5 Budget Micro Four Thirds Lenses - Why These Are STILL My Favourites?
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#5 2:06 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6 R
#4 3:15 Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH
#3 4:04 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
#2 4:40 Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH II
Honorable Mentions
- 7:04 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S.
- 7:45 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 Mega O.I.S. ASPH
- 8:46 Sigma 60mm F2.8 EX DN Art
#1.1 9:53 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8
#1.2 10:43 Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER O.I.S.
Thank you!
Like you, I was a FF Canon user for many years. I could use their bodies without having to think about what I was doing and the L 24-105 coped with 99% of my needs. I also used a Fujifilm X-E1 with the kit 16-55. After a heart attack I found the Canon too heavy and bought a G9 and added a GX9 and had a whole range of lenses as time went by.
I loved the Olympus 12mm and 17mm - tiny yet solid in terms of build and performance making it easy to carry about a GX9 with quality optics attached. The Lumix 25mm f1.7 has to be the best value for money lens money can buy - stellar performance.
I had the kit 12-60 which gave great results, but I found it a little slow so changed that for the Olympus 12-40. The constant f2.8 was handy and the manual focus clutch was terrific to use. Having used the kit 12-60 though, I found the 40mm length a bit restrictive so ended up buying the Leica 12-60 which I still think is one of the best lenses I have ever used.
A friend had the Olympus 40-150 with 2x extender. I used that a number of times. There are very few lenses that could compete with that. Yes, it’s expensive, but what a lens…!
If any lens can extol the virtues of MFT it is the ridiculously cheap Olympus 70-300. OK, it is slow and made out of cheap plastics - but the results are truly incredible. If anyone ever needed proof that cheap lenses are capable of fabulous results just try that lens. It is so light and small that it can be carried in a jacket pocket - 600mm in FF terms!!!!
I mentioned I had also owned a Fujifilm body. On looking back over my shots I found more and more that the best shots were taken with that X-E1 and the kit lens. I put that down to the fact I just enjoyed the Fujifilm ‘feel’. Cameras are a very personal thing. They are like motorbikes - you either gel with them or you don’t. I ended up switching my MFT for Fujifilm - not because MFT did not perform - it really does and anyone who claims it is ‘not as good as FF’ is missing the point. MFT is a truly excellent system the capabilities of which far exceed my abilities. The lenses are incredible and even the cheapest of them can produce amazing images.
At the moment I use Fujifilm with 4 lenses including their Red Badge lenses. I don’t use Fujifilm because it is ‘better’ but because I find their system very tactile and more like the old film cameras I grew up with. I just enjoy using them. I have some expensive lenses which are built like tanks - I enjoy using them. I am now sufficiently recovered from my heart attack to be able to carry a little more weight. I should add that I have also used really cheap Fujifilm lenses such as their 50-230 which, just like the Olympus 70-300, can produce wonderful images. It’s not what you use but how you use it.
As you point out, MFT has a whole range of tiny, inexpensive lenses that are incredible performers. I just fail to understand why so many people knock the system.
I have x-t3 love it its not as comfortable in hand as my em1 is
I would shoot fuji only if they would fix there supper control panel
The 12-60 is what I love to take when my family has no patience for me to bring my camera bag. I can always get lovely images with this kit lens.
My 5 favorite lenses are the Pana 12-32 and 45-150 for the obvious reason that these 2 lenses cover everything from 24mm to 300mm in full frame terms. Then I love, love, love my PanaLeica 15mm f1.7. I also have the Pana 25mm f1.7 because why not? Its fast and cheap and a great focal distance to have. Finally, I'd say the Panasonic 42.5 f1.7 completes the list. It's a wonderful portrait lens with amazing bokeh.
My 5 are: 1.) 12-100-f4.0 Pro. Best travel and all -around lens available. Sharp as anything. On my OM1 MkIII 80% of the time 2.) 8-25-f4.0 Pro. Perfect compliment to the 12-100, and sharp throughout the whole frame. 3.) 100-400 f5.0-6.3 Olympus. Extremely sharp for when I'm shooting wildlife. I had the Pana 100-300mm, but it was too soft at 300mm. 4.) Leica 15mm - f1.7. perfect low light prime. Not wide, not long. A great compromise length 5.) 60mm f2.8 Macro. Seconds as a good portrait lens, and gives fantastic close ups. If I were to add a 6th lens, it would be the 75mm f1.8 Olympus. Sharpest lens I own, and perfect for head type, or single person portraits.
