Upgrading to a Mirrorless camera-which Telephoto lens?? I am in the deciding process of upgrading from a GREAT Lumix DMC-FZ8 digital, and will probably buy a mirrorless Lumix G5, or...

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

I am in the deciding process of upgrading from a GREAT Lumix DMC-FZ8 digital, and will probably buy a mirrorless Lumix G5, or Lumix GF6, and a Sony NEX-3 is also a possibility. I cant justify $500-600 on a camera without a good telephoto capability. I do a lot very close-up pics to upload on various sites such as eBay , and want a very good image Telephoto lens.
I just returned a Nikon DSLR and a Macro lens....the FZ8 takes MUCH better close ups on "Auto", plus the Nikon was too heavy for my needs!

I am a semi-novice on photography, but I would greatly appreciate someone helping me by recommending a respectable telephoto lens?
My FZ8 has 12x magnification which I was pretty happy with, and would zoom out to 18x @ 3 megapixels. Something comparable or even more powerful would be great!
So, do I need a 175mm, a 200mm, or 300mm lens?? Or none of the above.

I want a very good image, and for my particular needs I cannot justify the Big Name Brand prices of $300-400 for a lens. I would highly prefer Image Stabilization, if possible.
Any suggestions??

Harry Thomas Loc: Doylestown, Pennsylvania

You may want to consider the Leica D-LUX 6. It doesn't have interchangeable lenses, however it has various telephoto coverage. It's needless to say that optical quality is not a consideration. It's not a camera that you will quickly outgrow.

achesley Loc: SW Louisiana

I've been using a Sony A-57 with a Sonysal 18/250 lens for about 9 months now. Completely satisfied with the combo.

schuchmn

According to dpreview, the FZ8 lens is the equivalent of a 36-432mm on a 35mm camera. The crop factor of m4/3 is 2x, so you'd need an 18-216mm range.

The G6 with the 14-42 is currently selling for about $600 at B&H and the GF6 is about $500. Then the 45-200mm lens is $269. That will get you the range you want and both lenses are stabilized.

BTW, when I don't want to haul all of my SLR gear around, I have a Panasonic G3 with those same two lenses and get very nice results.

Spindrift62 Loc: Dorset, England. U.K.

Schuchmn's recommendation is good, although if I were you I'd try and get the dealer to swap the 14 - 42 for the better built 14 - 45. This in my opinion is a sharper lens and has a metal mount rather than the plastic kit lens mount. The 45 - 200 is a super lens which I've used for nearly two years now and can't fault.

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

Thanks for the needed information! I really appreciate it!
Can you recommend a decent lens at a good price-it does not have to be a big brand name..... one that does not require me to mortgage my home in order to buy it??

schuchmn

Larry Hooten wrote:

Thanks for the needed information! I really appreciate it!
Can you recommend a decent lens at a good price-it does not have to be a big brand name..... one that does not require me to mortgage my home in order to buy it??

Not too many third party lenses in m4/3. Check Sigma's web site. If you need to spend less, some dealers may have G5's still on stock and then there's the used market.

But before you do that, let me ask you something. What is it about your current camera that doesn't meet your needs?

Hemi Loc: Aotearoa

I shifts from an FZ28 to SONY NEX6. The sensor is vastly better miles so even with "only" 22-210 zoom the result photo is infinitely superior.

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

Honestly speaking.......It is a really Great camera! I have put my pics beside pics taken with a Canon T3i....everyone agrees that the old FZ8 pictures are better, and they are. Just returned a Nikon 3100-terrible close ups....and yes, I used close-up lens, but could never totally focus for a crisp shop-lighting of subject was better.

My only issue is with very close pictures that we take of jewelry which we sell on eBay. The Sterling Silver looks yellow in a lot of instances recently....and a lot of potential buyers think it is gold!
I have just recently noticed this....seems like pictures were brighter in times past! Maybe the sensors???
And then the other factor is that it just might be me!!!!
And......I am not getting any younger!!!

But whatever....a brighter picture would be welcomed.

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

I am seriously looking at a Nex 5R......the 6 is just too much money. Do you know a sensibly priced retailer with a good price?? Even the 5 is too high for me....but am trying to find a deal on one! Maybe Black Friday.

schuchmn

One catch with the NEX is that the crop factor is 1.5x so a 210mm long end is about a 300mm equivalent rather than the 400 that you have now or with an m4/3 camera. That may or may not matter to you.

I think the only way you're going to spend less is by buying used as long as you go with a reputable dealer. B&H, Adorama and KEH all have good reps. I've bought used from B&H and wouldn't hesitate to use the others.

BTW, I was at PhotoPlus Expo this year and talked to a Panasonic rep. I pointed out that the G3, G5, G6 and GX7 all seemed to have the same 16mp sensor and I asked how much difference there was in image quality. The answer was, basically, "not much". So going with an older model really won't work against you.

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

Thanks! I appreciate all of your help! The more that I dig into this....the more I get confused!!

Sunwriter Loc: High Plains

Larry, what lighting are you using that gives you "yellow" results? Incandescents? That'll do it. Maybe your solution lies in how you light your subjects (and maybe a software program like PSE to correct "off" lighting. Sure would be cheaper! Check your white balance adjustment in the camera, too. That would be my first step.

schuchmn

Sunwriter wrote:

Larry, what lighting are you using that gives you "yellow" results? Incandescents? That'll do it. Maybe your solution lies in how you light your subjects (and maybe a software program like PSE to correct "off" lighting. Sure would be cheaper! Check your white balance adjustment in the camera, too. That would be my first step.

Very good point. My eye skimmed right over the part about yellow-looking jewelry. It's almost certainly a white balance problem.

FishingLarry Loc: Shreveport, LA

But I haven't changed the white balance, and I usually shoot on Auto. Occasionally I will shoot on manual and set the settings so that the photo will have a different look.

I am using 2 100w equivalent CFL "Bright White" bulbs as lighting.... approximately 3-4" inches from the subject. All the light in the room comes from CFL.
I am going to keep the camera, but I am going to buy either a Lumix G5, or a Nex 5R-if I can get a better deal on the Nex. The G5 is a lot cheaper, but I am reading some really good reviews on the Nex 5R and the 7. Any opinions on the two??

I will play with RZ8 some more to see if I can correct it. It may just be my carelessness!!
I appreciate your help. Any other ideas are more than welcomed.
Again, thanks.