Rasseye

Hello all. I am returning to amateur photography after many years of relying on iPhone cameras.
Camera: I have decided to purchase a OM-D E-5 Mark ll. My interest is in street photography, buildings, people...
Lenses: I am looking for suggestions on good quality in a “non-pro” price range.
My thoughts are:
-Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm f1.7 ASPH. or Zuiko 25mm f1.8
-Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f1.7 or Zuiko 17mm f1.8
I’m wondering what seasoned photographers think - is starting out with these two primes somewhat redundant? Should I replace one with a good zoom? If so which one? Should I bite the bullet and get three lenses including a zoom? I’m also looking at 7artisans for a fisheye down the road.
TIA for your input.
Ross

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

I have the same camera with a Lumix 20mm 1.7, a Lumix 25mm 1.7 and Lumix 14-45mm 3.5+. I use the 20mm mostly as I find the 25mm rather too narrow for my use, the 20mm is a very small pancake lens and looks very nice with my camera. The 25mm and the 1445mm are about the same size but the 20mm and the 25mm do manage low light conditions, all three lenses produce very high-quality images. I did own the 17mm at one time, it produced very good images but was a bit too wide for me.
All the Lumix and Mzuiko lens are superb lenses you cannot go wrong with any of them, some do look better on the camera though.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I’d opt for the rokinon 7.5mm f3.5. It’s a blistering sharp lens for a fisheye. I had one for a while until I traded it for my 7-14mm F2.8.

As for the other lenses another option to consider is a Panasonic 12-32mm lens, especially if you don’t need the extra speed of an f1.8 (or faster) prime lens.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I have the same camera! Traded my Nikon gear for it, I feel recharged, and I take it everywhere! My decision was heavily influenced by a Nat Geo photographer who used one. The Olympus 25m 1.8 or 1.4 (heavier and MUCH more expensive) is going to be a better bet for this camera. According to reviews, the Panasonic doesn't get along quite as well with the Oly as it does with the Panasonic. FWIW, I also have the Olympus 14-150 II as my walk around. The II version is weather, dust, water sealed and the IQ is great. Do pick up "Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II" by Darrell Young and James Johnson published by rocky nook. Way, way better than the downloadable manual. I read it page by page and it made what initially seems like a daunting range of possibilities intuitive! Have fun with it! I know you will

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I agree with mizzee. Although the system lenses can go on either brand of camera, there may be subtleties in firmware and firmware updates. Where it is most likely to show up is where the cameras and lenses work together with stabilization.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I have the same body you purchased and love using it, especially with the Zuiko 25 mm f/1.8 and Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 primes. The are very sharp producing excellent IQ. The Zuiko lenses would have my endorsement.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

If you can, purchase an extended warranty. The chances are that the on/off switch is going to die after the OEM warranty expires. As far as lenses, the 20mm is awesome for street. When I had 1, (twice) it focused just fine on my EM1. If you get a zoom, get the 12-40 2.8 used from mu43.com or refurbished from Olympus. Razor sharp. Have fun! The EM5 mark2 is a great camera!