Excellent video Brian. I really appreciate you giving a rundown of all these lenses. I own most of them and they all get used. The best thing about the lenses you mentioned is that they are all reasonably priced and within the reach of most people's budgets. Not everyone can't afford the high dollar pro lenses and these are all fantastic alternatives that perform well and are fun to use. Keep up the good work! :-)
Great video Brian, I managed to get my lenses down to 4 now, my favourite is the 12-45 olympus f4, it's not quite fast enough to cover indoors (hence owning a couple of primes) but it's so sharp and well built.
My fav lens is the Olympus Macro 60mm 2.8. The close up shots you can get with this is insane.
Mine too
Brian, I own some of the lenses you shared. And I do like the ones that I own. But I think my current favorite or the lenses I own is the Lumix 14-140mm F3.5-5.6. My copy of it is so sharp and the focal range covers such a useful gambit. That said, I have my eye on the Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0. That range seems like it might be nearly as useful but also a bit faster in low light situations. Anyway, thanks for the videos!
Thanks for sharing!
Great list of lenses. The only one I’d probably add is the Panasonic 20mm f1.7. The autofocus can be a bit slow, but it’s tiny and takes some eye searingly sharp images with beautiful bokeh. Can be fairly cheap second hand too. I keep mine almost permanently on my pen mini E-PM2 which makes it a pocket rocket
My E-PL7 has the PZ14-42 practically glued to it. The 20mm is quite an old design and can be slow if the camera lacks DFD but the E-PL7 is quite sophisticated for a tiddler and manages it well. The E-PL7 pockets but looks silly with a big lens on it, nor does it balance well in the hand then.. The smallest long zoom is the PZ45-175, sibling to the PZ14-42., it can sit in the palm of your hand and does not trombone.
Absolutely
I agree. The LUMIX 20mm f/1.7 is my go to lens other than the LUMIX 14-45mm.
@@19interceptor72 Yes. I do have the 14-42 kit lens that came on the G5, and it is on the G5 now. I believe the 14-45 is older? They're actually pretty good lenses. I actually prefer the PZ14-42, not because the glass is any better but because it is a small pancake and suits the tiny E-PL7. I do not think I have tried the 14-42 on the G9, it has received the 12-35. Although I do have a 7-14 I rarely go wider than 14mm.
I had (still have) a Lumix FZ200 bridge, ridiculously long Leica f/2.8. So to see if I liked the MFT format I got an E-PL1 with the diabolical 14-42EZ, That got sold and I bought the G5 when they were new. I've been collecting MFT lenses for quite a while.
@@jeffslade1892 You’re right, the 14-45 IS an older lens. But I prefer the Japan optics more than the newer counterparts - though that’s much of a psychological thing haha. I got a LUMIX GX1 that the lens came with though I have the LUMIX 20mm on it to keep that a compact setup for street and vacation photography.
The 14-45mm is on use with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 along with the 40-150mm for those wildlife photography on occasion. So far, I’m loving this combo. I contemplated the 14-42 EZ but was concerned that it would hurt with the battery life due to electronic zoom.
Really useful Brian - thanks. I take the majority of my shots on the 12-60 Lumix lens which works really well with my Oly EM10 & EM5. Have the Oly 25 & 45mm primes and the 40-150 kit, a great selection.
Nice to see some love for the 12-32mm. Totally embodies the spirit of m43 and can do so much. Including fit into a large pocket while still mounted to a small body!
Great video! had the Olympus 40-150, Olympus 45mm and Lumix 14mm. They were good lenses I used in the past. The wind was not a problem!
Great stuff Brian. Stay well my man. God bless.
Great video Brian! I love the way you review quality yet reasonably priced gear. I've used most of these lenses and for most daytime landscape images they are all on par with some of the most expensive full frame lenses. I should know as I use the Sony system alongside my M43 kit. One of my Sony G Master lenses cost twice as much as ALL of these lenses put together and unless you are taking pictures of a black dog running in the dark, I can't tell the difference!!
When I use my M43 kit I nearly always keep the Sigma 60mm 2.8 attached even though it limits what I can do. It is extremely sharp from wide open and it produces very pleasing colour and contrast. I also find that it matches my view of the world - even though it is 120mm equivalent - and this means that I feel very comfortable in using it.
Great video! My favourites are the Oly 45 f1.8 and the Pana 12-32 f/3.5-5.6. I also like the Samyang 7.5mm f3.5 fisheye.
