GH3 Trying to decide on best wide lens ..

awomias said:
Does the Olympus 17mm f1.8 share similar qualities as big brother 12mm f2 as far as auto focus and look? Reconsidering my Panny 14mm f2.5 purchase....
Click to expand...

It's a 35mm equivalent and it has the "MSC" designation. So, it should (in theory, I don't own it) trounce that Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 in terms of low light performance and lower levels of distortion. The Olympus lenses have the closest thing I've ever seen to Nikkor (AF-D) color rendition from a different party manufacturer I've encountered -- and that looks good and audiences respond well to it.

So -- if your goal here is a better option at a cheaper price -- yes -- the Olympus 17mm is probably a smart choice.

The real strength of that Panasonic 14mm f/2.5 is for camera motion -- stabilizers, sliders, etc.. In terms of sitting it on a tripod on a third camera in a low light reception -- I entirely expect it would be very, very mediocre.
 
awomias said:
Thanks Andrew ...and everyone! Cancelled Panny 14mm f2.5 and ordered the Oly 17mm f1.8.
Click to expand...


You cancelled a $180 lens for a $500 lens.......
I would NOT pay $500 for that Olympus lens.

I also Strongly disagree with Andrew, the Panasonic 14mm is an Excellent lens and will provide a wider + sharper image than the Olympus 17mm. I mean those focal lengths are very very different.....



I would pony up $80 more and buy the Olympus 12mm, right now an Amazing offer on Lensrental.com $580
http://www.lensrentals.com/buy/olympus/micro-4-3-olympus-12mm-f2-serial-number-abc001505
 
awomias said:
@JFR ...you are killing me!! Just ordered the Oly 12mm on Lensrental.com. THANKS!!!!
Click to expand...

At that price I would have bought it, it sells for $800 new and no less than around $700 used. Truly awesome deal you jumped on and truly considered on of the best wide angle lens for micro 4/3. Also it has high resale value, which you can actually sell for a profit if you are not happy.
Good luck and enjoy!
 
awomias said:
@JFR ...you are killing me!! Just ordered the Oly 12mm on Lensrental.com. THANKS!!!!
Click to expand...

I wish I had seen one at that price. That lens is one of the most "sought after" wides in m4/3.

You will enjoy using it.

Andrew Gupta said:
I don't know what it is with which you "Strongly disagree." Go back and read the exchange -- if your attention span permits it.
Click to expand...

This is an extremely "unhelpful" comment. Opinions are opinions, like noses we all have one (yes, I cleaned that up a bit).

Now, I have the Lumix 14mm f2.5 and have used it on Olympus cameras, the GH2, and now the GH3. I don't see any distortion from it (that's my one opinion), and even at only f2.5 mine seems to perform well in low light. Of course I have close to 45 years experience often working in low light (very often with slow film emulsions) to draw on in making it work.
 
I have both SLR Magic's & Olympus' 12mm.

The HyperPrime has it's look, but is not sharp near wide open. When both are shot at f/2 the Olympus is much sharper, & flares more conventionally. It's also substantially lighter.
 
Bern Caughey said:
The HyperPrime has it's look, but is not sharp near wide open. When both are shot at f/2 the Olympus is much sharper, & flares more conventionally. It's also substantially lighter.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info about the HyperPrime. I was considering this lens before I bought my Oly 12mm, and I sometimes wonder if I made a mistake. I guess I picked right.
 
I doubt you'll be disappointed.

But be aware that racking focus with the lens set to manual mode is not smooth. Instead leave it in autofocus mode & set the camera to manual focus.
 
The Olympus is worth every cent and there's a really sexy little lenshade for it as well - the LH-48.
You won't regret spending the extra on the 12mm, it's my most used lens by far.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top