Quick advice needed PLEASE

V

valdi99

Active member
Guys,
being driven by this forum I'm going to buy GH2 tomorrow :)
I have two options:
- body only
- kit with lens 14-42mm

Is it worth buying Vario 14-42mm? I will be using GH2 mostly with my collection of good photo/legacy lenses I already own. I do a lot of wildlife pictures, but the shortest lens I have is F=30mm only, so maybe 14-42 could serve me as my widest run and gun lens..? The price difference is about 130USD. Any opinion will be highly appreciated! Thanks on advance.
 
I think the main thing you need to consider is do you need autofocus? Autofocus is the one thing you won't be able to do with legacy lenses. Also, if you're shooting wildlife, I would assume that you tend to use long lenses, in which case the 14-42 would probably not be adequate. The 14-140 would be a better choice. On the other hand, if it's just a wide lens you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the 20mm f1.7. Razor sharp and superb in low light.
 
Thanks guys for reply. That is right - big, loooong lenses is what wildlife shooters like ;) I don't need AF, I was living without it many years and would live some more, no problem. But there is no other kit lens option in my shop: only 14-42mm or body only. So no option for 20mm, neither 14-140 at the moment. And my question is simply: is it worth to spend some USD more on 14-42mm? How does kit 14-42 perform? Especially on a wide end? Well, I do some landscapes, both pictures and videos, lets say 20% of my works...
 
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I got GH1 + 14-42.

The lens is kinda weird. Based on MTF chart, its center sharpness is best at max aperture. The corner sharpness improves little as narrowing aperture. It's vari-aperture 3.5-5.9 that is kinda annoying. But it focuses fast. Super light (plastic mount). Mega OIS. Of course I wanna replace it one day. I'm just waiting for a pro m43 zoom from Panasonic. Until then gotta save money. With 14-42mm, I can wait for long time.
 
valdi99 said:
I came across nice test and I wanted to share
Click to expand...

The 14-45 is a better lens, but it is also almost 2.5x more expensive. Also the test was done with a G1, and I don't know whether the test would yield the same results with the different sensor and processing engine of the GH2. Either way, for the price I find it to be a no brainer if you have nothing else in that range.
 
I recommend the 14-42, especially if the adapters for your legacy glass are not already in your posession. Otherwise, you may end up with a superb camera body and no ability to shoot pictures with it. If you don't like the kit lens, you can sell it after your adapters arrive.
 
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