PRICE DROP! Olympus 12mm f2.0 now $704!!

I just like the look of the Hyperprime. It looks like it will play nicely with the Voightlander 25mm 0.95. I don't mind manual focus. I don't think I would use the auto focus anyway on the Olympus. I will use it set so that I had a deep enough DOF. I do that now with my Oly 11-22, no problemo. The Oly is sharp sharp from what I've seen but I ordered the SLRMagic Hyperprime. Now... no more lenses! (yeah, right ;))
 
Ooopsie, I see you're in the land down under. I assumed you were here. Silly me! Well glad we cleared up the focus issue.
 
Hscully, you'll be happy with your lens, still a good lens from what I've seen. If there was no Olympus, we'd all be raving and rushing for the hyperprime! LOL, Oooh, fast and wide!!! Yeeeehawwww! It really depends on what one's needs are. I want something for the steadicam and jib. I want something that'll be sharp always, without sacrificing f-stops. Few products are delivered raw, grading is required. And if one is doing narrative work, I hope the story moves enough for folk to not notice anything other than your story, except for pixel peepers obviously who notice microdots on a grain of pepper. Ideally folks say set the f-stop to 5.6 so you have deep focus. Good, but what's the point of f1.6? With the Olympus, I can have f2 and not worry about focus, deep focus, hocus pocus and run-gun-bogus. Point in case: Restaurant/wedding reception - I need all the light and the sharpest focus I can get. I have the Voigtlander, too and Olympus fits in nicely with it as it does with Nikon and Canon. Really, the only advantage of the hyperprime is the bokeh and the $204 price difference. 90% of the time, hyperprimers will find they're not using the lens at f1.6 which is not to say it's not a good lens. I remember when I first got my voigtlander and I wanted my DP to shoot wide open all the time on our first shoot, at some point we couldn't, he needed more depth of field, a problem that would have been solved were the voigtlander automatic. Its f0.95 didn't matter at this point. Anyway, all in all, the hyperprime is marvelous, especially at that price. For me I always buy where I have a 30 day return policy. Try it out, don't like it, I return it. That's B&H. Never any problems. The automatic fast lens is the selling point for me, because it almost turns my AF100 into a run and gun option. Imagine if that were a zoom!

I saw someone test out the GH2 Olympus 12mm on a Hexacopter. Just thought I'd share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N_Lmom7SVI
 
Thanks for posting this, I didn't even know about this lens and I have been looking for a wide! I do require it to be fast, as I will be using it for ENG. Will also be using it for planned, cinematic productions. I currently own the Olympus 14-54mm Zuiko II 2.8-3.5.

This is only 2mm wider (12mm VS 14mm; or 24mm VS 28mm if going by 35mm equiv) and 1 stop faster. Is it worth it for me to get this? How much wider is that 2mm, really, and will that one stop make a big difference? Finally, anyone know how the AF speed on this lens compares to my 14-54mm?

I am just wondering if I should invest in a different, wider lens where I'll see more of a difference (Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8? or a Lumix 7-14; though I don't like how slow it is for indoor work?)

Thanks for the advice! :)
 
dtzfilms said:
I remember when I first got my voigtlander and I wanted my DP to shoot wide open all the time on our first shoot, at some point we couldn't, he needed more depth of field, a problem that would have been solved were the voigtlander automatic. Its f0.95 didn't matter at this point. Anyway, all in all, the hyperprime is marvelous, especially at that price. For me I always buy where I have a 30 day return policy. Try it out, don't like it, I return it. That's B&H. Never any problems. The automatic fast lens is the selling point for me, because it almost turns my AF100 into a run and gun option. Imagine if that were a zoom!

I saw someone test out the GH2 Olympus 12mm on a Hexacopter. Just thought I'd share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N_Lmom7SVI
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I totally agree. I don't think I'll ever really be using this lens wide open. If I wanted that sort of shot, I'd go with a longer lens! It's the quick hyperfocal that makes this work for me. I want the deep focus with this one. Oh yeah, and THANKS for sharing that clip! Now I want to run out and buy a Hexacopter! :)
 
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filmguy123 said:
This is only 2mm wider (12mm VS 14mm; or 24mm VS 28mm if going by 35mm equiv) and 1 stop faster. Is it worth it for me to get this? How much wider is that 2mm, really, and will that one stop make a big difference? Finally, anyone know how the AF speed on this lens compares to my 14-54mm?

