2 lens only kit?

[iullian]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Even though, the price I paid for the Pen-F + 17/2.8 (both new) is 2/3 of the body only price (the price in store) - so I am a little disappointed (by my misread) but I am not whining about it.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

Thanks again !

 

[gary0319]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Even though, the price I paid for the Pen-F + 17/2.8 (both new) is 2/3 of the body only price (the price in store) - so I am a little disappointed (by my misread) but I am not whining about it.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

Thanks again !

Jullian,

Congrats on what sounds like e nice kit. I too, had lost my interest in photography a few years ago, after 15 years with Canon. Then, on a lark, I bought my first m4/3 camera, a GX7 and a few lenses, and the creative juices began to flow once more.

Be sure to explore that goofy little dial on the front of your Pen F.......there is some magical stuff in there., especially the Mono profiles.

 

[iullian]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Even though, the price I paid for the Pen-F + 17/2.8 (both new) is 2/3 of the body only price (the price in store) - so I am a little disappointed (by my misread) but I am not whining about it.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

Thanks again !

Jullian,

Congrats on what sounds like e nice kit. I too, had lost my interest in photography a few years ago, after 15 years with Canon. Then, on a lark, I bought my first m4/3 camera, a GX7 and a few lenses, and the creative juices began to flow once more.

Be sure to explore that goofy little dial on the front of your Pen F.......there is some magical stuff in there., especially the Mono profiles.

Thanks ! That would be my main goal Monochrome all the way !!!

 

[gary0319]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Even though, the price I paid for the Pen-F + 17/2.8 (both new) is 2/3 of the body only price (the price in store) - so I am a little disappointed (by my misread) but I am not whining about it.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

Thanks again !

Jullian,

Congrats on what sounds like e nice kit. I too, had lost my interest in photography a few years ago, after 15 years with Canon. Then, on a lark, I bought my first m4/3 camera, a GX7 and a few lenses, and the creative juices began to flow once more.

Be sure to explore that goofy little dial on the front of your Pen F.......there is some magical stuff in there., especially the Mono profiles.

Thanks ! That would be my main goal Monochrome all the way !!!

i really like the look of those old glossy coffee table magazines from the mid last century with their high contrast, extra sharp black and white photos. I use the Pen F Mono Profile 2, film grain turned off, and large super fine JPEGs to get close to that look.

Here’s an early try with those settings (some light post processing of the OOC jpeg in Lightroom)

 

[3dwag]

I said “no text”

 

[jeffharris]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Oh well.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

Great selection of lenses. We all thought you were getting the 17mm f1.8 or the majority would have suggested the 15mm.

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

M4/3 is great. Lots of fun to work with. You’ll love it!

 

[webrunner5]

webrunner5 wrote

You have all the lenses you ever need. The one that came with the camera.

...said no one ever

--
Things have never been more like today than they are right now.

Henri Cartier-Bresson seemed to do pretty well with Only a 50mm on a Leica.

I think most people, including me, just make excuses to buy more lenses. I doubt it makes a person a better photographer, maybe just a better lens collector.

 

[NowHearThis]

Thank you all for your support and suggestions.

As it turned out, the free lens that I got with the Pen-F is the 17/2.8 and not the 17/1.8, as I thought. My mistake, as I never knew about the existence of the 17 pancake lens and the sale said only the the 17 mm lens comes for free.

Even though, the price I paid for the Pen-F + 17/2.8 (both new) is 2/3 of the body only price (the price in store) - so I am a little disappointed (by my misread) but I am not whining about it.

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale). I bought the 75/1.8 only because of the price, as I never used a longer than 85 mm equiv. before and I wanted only one portrait lens. But, because of the price, if I will not use it much, I guess I will be able to sell it pretty quick, or return the 42.5/1.7 (as part of the 30 days no questions asked policy of the photo store).

I am also a former user of the sexy Fuji X series line (sold them for the Sony FE system - I gained IQ, but I lost my modjo) and I hope the Pen-F will re-engage my photo impulse, as I was a little lazy during the last years. Even if the Sony FE comes with great IQ (and great lenses - even if expensive), is a system that doesn't rush me out in the streets and there are times and events when I don't even carry the camera with me.

Thanks again !

Jullian,

Congrats on what sounds like e nice kit. I too, had lost my interest in photography a few years ago, after 15 years with Canon. Then, on a lark, I bought my first m4/3 camera, a GX7 and a few lenses, and the creative juices began to flow once more.

Be sure to explore that goofy little dial on the front of your Pen F.......there is some magical stuff in there., especially the Mono profiles.

Thanks ! That would be my main goal Monochrome all the way !!!

Don’t forget the Color mode on that dial, although I do like the Mono setting, I used the Color modes extensively in the fall and will do so this coming spring too. The customization I can do, and the SOOC results I can get out of the Pen-F are better than anything I have ever used or tried - regardless of price.

