One prime only, which one?

[tomhongkong]

Thanks. That's great suggestion. Actually the using off camera flash is another field I am afraid of. It looks "too professional" and also it's hard to use. Definitely I will try it.

Off camera flash is not difficult, I am just not sure of how it works with your gear. It opens the door to much better lighting possibilities when the 'natural' indoor light will not cooperate. It's fun, but not always ideal for ad hoc family situational shots as it needs setting up (positioning the flash unit(s)

I reiterate, buying just one prime, in the hope that it will improve your indoor shots is just not the way to go. If you are after ultimate IQ, and have a specific shooting situation in mind it could work. If you want to cover a range of possibilities you will need a range of primes, then you can become a pain to your family, always asking them to wait while you change lenses. Even then, if the light is low, so is contrast, and you may be disappointed with the results you get unless your subject is adequately lit.

Based on what you say a quality zoom could be the way to go (Olympus 12-40 or Panasonic 12-35, both f2.8) and watch the lighting

tom

 

[RedDog Steve]

I have searched the forum and internet and read many posters, I am still undecided yet. Here is my situation: I have zuiko 12-60 + 50-200 swd, plus em1. I never used prime lens before, I was scared about the fixed focal length, and I might not really need one. However, I was recently allured by the prime and I want to buy (only) one prime. It might be stay on em1 for most of time, for low light, for indoor, for family and friend gathering, and etc.

I asked this question in Four Thirds forum, and people recommended oly 17mm and pana leica 15mm (thanks). I read about oly 25mm f1.8, pl 25mm f1.4 (I cannot afford the oly 25mm f1.2, and oly 12mm maybe too wide.)

P 14mm f/2.5 if you want cheap, small and light.
PL 15mm f/1.7 if you want good and fast.

I have both and the 15mm lives on my camera in the bag.

I also have the 12mm and I don't think it's "too wide", sometimes wider is better in social situations.

 

[tb06mar]

Hello everybody

I am truly moved by so many answers, explanations, suggestions by experienced and professional people. I am reading in detail from each of your reply, of course learning as well. I am sorry I could not answer your reply one by one. I am leaning pl 15mm or oly 17mm. I am hoping some good deal will come in Christmas. I will report back when I have a new toy. Thanks again.

 

[jeffharris]

I have not read all of the posts in this thread, but I do agree with those who suggest deciding what focal length you use most often before investing in a prime. Some people prefer one of 12, 14, 15, 20, and 25mm Some even walk around with 45mm lenses.

I carry a 17.5mm and 42.5mm together, regularly.

So decide partly based on what you shoot.

Having said that, the classic m4/3rds prime has been the Panasonic 20mm. It is small, light, sharp, and not too expensive. Some do not like its focusing speed, but in ordinary use I have never had a problem.

I have a 20mm. The focus speed is fine. On newer M4.3 bodies even in very low light it focuses okay. BUT, I rarely use it. It's kind of an in-between, uninspiring field of view. I prefer a bit wider. If autofocus is a must, the 15mm is the way to go.