You really caught my attention when you mentioned MPB. I always buy all my used equipment from them in the U.S. Great review of the many MFT lenses
Each and every pick I agree with, as well as why you like them. I don't spend a lot on lenses, but that doesn't mean I want crap lenses either. Every lens you've mentioned I have tried, or own, and they've always delivered quality beyond what I could ever possibly need. Thanks for this.
The Lumix 12 - 60 mm is the one I use more from my set of lenses. Despite its certain lack of luminosity, I even use it when taking photographs of jazz concerts, due to its comprehensive range of focal lengths in just one lens: it lets me capture both general views of the bands and individual portraits of each of the musicians with good results in both cases.
My favourite lens and pretty much the reason I got into M43: Panasonnic 20mm f/1.7
Great choices Brian. The primes for micro four thirds are stellar performers, and I've owned many of them over the years, but I've come to realise I'm more of a zoom lens guy. My go-to that I use for 90% of all my images is the LUMIX 12-35mm f2.8. Outstanding lens. I also have the LUMIX 45-150mm f4/5.6 I use the other 10% of the time. Next lens on my wishlist - 60mm macro.
Having recently entered the Micro Four Thirds arena, I've already bought and number of lenses and bodies and have honed them down to a couple Olympus bodies and a few lenses. Of course, as a traveler, hiker, bicyclist, and generally want to carry a camera at all times, I like the Olympus 12-40 f/2.8. But when I travel, I bring several more lenses. I do like to explore places in the morning and evening which include pre-dawn and post-dusk so, then, I will carry just one body with the Olympus 17mm f/1.8. Having been shooting since the mid-'70s, a 35mm prime on full-frame cameras seem natural so its equivalent in MFT feels right for walking around in low-light. Thanks for the video!
I'm lookin at the possibility of one of these. It would have been perfect for the photography I was doing last weekend .
Nice video! I'm a beginner and I only have my two kit lenses, the 14-42mm 3.5-5.6 EZ and the 50-140 4.0-5.6 R, this cheap combo is just perfect when you want to go light!
Totally agree, great set of lenses
The 60mm 2.8 Sigma was my first prime lense and I still love it so much. It feels great on my Olympus and I really live the colors that come out of it
Very helpful. I'm getting into MFT at the mo. thanks for the info.
I think my most favourite lens is the PL 15mm f1.7, which is permanently attached to my Olympus om-d em10 mark ii, a great little combination for general purpose photography. Nice video!
Interesting. I have the 17/1.8 on my EM10ii. The 45/1.8 is also great. 15mm sounds good. 30mm eqivalent in full frame 35mm film.
Thanks Brian! Good to see you and to hear your common-sense thoughts on lenses. I agree that favorite lenses might not necessarily be the best. You deserve an award for filming in that gale - with everything that is happening in the UK Parliament at the moment it was good to see someone put a dead cat to something useful!! 😉
I picked up an EM1 mark I for very little money. Really a terrific camera. Wonderful evf and once you set up the camera it’s dead simple to use. I have the 14mm 2.5 and the original 14-42mm kit lens. I’ll add a couple of other primes soon. I almost always buy used. Lots of great value in used lenses for this system.
Great video--thanks!!!!
I'm glad that you are back again ... safe and sound as it seems. Thank you. I had to smile a bit at your list, because you emphasized what was my motivation when I entered into the Olympus M43 world: Size, compactness, good quality. I can subscribe to most of your choices myself. But for a number of years, my travel kit revolved around an Olympus Pen E-P3, then E-P5 with small prime lenses. Can't be beat for that purpose. For myself, I am not fully convinced by today's trend in M43 towards the larger Pro lenses on the larger bodies, although I see the appeal for certain types of photography which I don't engage in (wildlife, anybody?), and I don't engage in video, either. I still prefer light & mobile & agile photography. Thanks for your quick list.
Yh… combo that i need for most jobs is GH5S and PL 10-25 - as huge as sony ff body and lens . Not cheap!
I don't know why but i really do enjoy watching your videos, so continue :)
I've finally found someone that talks sense, loved your video. I have locked myself into a Panasonic G7 MFT camera and have accumulated four lenses. I thought about selling it all and going back to a nikon APS-C camera system but l really like the lightweight for travel. If anything l think l may upgrade the body to a G9. Incidentally my favourite lens is the Lumix 14-140.
Loved you channel, and your sensible outlook.
Thanks Brian, I enjoyed that. I’ve decided to buy some used Olympus kit, having sold all mine a few years ago. I do miss it. I’m probably going for a M10 mkiii and lumix 12-60 should cover my needs.
Great list, thanks!
No problem!
