Lens additions - micro 4/3

[Jon D]

Of late I have lots of time to think about all the stuff I want, and after sort of organizing 21,000 photos I got to thinking about what to add to the old camera bag.

I made the decision to go Micro 4/3 rather than DSLR back in the spring for size and weight and will stay with this format. At some point I'll probably upgrade the body when a significantly better sensor is released, but all micro 4/3 bodies can use any of the lens' so I'm not locked into just one mfg.

Current set up is a Olympus Pen PL2 with two lens -

1] M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II - which is a 28 - 84 equivalent
2] M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 - which is an 80 - 300 equivalent

So with all the photographers on the site figured I'd ask for input on whether you think I have the priority and lens choices correct. I tend to mostly shoot nature / architecture / car / boat shots rather than portraits or flowers.

So go at it - all comments suggestions welcome. Of course appropriate filters, lens hoods would be added.

As it now stands I have three lens on the priority list

1] 28mm f2.0 equivalent - debate here is Olympus offers a 24mm f2.0 equivalent for 2X the money which I don't think is worth the difference.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043VE29C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0043VE29C

2] 50mm f1.4 equivalent
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P1RBL0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000P1RBL0

3] 15mm f3.5 manual focus equivalent fish-eye - again the Olympus lens is double the money for an auto focus 16mm f3.5 equivalent.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TOU804/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005TOU804

longer term I would add

4] 150 - 600mm equivalent
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00492GLFS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00492GLFS

5] possibly underwater housing if I'm cleared to dive again

Lastly other options would be

6] 90mm f1.8 equivalent
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058PL9QG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0058PL9QG

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Jon, I added these lenses to the ZHPMafia.com Amazon store (camera stuff).

http://astore.amazon.com/zhpcom-20?node=41&page=4

I'm a huge fan of the 50mm f/1.4. The "nifty fifty" is a versatile lens. Looking through my stats, I have shot more pictures with the 50mm f/1.4 than any other lens in my bag.

For landscapes, I shoot Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8. Great lens. You'll be using the 28mm f/2.0 for landscapes? What will you primarily be using that lens for?

[Jon D]

Jon, I added these lenses to the ZHPMafia.com Amazon store (camera stuff).

For landscapes, I shoot Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8. Great lens. You'll be using the 28mm f/2.0 for landscapes? What will you primarily be using that lens for?

Yes the 28 is primarily for landscapes and street scenes etc. What's also nice is it's a pancake lens so mounted the camera is not much larger than a mid size point and shoot which gives me some additional carry flexibility vs a small point and shoot/iPhone if I know I'll be somewhere where I might want better quality.

re: the 50 - agree.. need the 1.4 for depth of field flexibility..

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Sounds good, Jon. Both lenses sound as though they are good choices.

I don't use a fisheye but I appreciate the specialty use of it. Not sure how often you'll use it, though. That tends to be a critical question for me. If I won't use it that much, I'm less likely to spend a lot of money on a lens.

[UdubBadger]

I like the assortment.

[Jon D]

I don't use a fisheye but I appreciate the specialty use of it. Not sure how often you'll use it, though. That tends to be a critical question for me. If I won't use it that much, I'm less likely to spend a lot of money on a lens.

The fisheye is a really neat lens underwater. That combined with landscape. Also the manual focus lens is not real expensive. Don't think I would spend lots of money on this lens.

Jon D. Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Sounds like a good one for you, Jon. Looking forward to seeing the pictures you take.

[Jon D]

OK was looking at the wish list this week while in the hospital doing chemo.. and found this lens..


http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-7-14mm-Micro-Four-Thirds/dp/B0028Y5GKK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1F4UODN5X395H&colid=BRD0I27PQ6BX

it could replace the fisheye and 14mm pancake in the original assortment. Trade offs are two

1] 14mm pancake is f 2.5 vs zoom f4 - at this level of wide angle how big of a difference with the depth of field flexibility make??

2] it's about $300 more for the zoom... without shopping used deals..

Input.. please... I like the idea of 1 lens vs two...but not sure worth the money.. and as it turns out none of the above will work in Olympus's underwater housing designed for the camera.. so that does not factor in.

[johnrando]

Jon, just noticed this. That's a good question re:depth of field when you have such a wide angle. My guess is it's likely more about how much light can you let in with that lens vs. depth of field at those ranges. You know the trade-offs as to the flexibility of a zoom vs. the sharpness and lighting of a fixed, it's a tough choice. Didn't add much info, but let us know which way you go.

[Jon D]

Well the wife surprised me for my birthday with these two lenses that were on my wish list :)

Panasonic Leica H-X025 25mm f/1.4 DG Micro Four Thirds Lens - 50mm equivalent

Panasonic 7-14mm f/4.0 Micro Four Thirds Lens - 14-28 zoom equivalent

I'll let everyone know how I like them.. once I get out and actually take a picture or two... ;)