about the L-Fn button.

That works on my GX9 and G9

Only OIS works on a Panny IBIS body, while with Panny OIS on Oly, you can choose between them.

I mostly find it weird they decided to not make their TCs work across brands. So few lenses take them why would somebody acquire FOUR?

Cheers,

Rick

 

[Felice62]

Hello All!

I currently have an Oly 12-100 f/4 as my "general use" lens, and absolutely love it. However, I am not convinced I "need" it. I know - necessity is a fluid concept.

I am now wondering if perhaps the Oly 12/40 f/2.8 (I or II?), Oly 12-45 f/4, Panasonic 12-35 f/2,8 (I or II?) or Panasonic 12-60 f/2.8-4 may be a better option. They are all smaller, lighter and cheaper than the 12-100, so that appeals to me. I switched over from FF to MFT with the idea of having a lighter kit, so the size is a big factor. And who doesn't want to save money??

Anyhow, I was hoping to hear from anyone that may have experience with two or more of the four lenses I am talking about here. They would be paired with an OM-1 (primarily stills) and G9 (more for video). Because of the latter, I was thinking maybe the 12-60 makes sense for the dual IS. I don't think I will miss the 60-100 FL as I have a 40-150 for that, when needed.

I am throwing the Oly 12-40 in there for consideration mostly for the weather sealing as I am more likely to use the OM-1 in conditions that could benefit from sealing, and not sure if the Panasonic offers adequate protection when mounted on the OM-1.

FWIW, the 12-60 and 12-45 are my front runner options.

Thank you!

Hard for me to follow but here are my consideration as a mainly G9 user:

The main gen purpose zoom i use us the pl12-60. It is optically equivalent to the oly12-40 and 12-100 pro I also have, but a lightweight option in respect to the latter, yet providing 50% additional reach over the former.

Of course the 12-100 is a stellar lens and I need its extended range sometimes so I an not even considering to sell it.

Not sure how this fits into your reasoning but here it is.

Cheers

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If only closed minds came with closed mouths..

 

[Konta]

Hello All!

I currently have an Oly 12-100 f/4 as my "general use" lens, and absolutely love it. However, I am not convinced I "need" it. I know - necessity is a fluid concept.

I am now wondering if perhaps the Oly 12/40 f/2.8 (I or II?), Oly 12-45 f/4, Panasonic 12-35 f/2,8 (I or II?) or Panasonic 12-60 f/2.8-4 may be a better option. They are all smaller, lighter and cheaper than the 12-100, so that appeals to me. I switched over from FF to MFT with the idea of having a lighter kit, so the size is a big factor. And who doesn't want to save money??

Anyhow, I was hoping to hear from anyone that may have experience with two or more of the four lenses I am talking about here. They would be paired with an OM-1 (primarily stills) and G9 (more for video). Because of the latter, I was thinking maybe the 12-60 makes sense for the dual IS. I don't think I will miss the 60-100 FL as I have a 40-150 for that, when needed.

I am throwing the Oly 12-40 in there for consideration mostly for the weather sealing as I am more likely to use the OM-1 in conditions that could benefit from sealing, and not sure if the Panasonic offers adequate protection when mounted on the OM-1.

FWIW, the 12-60 and 12-45 are my front runner options.

Thank you!

Hard for me to follow but here are my consideration as a mainly G9 user:

The main gen purpose zoom i use us the pl12-60. It is optically equivalent to the oly12-40 and 12-100 pro I also have, but a lightweight option in respect to the latter, yet providing 50% additional reach over the former.

Of course the 12-100 is a stellar lens and I need its extended range sometimes so I an not even considering to sell it.

Not sure how this fits into your reasoning but here it is.

Cheers

 

[Felice62]

Fwiw the 12-100 has constant aperture which is very likeable fir video, whereas pl12-60 doesn't.

Just saying..