Excellent video thanks. I have all of these lenses except the 100-300mm and I fully agree with your assessment of all of these lenses which all punch well above their size, weight and especially cost . The Lumix 12-60mm is a lens that, like you, I always have attached to my PEN-F. The 60mm Sigma is a lovely lens, very, very sharp. The 14mm is a nice tiny lens to have as it's so tiny and light. I have the 40-150mm and use it occasionally as I usually shoot with wider focal lengths. The 17mm is a beautiful lens and a great walk about lens, very sharp and the build quality is first class.The 12-32mm is an absolute gem of a little lens and a firm favorite of mine. All of these lenses are great value and well worth the asking price and, if one can get a good quality used example, even better value!. :) Kind regards, Leigh
Without question my favorite lens is the M.Zuiko Olympus 12-100 f/4.. absolutely superb in every aspect!
What’s the price on that one
I love to see the Olympus 17mm 1.8 as your top lens. It is a really special lens. Another favorite of mine is the Panasonic Leica 25mm f1.4.
It's always hard to choose, but the Olympus Pro 12-45 F4 is now my go to lens; useful range, very sharp, light/unobtrusive and weather sealed, but a bit expensive.
For more serious work and versatility, the Olympus 12-100 F4 is a superb workhorse, though rather bulky and heavy for MFT. For similar versatility and more casual photography in a more convenient package, I'll take the Panasonic 14-140mm F3.5-5.6.
My favourite prime lens is the (silver) Olympus 17mm F1.8, not just for its small size and purpose, but also for its handsome nostalgic look.
Appreciate your common sense approach to lens choices.
One of my absolute favourites is the Lumix 35-100 f4-5.6. Ridiculously compact, even at 100mm and sharp as a pin across the range. I managed to get it for £120 new a couple of years back and as a budget medium telephoto I don't think it can be beaten.
Really interesting thank you. I’ve got the little 12-32 but I’m looking for prime lens but that last zoom in your no1 looks very interesting
Glad to see videos from you again - unpretentious tailored to my taste ;-)
12-40mm f: 2.8 is what I use 90% of the time. I have the old 7-14mm f: 4.0 from the time when I had an e-3 (before the micro-time), but it is not used very much. In addition, 75-300mm which is largely not used.
I'm looking forward to being able to afford to buy the new 8-25mm f: 4.0 - it's going to replace 7-14 and 12-40.
When the next 40-150mm comes, it will probably be an f: 4.0 and thus a lot lighter than the current one - then the 75-300 will be gone too.
You make a great point that bears repeating: you can Felix with affordable lenses because you're not worrying about damage. Take these lenses with you on a hike, a paddle, a walk in the rain (with an umbrella or plastic bag --- there's a topic for you, keeping camera and lens safe in wet/humid conditions). My favorite lens is the Lumix 14-42mm power zoom on my GX850 (800). Turn the camera on an it's ready to shoot!
Great video! One of my favourites is the Zuiko 20mm, I love the 20mm focal length as a standard lens as it gives a very natural perspective with a slightly wider field of view. I love the 17mm and 20mm MFT focal lengths and consider them ideal general purpose lenses. The 20mm is a pro lens so is a bit more expensive, but it's not that expensive for a pro lens, it's reasonably compact, has the beautiful build of a pro lens (but not the clutch manual focus arrangement) and superb performance. It's a great lens I'd recommend to anybody.
Excellent video. Some of your choices are on my favourites list too, the 17mm f/1.8, the 45mm f/1.8 and the 40-150mm. My list is completed by the 9-18mm f/4-5.6 and the 25mm f/1.8, ALL olympus, and all amazing quality. Also, as you say, SO lightweight!
9-18 image quality is really not that great. 40-150 is a gem
@@frankluo230 9-18mm is such a great coverage lens. 18-36 equivalent.
What do you think is best for that range if the Olympus is not that great. 🤷🏻♀️
The Olympus 17mm 1.8 is not versatile enough. I have the Panasonic 20mm already.
Great informative video. I just bought some MFT cameras ( GM1 & GM5 ) and lenses for them including 2 of the your favs ( 25mm & 12-60mm ). I'm still learning what settings to use. I will check out your other videos, thanks.
