Panasonic 12-35 F2.8 or Olympus 12-40 F2.8 for AF100A

[Mountain Wolf Films]

I'm am looking to purchase a fast zoom lens for my Af100a. I can't decide between the Lumix X Vario 12-35 or the Olympus 12-40. The Olympus is cheaper at $799 as opposed to $897 for the Panasonic. The Olympus also has hard stops for focus, which is an appealing feature, but it lacks IS, however, I can live without that. The one dealbreaker for the Olympus would be this: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?318437-Problem-with-AF-100-and-Olympus-Zuiko-f2-8-12-40mm

Can anyone confirm this issue with this particular lens on the AF100 or AF100A? It seems to only happen on the AF100, according to the thread and it apparently works fine on the GH2, which doesn't make much sense...

 

[Mac]

I have the Olympus and had but sold the Lumix. This is a totally subjective thing, but the Olympus has a more cine-lens look to me. It also, surprisingly, matches the Lumix 35-100 better. I don't care about IS. And I never had a problem on the AF or either of my Pockets or the JVC LS300.

Now you don't want to hear this, but I'm going to suggest something that was suggested to me over a year ago, but I waited for the dust to settle first. Get a Canon EF 24-105 along with a Metabones Speedbooster. You will then have an (about) f2.4 14-60 mm lens. I'm using this on the Pocket Cam and it's fantastic. You can also get an EF-MFT smart adapter and with one lens and two adapters you get 14-105. If you want wider, save up for a Canon 17-55, learn how to modify it for the booster (it's simple, but voids the warranty, so look for a used or one that's already been modified if you're nervous) - that gives you (about) an f1.7 10-30. So, two lenses, two adapters (you get much better IS too) - way more than I'm sure you want to spend, but look around - everyones' building for EF lenses now, so you're future-proofing your investment.

Don't get me wrong, I really like MFT (in fact I just bought a JVC so I can use mine) but the Canon stuff is a better long=term investment.

 

[jaypass]

I'll second the suggestion for the Canon 24-105 w/speedbooster. It provides a flexible range with improved low light performance, and you get IS and AF. And like Mac said, you're future proofing...who knows what Panny is going to do with the micro 4/3s format, so I've been moving away from those lenses in an effort to prepare for a move s35, either Canon or Sony.

I do have the 12-35mm Lumix, and it's a great lens, especially if you want to keep the rig smaller. Up until I got the Canon it was my goto lens for all handheld work. But I've reached a point where I'm kind of unhappy with the amount of money I've invested in m4/3s glass. You're limited on the type of cameras you can use it with, and Panasonic doesn't seem interested in moving forward with it in a non-DSLR format.