 

[jsaras]

webrunner5 wrote

You have all the lenses you ever need. The one that came with the camera.

...said no one ever

 

[007peter]

M43 makes the most sense with small tiny primes. I live with just 2 lens for a while. This combination serve me the best:

1. Panasonic Leica 15mm f/1.7 - wide enough for landscape, great for vlogging, tight enough for environmental portraits. It stays on my camera (95%) of the time

2. Olympus 45mm f/1.8 - for casual tighter headshots. (5%)

The important things is that both of these prime are Super-Tiny, and will fit like a glove on your Olympus Pen-F.

I have since sold off my Olympus 45/1.8 due to lack of use. I may or may not buy a Sigma 60/2.8 DN, or just buy a telephoto zoom.

 

[Terrible Photographer]

That 17 2.8 is one of the worst lenses I’ve ever used, full stop

 

[cameron2]

All said, I ended by ordering 3 new lenses, which contradicts my initial topic request.

The lenses are Pan 15/1.7, Pan 42.5/1.7 (both new from store, normal prices) and Oly 75/1.8 (new/open box for 50% the price in store - from a personal sale).

The Oly 75 1.8 is such a good lens that it's hard to imagine anyone being disappointed with it. I paid full price, and have no regrets. HOWEVER, it is larger/heavier than what you may be looking for under most conditions. I find that it invaluable for theatre / ballet shots, and quite useful outdoors. I don't carry it in my "light" kit, though.

You should have a lot of fun with the other two (smaller + lighter) lenses in a compact kit.

 

[cameron2]

That 17 2.8 is one of the worst lenses I’ve ever used, full stop

Nothing that a little Vaseline won't fix ...

 

[webrunner5]

webrunner5 wrote

You have all the lenses you ever need. The one that came with the camera.

...said no one ever

--
Things have never been more like today than they are right now.

Henri Cartier-Bresson seemed to do pretty well with Only a 50mm on a Leica.

I think most people, including me, just make excuses to buy more lenses. I doubt it makes a person a better photographer, maybe just a better lens collector.

If all you ever photograph is hobos crossing the street then one lens will do. Last I checked Henri didn't photograph sports, birds in flight, or astrophotography.

--
Things have never been more like today than they are right now.

And I would argue that is why he was great. No one can be the jack of all trades or have the money, gear, talent to shoot Every aspect of photography.

Might be the reason a lot of peoples shots are good, but not great.

 

[007peter]

That 17 2.8 is one of the worst lenses I’ve ever used, full stop

Sadly I have to agree w/you on this. Olympus 17/2.8 turn me off from M43 for a long time:

• focus LOUD enough to ruin any video
• focus SLOW enough to missed shots
• suffer from purple fringing
• really soft wide open, need to step down to f/5.6 to get decent corners

However, it does have 1 redeeming quality being that

• Bokeh have character, I kind of like it

Consider you got this lens for "nearly FREE" its not a big lost. Invest in either the better

• Olympus 17/1.8 MSC or
• Panasonic 15/1.7

 

[NowHearThis]

Thank you all for your kind suggestions.

I see an almost universal consensus with the 12, 17 and 45 being a kind of a holy trinity.

My most used focal range is 35 mm on FF and my second would be the 85.

So, I think I would go for the same with Pen equivalents.

On Sony FF, my widest lens is 28 mm and I almost never use it.

I think I'll stick to 17 + 45 mm combo for the moment and I'll see later if I miss other focal lengths.

Thank you all !

One more suggestion, in addition to the 17 & 45. I just received the Panasonic 25/1.7 this afternoon and did some test shots (nothing fancy) but the image quality from my initial shooting seem very good even out to the edges of the frame wide open. It’s not the equal to the O25/1.2

Not really a Fair comparison.

I know, probably shouldnt have mentioned it too ;-)

How do you find it compares to O25 1.8?

I have to be honest, I don’t own that lens, I also haven’t shot the O25/1.8 in quite some time so I would not be able to give a qualified opinion between the two. I’ve read some reviews on both and I read all the pros and cons of both. For me price was the main determining factor as it was with my P42.5/1.7 over the O45/1.8. I think I would likely be happy with the O251.8 if I could have picked it up for what I pains for the Pany version.

I am planning on going out on Wednesday and doing some street shooting (albeit it’s not the best weather for it), if I can i’ll try and get some shots posted so you can see how it fairs.

Not used the Panny 25 1.7 So would be interested to see what you think real world shooting.

