Second Best for Olympus
Jul 28, 2019 16:04:15 #
SteveG wrote:
I've recently switched to an Olympus OM-D EM5 MARK... (show quote)
I use the 14-150, 14-140, and the 12-60. Hard to prefer
one above another :-) Buy whichever you find a deal on.
As to the 12-32, I use the Zuiko 14-42 cuz it has a focus
ring. The Lumix 12-32 has no focus ring :-(
Jul 28, 2019 16:29:37 #
User ID wrote:
I use the 14-150, 14-140, and the 12-60. Hard to prefer
one above another :-) Buy whichever you find a deal on.
As to the 12-32, I use the Zuiko 14-42 cuz it has a focus
ring. The Lumix 12-32 has no focus ring :-(
one above another :-) Buy whichever you find a deal on.
As to the 12-32, I use the Zuiko 14-42 cuz it has a focus
ring. The Lumix 12-32 has no focus ring :-(
You've been given some good options.
One that hasn't been mentioned is the old flagship Olympus 4/3 12-60 which can be got used for about $100. It requires an adapter but the adapter is very cheap. I used my 12-60 as my primary lens with the m43 system (EM5 and EmM1) for several years till I ran across a well priced used m43 12-40. The 12-60 is still a terrific lens, and only slightly bigger than the 12-40 but with more reach.
Caveat: There are some bells and whistles on the Olympus current edition EM cameras that ONLY work with certain (not all) m43 Olympus lenses, so if any of those shooting features are important to you it would be well to investigate those before buying anything.
Jul 28, 2019 17:23:48 #
Jul 29, 2019 07:58:13 #
SteveG wrote:
I've recently switched to an Olympus OM-D EM5 MARK... (show quote)
Take a look at the secondhand market. I regulary purchase cameras and lenses secondhand from reputable companies such as MPB. I have also sold cameras and lenses to such companies: and as I take care of my gear anyone purchasing my old stuff would be laughing all the way to the bank. The 12- 40 f2.8 is a fabulous lens, as is the 40 - 150mm f2.8 (+/- the 1.4TC). I sold both of mine in favour of the 12 - 100mm f4 (a fantastic lens) and the 300mm f4 (which is stunning).
Jul 29, 2019 08:15:06 #
SteveG wrote:
Thanks but those are all over $500 and up. A little out of my range right now. Pains me to say that because its the everyday I REALLY want.
The 14-150 II is currently $450 new. I recommend that lens over a separate telephoto zoom just to avoid frequent lens changes.
I do not recommend legacy 4/3 lenses for two reasons; they are big and heavy (not well handled by the E-M5 models), and most will be slow to focus on the E-M5.2 because they were designed for phase detect auto focus (a feature of the E-M1 models, but not the E-M5 models).
If you really want to get wider, then I recommend the Panasonic 12-60.
If you are willing to buy used, then you can get a 12-40 for less than $500 (I got my backup version for $450). You can usually get the 40-150 for $99 on sale. And while I am not a fan of swapping lenses, the 12-40 f/2.8 and 40-150 f/4-5.6 is probably the best option.
Jul 29, 2019 08:21:34 #
SteveG
Loc: Norh Carolina
I do the same! Always buy second hand. Refurbished. Plenty of like new equipment for a huge savings!
Jul 29, 2019 08:35:48 #
Jul 29, 2019 08:53:12 #
Jul 29, 2019 09:01:17 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
I have the 14-150 II for the same camera. It is far and away the lens I use most often. It balances well with the camera, the image quality is excellent, and it can take whatever the weather throws at it. I’ve used it for street, landscapes, and even macro. It easily handled the Maid of the Mist and the hurricane deck at Niagara Falls. It was the first lens I bought to go with the camera and I’ve had it for 3 years. Can’t speak highly enough about it. The next lens I added was the 25 1.8 which is awesome for street and low light, then the 75-300 superzoom, then the 60 macro and finally the non-Pro wide angle. I use the other lenses when I know for sure what I’m shooting. BTW, the Darrel Young book on our camera is superb!
Jul 29, 2019 09:03:56 #
Jul 29, 2019 09:04:19 #
fetzler
Loc: North West PA
On my Olympus often use the Lumix 12-60mm lens (F3.5-5.6). The focal length range is quite useful and then lens focuses quite close. If you buy this lens new it is a bit expensive. As this is a kit lens offered with some Panasonic cameras you can buy used copies in pristine condition at KEH for a very reasonable price. There is a more expensive Leica vesion (F2.8) of this lens used ones are also available. I have some inexpensive Olympus and Lumix Lenses. They are quite good. The performance of the non pro version of the Olympus 40-150mm is also more than acceptable.
Jul 29, 2019 09:11:19 #
SteveG
Loc: Norh Carolina
I had the camera briefly with a Panasonic 12-32mm and the 40-150mm E and was quite happy but I dis the stupid thing and thought I was missing out on Image quality in a GAS attack and switched to a Sony a7II. Way too much to carry around and not much difference in image quality at all. Amazing considering the sensor size difference. But it is what it is! I really do want the 12-40 f2.8 if I can but I'll be almost as happy with the others. The images from that lens though are stunning!
Jul 29, 2019 09:41:22 #
In general Olympus and Panasonic lenses are of excellent quality. You cannot go wrong with the Olympus 12-40 f2.8 Pro and it can be found in excellent shape in the second hand market for around $500.
Jul 29, 2019 09:47:40 #
Jul 29, 2019 10:24:41 #
SteveG wrote:
I've recently switched to an Olympus OM-D EM5 MARK... (show quote)
Second best choices might be
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6
Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6
Both can be had for less than half the cost of the 12-40 f/2.8
For a longer zoom, check out the
Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II
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