I am just wondering if I should invest in a different, wider lens where I'll see more of a difference (Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8? or a Lumix 7-14; though I don't like how slow it is for indoor work?)
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anyone on this? i have the Oly Zuiko II 14-54mm 2.8-3.5 lens
 
filmguy123 said:
Thanks for posting this, I didn't even know about this lens and I have been looking for a wide! I do require it to be fast, as I will be using it for ENG. Will also be using it for planned, cinematic productions. I currently own the Olympus 14-54mm Zuiko II 2.8-3.5.

This is only 2mm wider (12mm VS 14mm; or 24mm VS 28mm if going by 35mm equiv) and 1 stop faster. Is it worth it for me to get this? How much wider is that 2mm, really, and will that one stop make a big difference? Finally, anyone know how the AF speed on this lens compares to my 14-54mm?

I am just wondering if I should invest in a different, wider lens where I'll see more of a difference (Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8? or a Lumix 7-14; though I don't like how slow it is for indoor work?)

Thanks for the advice! :)
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If you've read this entire thread and cannot make up your mind, I fully understand. I'd say let your need dictate your purchase. Though I would advise you to drop the 7-14 entirely. Worthless indoors unless you bake your talent. What do you want more wide or fast? Really, it's up to you. Maybe stop by a rental? Rent both see which one moves the needle for you. For me it's the Olympus all the way. Light, small and useable wide open, automatic...cooks for you, washes your clothes, doesn't complain or nag.
 
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Couldn't disagree more I'm afraid. The 7-14 is a very useful lens and will be called on many more times than either of the 12mm. It's slow, sure, but it's ideal for the ENG work FilmGuy mentions he'll be doing, and he can get cinematic results from his Oly. If he's worried about the speed, then actually the SLR Magic is the better choice with it's stepless aperture. The beauty of the 7-14 is that almost everything is in focus and it gives wide, expansive shots that the 12mm can't deliver. Stop chasing shallow depth of field at the expense of editorial quality!
 
filmguy123 said:
I have been looking for a wide! I do require it to be fast, as I will be using it for ENG. Will also be using it for planned, cinematic productions. I
I am just wondering if I should invest in a different, wider lens where I'll see more of a difference (Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8? or a Lumix 7-14; though I don't like how slow it is for indoor work?)
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And there you have it. TomLenham advises you buy the wide but slow 7-14mm. The only lens here that's fast and wide and fully automatic is the Olympus. The latest firmware for the AF100 makes
the Olympus 12mm f2 a fully functioning gift. https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro...upgaf100_e.htm Besides, what are you shooting at 7-11mm f4.5 that you can't cover at 12mm f2? Are you shootign people or mountains? There's a free work around - move your feet if you want wider than 12mm, zoom in and crop in post if you must. But this again harkens back to me and I what I'd do to vary my shots in the event that I can't change lenses.

Outdoors in daylight, the 7-14mm stands in a class of its own, but it's afraid of the dark indoors and the dark night skies, a sun worshipper, lol. Your Olympus is a day-walking, night-stalking vampire that is at home indoors, outdoors, day or night. Cue evil laugh, haahahahahaha!

Like I said, rent both to form your own opinion. Tom's opinion suits
his preference as does mine mine. I'd NEVER buy a 7-14mm over an Olympus 12mm thats equally automatic and faster if I only have $700.
Apparently TomLenham will.

TomLenham said:
Stop chasing shallow depth of field at the expense of editorial quality!
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Where's this coming from, Tom? Did you happen to read it where the man said he wants fast and wide?
 
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Shooter said:
,,,,,,,
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hahahaaha!,,,,,,,, ???

"I have been looking for a wide! I do require it to be fast, as I will be using it for ENG."
Oh, I guess this means he's "chasing shallow depth of field at the expense of editiorial quality!"
Forgive me, I had no idea. I thought the man wanted lens advice. I don't see where he mentions
oh, I want shallow depth of field. That's all I'm saying.
 
Haha love this forum, thanks guys :) I should clarify - by "fast for ENG" I mean indoor weddings/events. Gotta be good lowlight, and yes fast auto is a must. The 12mm Oly will no doubt be great here.