Well I got out today with the Panasonic 25/1.7, the weather still wasn’t great and it’s January and we don’t have any snow except in the mountains - which is unusual. So what I had hoped to shoot I knew was not going to look good so I tried the lens in situations where I normally wouldn’t use that lens - architecture and landscapes. Nothing I shot was remarkable or Pulitzer worthy by any means but here’s my initial observations:

• It made me appreciate having a good zoom lenses. Some of the shots I took I wanted to be either wider or closer and I couldn’t always move to get the shot just right (not all all, just a few).
• Optically, the lens is great - even on an Olympus body; the issues I read about (vignetting, CAs out are the edge under f/2) were not really as big of issues especially with the JPEGs I was shooting today. Vignetting wasn’t really noticeable, CAs were a
• Sharpness is great wide open, out to the edges. F/2.8 and beyond is amazingly good.
• AF is dead silent and super quick in S-AF mode.
• Build quality is good, there’s no slop or play in the lens and it mounts firmly to the camera.
• Size balances perfect on the PEN-F and would be equally good on several of the smaller bodies too.
• Large MF ring is easy to move because of its size which means if you use the S-AF+MF on the Olympus you will inadvertently turn the ring and the Focus Peaking will engage. This is about the only potential con I can come up with at the moment. I haven’t tested for flare or other issues, but for $150 I don’t think I’m going to care if there a little bit anyway. In situations like that I’ll likely be using my PL12-60 anyway.

but for $150 it’s a nice addition to my Pen-F and will open up more shooting possibilities. Years ago I had a 35/1.8 on my D40 and it lived on that camera - more than my other two lenses combined.

Just a thought.

 

[jsaras]

webrunner5 wrote

You have all the lenses you ever need. The one that came with the camera.

...said no one ever

 

[RobbieBear]

Thank you all for your kind suggestions.

I see an almost universal consensus with the 12, 17 and 45 being a kind of a holy trinity.

My most used focal range is 35 mm on FF and my second would be the 85.

So, I think I would go for the same with Pen equivalents.

On Sony FF, my widest lens is 28 mm and I almost never use it.

I think I'll stick to 17 + 45 mm combo for the moment and I'll see later if I miss other focal lengths.

Thank you all !

One more suggestion, in addition to the 17 & 45. I just received the Panasonic 25/1.7 this afternoon and did some test shots (nothing fancy) but the image quality from my initial shooting seem very good even out to the edges of the frame wide open. It’s not the equal to the O25/1.2

Not really a Fair comparison.

I know, probably shouldnt have mentioned it too ;-)

How do you find it compares to O25 1.8?

I have to be honest, I don’t own that lens, I also haven’t shot the O25/1.8 in quite some time so I would not be able to give a qualified opinion between the two. I’ve read some reviews on both and I read all the pros and cons of both. For me price was the main determining factor as it was with my P42.5/1.7 over the O45/1.8. I think I would likely be happy with the O251.8 if I could have picked it up for what I pains for the Pany version.

I am planning on going out on Wednesday and doing some street shooting (albeit it’s not the best weather for it), if I can i’ll try and get some shots posted so you can see how it fairs.

Not used the Panny 25 1.7 So would be interested to see what you think real world shooting.

Well I got out today with the Panasonic 25/1.7, the weather still wasn’t great and it’s January and we don’t have any snow except in the mountains - which is unusual. So what I had hoped to shoot I knew was not going to look good so I tried the lens in situations where I normally wouldn’t use that lens - architecture and landscapes. Nothing I shot was remarkable or Pulitzer worthy by any means but here’s my initial observations:

• It made me appreciate having a good zoom lenses. Some of the shots I took I wanted to be either wider or closer and I couldn’t always move to get the shot just right (not all all, just a few).
• Optically, the lens is great - even on an Olympus body; the issues I read about (vignetting, CAs out are the edge under f/2) were not really as big of issues especially with the JPEGs I was shooting today. Vignetting wasn’t really noticeable, CAs were a
• Sharpness is great wide open, out to the edges. F/2.8 and beyond is amazingly good.
• AF is dead silent and super quick in S-AF mode.
• Build quality is good, there’s no slop or play in the lens and it mounts firmly to the camera.
• Size balances perfect on the PEN-F and would be equally good on several of the smaller bodies too.
• Large MF ring is easy to move because of its size which means if you use the S-AF+MF on the Olympus you will inadvertently turn the ring and the Focus Peaking will engage. This is about the only potential con I can come up with at the moment. I haven’t tested for flare or other issues, but for $150 I don’t think I’m going to care if there a little bit anyway. In situations like that I’ll likely be using my PL12-60 anyway.

Sounds like great bang for buck as it’s a lot cheaper than the Oly 25 1.8.

Thanks for the feedback.

but for $150 it’s a nice addition to my Pen-F and will open up more shooting possibilities. Years ago I had a 35/1.8 on my D40 and it lived on that camera - more than my other two lenses combined.

Just a thought.

--
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