12-35 X announced

Mike Harvey said:
I'd really like to know this as well. I'm assuming it is since it's optimized for video... but we all know what happens when you assume... :happy:
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theory only
most probably not mechanically. same as the x lenses, it probably adjusts electronically as you zoom.

checking at a japanese store online its 89,900 yen. or 1,100 usd.
ill probably wait for a gh3, 12-35 kit before i get one...

design wise i woudve prefered the front didnt extend
 
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I think this will be the default go-to must-have lens for any new AF100 buyer.

Only disappointment is that it doesn't have any provision for the power zoom capability; if it had that, it would transform the way people look at the AF100.

If you've already got enough glass, then no need to rush out and get this, but for any new user who says "looking at the AF100, what zoom should I get", this is now the default answer. Great range (great wide, not overly telephoto but okay, basically equiv. to a 24-70 on a FF), constant iris, HD optimized for silent fast autofocus, and the all-important OIS, with premium glass, premium zoom action, and strong/precise manual focus.

I will probably be selling my 14-140 to put the cash against a 12-35 and 35-100.
 
Barry_Green said:
I will probably be selling my 14-140 to put the cash against a 12-35 and 35-100.
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In daylight where ~f8 will be the usual speed anyway, that 14-140 can be hard to beat for range and convenience. I use that slow electrofidgety bugger far too much in practice to consider selling it.

As to how exactly to fund these things... well, I'll put that somewhere in the list alongside the long-overdue workstation tower, CS6, new work car, etc.
 
Hmm, tough one. I was about to spring for a second hand Oly 14-35 F2 for £1500. The Pany is a touch slower but a little bit cheaper and a little bit wider.

Decisions, decisions....
 
I have an Oly 11-22 and the adapter. I would sell that one for this. It's a pretty nice f2.8 and parfocal lens but big and clicks on zoom. Although I don't really do too much zooming except to frame. I'd like this one on the blackbird.
 
So, who's buying?

Do most of you think this new lens is reasonably priced, or overpriced?

I agree with one of the comments on the original dpreview link:

Alan Ernst said:
I don't mind paying more for a quality product, but it better be an impressive performer: superior corner to corner sharpness at all focal lengths from f2.8 - f16, minimal CA, light fall off and distortion and no vignetting when using filters and filter holders at the wide end.
The sealing must be more than just along the lens mount - some of the Lumix lenses are big dust suckers (45-200; 100-300; 14-140), so they better address this issue or it won't be worth the price!
It would also be nice, if they looked at some consistency in lens threads and had made this a 62mm instead of 58mm diameter (or same as the 35-100mm lens that is planned).
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Bucknfl said:
The 35-100 is the one that I really want to see. It would be a great lense for interviews.
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+1 I have a Canon 70-200 f4 L but no iris control. I leave it at f4 and ride the ND and ISO. A 35-100 at f2.8 and OIS would be awesome and I will be buying it.
 
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I once paid $11,000 for a 5:1 Cooke t2.8 super16 lens - used - so no, I don't think it's over priced at all. The reviews - and pre-production footage I've seen - suggest a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberration, and that is the good news. Also it's apparently very light and well constructed. I also like that the mount is native MFT. Although adapters can be okay, a good solid proprietary mount is very appealing - as of course is a constant 2.8.

It is too bad that it is one off those ugly lenses that look like a dog's member when zoomed - that makes a matte box an issue. And I wish it was 5:1 instead of 3:1, but better than nothing.

I only hope that the Panasonic folks actually speak to each other more these days, and that this lens will function correctly with the AF100. I'm pretty sure it's not par focal, that doesn't seem to be a priority with the still photographers, as such a motorized zoom would be superfluous. However, I do want the push to focus function to work as it should, that will somewhat make up for being varifocal. And I'm one of those who don't generally use auto functions, but if the auto exposure works, it can be used like an exposure meter. Additionally, supposedly the OIS is excellent, and that can be useful for someone like me who handholds most of the time. But, will it work well with the 100?

I'll let you know, I ordered one the minute I heard about it.
 
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I'll be getting one - this seems perfect for run 'n gun on the street interviews and such. I do a lot of work with a Tokina 11-16mm and a 30mm prime, so this would give a nice range that fits my style with OIS to boot! Interested to hear the first reactions of an AF100 user. Sorry if I missed it - is there a hard date when this comes out?
 
CraftyClown said:
Hmm, tough one. I was about to spring for a second hand Oly 14-35 F2 for £1500. The Pany is a touch slower but a little bit cheaper and a little bit wider.

Decisions, decisions....
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I'll be looking hard at the Lumix 14-35mm, but imagine sticking with the f/2 Olympus version.

I'm all for the Lumix's compact design, & especially the IS, but imagine I won't love the fly-by-wire focus. I've never been a fan of Panasonic's gearing where a "rapid rotation of the ring changes focus distance quickly, while slow rotation can be used for fine focusing". It makes pulls very tricky, but some Lumix lenses react better than others.

In contrast the Zuiko's focus ring is smooth, & accurate. Plus it zooms the same direction as cine lenses, something that constantly bites me when using Lumix(s).

I also love the extra speed of the Zuiko, & even if I get the X most likely I'll keep the Olympus.

On the other hand I'll pre-order the 35-100 as soon as it's announced.
 
I am very interested in buying it. I don't have automatic anything working with my lenses on the AF100. I think it would be fun to see how that works on a stabilizer. It could be pretty cool. Anyway, it'll work great on the GH2.
 
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