The µ43 thread - welcome to the really dark side

footman said:
I've decided I'm in the market for an Olympus 17mm f1.8 also, I'd like it to be a bit wider though but can only buy what they make:)
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There's always the Panny 14. Very sharp, tiny and super cheap but you do lose a stop.

The 20mm is optical magic but the manual focus is horrible and it bands at high iso on the em5. Dunno if that's still an issue with the mk2.
 
Minstadave said:
The Panasonic 42.5mm f1.7 would give you what you're looking for - focal length, faster aperture, close minimal focal distance - 30cm (not quite as close as the 12-40 but much better than the Olympus 45mm which is 50cm).
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Thanks.
I had missed this one. Saw the Nocticron version, but price was a bit steep!

I have both the Oly 45mm and the 60mm, but as pointed out the Oly has quite a long minimum focus distance and the 60mm I find a bit too long for general shots.
 
Trying to get into photography a bit more - I've got an old Olympus EPL-1 and the kit lens. Looking to upgrade the glass but get the most for my money, and have a few queries:-

Even at f3.5, I find it difficult to keep the shutter speed high and ISO low in outdoor daytime conditions. Will this be the case at F3.5 irrespective of the lens I use (ie, is the issue one with the body rather than lens)?

I live in the city and I like to do both architecture and landscape shots. I'd also like something capable of better indoor shooting. Would that make 2 good, affordable options the Panasonic 25mm f1.7 & the Oly 40-150mm f4.0-5.6?

Would there be any compatibility issues (CA or autofocus issues) using the Panasonic lens on an Olympus body?

Thanks in advance!
 
F3.5 is the same amount of light (largely) on every lens on the same body - though it's usually ok in daylight outdoor scenes.

Both architecture and landscape usually benefit from wideangle lenses - 25mm is a little tight. Personally I'd look at something below 20mm or even one of the super zooms like the Panasonic 14-140mm mkII with a prime lens for low light shots.

There's no major issues mixing lenses and bodies from the two manufacturers.
 
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At f3.5 you should be able to get a decent shutter speed for static work.
Ideally for landscape and buildings you don't want to be using a really wide aperture as you lose depth of field.
What sort of shutter speed and iso are you trying to maintain?
Upto iso400 you shouldn't see any degradation of the image and for anything below 100mm you should be able to use 1/100th second easily.
 
After some advice, I'm hoping to move into mft with the release of the Omd m1 II. I know/think I want the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro as a general lens, but not sure what else to add? What would you say are the must have mft lenses?

Previous systems I have had a cheaper zoom just for the extra reach when needed, a wide angle and a 30/35mm prime.
 
There are some "gems" must have lens in the range.

The 25mm and 45mm f1.8 are stunningly sharp and cheap.

The 75mm is jaw dropping pin sharp but a bit more pricy.

the 40-150 cheaper zooms are actually very decent esp the latest generation.

The 12mm is great but not cheap, the 9-18 is a good lens though if you cant afford the 7-14 pro.
 
Don't forget the 17mm F1.8. I bought this recently and it's very good for street photography.
On the E-M5ii body it's small enough to slip into a coat pocket and although it's only had 1 outing with me I found it sharp wide open and even at 1600 ISO was very useable.
 
I think everyone with an interest in landscape should have the 9-18. It may not be the sharpest or fastest lens in the lineup but the combo of small size, wide angle and cheap filters make it the perfect hiking lens. If you can buy it during a cashback event it's also not too expensive.
 
Thanks for the advice certainly gives me something to think about and decide what needs to be covered.

On the landscape topic, whats the widest non fish eye lens available?
 
Olympus Winter Deals cashback offers now on

Buy a lens or/and a camera and than visit Amazon.de or www.winterbonus.olympus.eu to claim back the bonus:
100 Euro off on the E-M5II at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
100 Euro off on the E-M10II at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
100 Euro off on the 9-18mm lens at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
100 Euro off on the 14-150mm lens at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
100 Euro off on the 75-300mm lens at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
100 Euro off on the 60mm macro at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.
60 Euro off on the 25mm lens at Amazon.de, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es or any other EU store.

https://winterbonus.olympus.eu/customer-apply-for-promotion/?country_promotion=2&lng=en

Also free vertical grip with OMD EM1 Mark 1 which are already heavily discounted atm and can be bought for £700.

https://olympus-omd-hld7-promo.sale...ply-for-promotion/?country_promotion=2&lng=en
 
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King4aDay said:
I think everyone with an interest in landscape should have the 9-18. It may not be the sharpest or fastest lens in the lineup but the combo of small size, wide angle and cheap filters make it the perfect hiking lens. If you can buy it during a cashback event it's also not too expensive.
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I took this in Majorca with 9-18mm. Didn't have tripod or ND filter but put camera on beach chair and used iphone app, then stacked three images in lightroom. It's a lovely lens

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73603922/P9220319-HDR.jpg
 
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