What I am wondering is this: will I "see" the difference in a 12mm wide vs 14mm in a noticeable way - and by noticeable, I do not mean "oh look I can see slightly more off the edges", I mean "oh wow, that's a much wider wide." What I mean by cinematic is these wide angle shots you see where two people face off in a martial arts fight and the camera is wide. And in some cases, I don't mind a little distortion as it can look sexy or artistic or just cool. Yeah, maybe I want both lenses (12mm & 7-14mm), but money IS an object, so my main question is this:

- Quantatively, how big is the difference between 12mm VS 14mm (how much wider percentage? How much wider does it "feel" visually? I'm not talking about taking a step back, I know how to do that, I'm talking about aesthitic quality)?

- Is one stop faster (2.8 to 2.0) going to make a dramatic difference for me indoors?

Is it worth sinking $700 into for a 2mm wider & 1-stop faster lens? (I know that "depends" but I think you see what I'm getting at). Also, how MUCH better is the AF on this Oly vs my Zuiko II 14-54 w/AF?
 
I see you're still cross at me for revealing that you needed permission to film in a public place, DC ;) Filmguy - just go with what Shooter says, I always do!
 
What's not to love? As long as comments don't get supercilious and impertinent, I'm happy to defer to our experts. In this case, if it's this important, I'm strongly recommending you rent all three. It'll cost you $100 to rent the SLR Magic, the Olympus and the 7-14mm. Go rent them and post results. Only you can tell if what you see is what you want. http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/fou...4-3-wide/panasonic-7-14mm-f4-for-micro-4-3rds
I rented my voigtlander 25mm f0.95 there first and then decided to spend $1100 on that lens. Love it!

I'm also looking to support my filmmaking addiction with weddings and steadicam shots. This is why I opt for the Oly 12mm and why I won't use the 7-14mm indoors ever. Too dark and too wide for anything I can imagine indoors unless I'm shooting in the Library of congress or a big Library scene like the one in Seven. We already have an 11-16mm at f2.8, I think a faster 7-14mm is coming shortly. Meanwhile, if you want to stage a martial arts stand off, (as you do daily) rent the 7-14mm for $13.00.

And I'm not cross at you for enlightening me about permits, Tom. Don't be ridiculous. I'm in the process of getting permits as you advised. I just cannot stand it when more experienced people talk down to beginners or folks seeking advice. If I'm cross at anyone, which I'm not, it'd be shooter - most of his comments (to me) I find so supercilious and down-putting. Even so, I'm not cross at him, I just find it funny and ignore his barbs most of the time. Cross??? Please! I was planning to look you up in London when I landed. I've got a spy caper to shoot and was going to ask your advice. Cross?? LOL!
 
Your 14-54 is autofocus? Oh.
No question about it, you don't want the Hyperprime because it's not autofocus, and you don't want the 7-14mm indoors because it's too slow.
Then only you can answer this, an extra stop and 2mm for $700? Is it worth it for you? Rent just the Olympus and see.
I rest my case, Filmguy123. I hope this helps.
 
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@filmguy

Is one stop faster (2.8 to 2.0) going to make a dramatic difference for me indoors?
Click to expand...

The thing to know so you can decide is.

F2.0 is twice as fast as f2.8. ie. It allows you to shoot in half as much light as the f2.8. Conversely..f2.8 needs twice as much light than f2.0.

Think about it another practical way as well.

If you shoot a scene with a 500 watt light unit at f2.0..you need to use 2x 500watts (1000 watts) to shoot at f2.8 and 4x 500watts (2000 watts) to shoot at f4 and then 8x 500watts (4000 watts) to shoot at f5.6 etc etc (factor of 2 for a full, one stop increment)

As regards 12mm vs 14mm. FOV etc..

You really need to see for your self with the actual lenses as advised by others.
 
hahahaaha!,,,,,,,, ???
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These ,,,,,,,, things were there because the site needs a minimum number of characters in a post before it will post.

They were not barbs or a coded " supercilious and down-putting" message aimed at anyone.
 
Here's a 12mm vs 14mm comparison, shot on my Oly 9-18mm with a GH2. That lens has focal length markings at 11mm and 14mm, so the 12mm position is guesstimated, but should be close.

12_14.jpg
 
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