Thanks for sharing
I use Olympus cameras, and I could sit here and write a book about my favorite lenses. There's my favorite high price, high quality, pro level lenses, and then there's my favorite inexpensive, good quality, light weight lenses. In the light weight lens category, one of my absolute favorites is the Lumix 45-175mm f/4-5.6 PZ. That lens produces razor sharp detail and weighs a whopping 7.4 oz. (210 g), is only 3.5 in. long and has internal zoom. It lives in my lightweight kit bag that includes the Pen-F, the Oly 12-50mm, the Pany 45-175mm, the Oly 25mm f1.8, and the Oly 9mm f/8 Bodycap Fisheye. The entire kit, with bag and spare batteries weighs 4.5 lbs. and gives me a FF equivalent focal range of 18 - 350mm, with fisheye and macro capabilities -- and very good optical quality.
I have to agree on the Lumix 12 - 60. It's a fantastic and very underated lens.
Great Video
My favorite (or most used) lenses are the Lumix 14mm f2.5 and 20mm f1.7, and also the Laowa 7.5mm f2. As zoom lens I use the Olympus 12-45 f4. I've had the Olympus 17 and 25mm f1.8 and changed it at mpb for the Sigma 56mm f1.4. In the range from 17-25mm there were 3 lenses and I like the angle of view of the 20mm the most, so the other two had to go.
I am using most of the lenses you presented. While traveling I am using my Pana 14-140 mm f3.5-5.6, Pana 7-14 mm f4 and PanaLeica 15mm f1.7. My other lenses are used for special reasons. For portraits I am using the Pana 45mm f2.8 MacroLense which has the double image stabilization (with my GX8), as well as the Pana 14-140mm. The Pana 100 - 300 mm is very good at the low end (100mm), but difficult to handle at the high end (300mm). You need very clean air, no dust and a tripod. Even the shutter shock and light vibrations can cause a blur. Therefore it needs some practice to use this lens properly to achieve perfect results.
The Olympus 25mm f/1.8 is my go to normal lens but I've recently looked at the results of the M.Zuiko 25 f/1.2 and I was impressed, but for the price I'll probably hang with the f/1.8 or for a cheap thrill pickup the PL 25 mm f/1.4
I really love my Olympus 40-150 and also the 45mm The Lunix 25mm is simply a fine lens and I really like to use the standard lenses, much of a nifty-fifty type here. For my sammler cams I came appreciate the Olympus 14-42 pancake which came as kit lens with many as I've been told but I got it quite recently and it did a great job on my Olympus EP-3 during our vacations. My first MFT lens was a Sigma 19mm Art lens which I got for my E-PL1 (my first MFT camera).
sammler = smaller
You earned a sub nice video
Thank you
Olympus 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 is a very underrated lens! Comes alive in video.
I have owned at one time or another most of those lenses. But for myself in my photography, I’ve decided that I carry only these telephoto lenses. The 7-18 f4, 12-35 f2.8, 35-100 f2.8. My primes 42.5 f1.7, 25 f1.4, Nikon Nikkor 50 f1.2
Thanks for sharing you experience with these lenses! Panasonic 35-100 f4-5.6 is another great lens that is often overlooked. Super small telephoto. Not crispy sharp though, especially on long end.
Panasonic 35-100 f4-5.6 is also one of my favorite zoom lens by far, tiny, nice range, not the sharpest by fair enough for it's price. The only problem might be dusts are easily get caught in its body.
Good choices. The 14-150mm Oly is by far my faviourite and is almost welded to my camera, light and jack of all trades. The Oly 17mm and 45mm both make my camera into a delight for handling and they both take fantastic photos but are limited in use for me. I'm glad I have them but rarely use them. The 12-60 Pana f2.8 is my second choice lens.
Always following you mate
Thank you
Nice liste if lenses from my side I found that 7artisans lenses is the choice that suits my budget
nice choices
Couple of crackers that you didn't mention are both Panasonic - 20mm f1.7 and the 14-140mm f3.5 - this latter is almost permanently attached to my G90 whilst the 20mm stays on my GX7. What a combination! For Olympus I love the 9-18mm f4 - not the quickest but even I can get some really satisfying results with it.
Lots of people are suggesting the 20mm lumix and I concur, it’s a great little lens. However, there are several excellent primes in that ‘medium/wide range. If I didn’t have the 17mm I may have considered the 20. But there is too little difference (for me) between the 14, 15, 17, 20 & 25 so a choice had to be made.
I don’t think any of them are bad, in fact they all are verging on excellent. So no argument against the 20, it just doesn’t fit in my needs
I got the 5th place lens for dog photography, 4th because it's small and light, I'm looking for the 3rd as a good secondhand. I got the 2nd runner up on my Panasonic GM-1 and my favorite is my Olympus 12-45 f4 pro, light for what it is and weather sealed.
My favorite 5 or so😎MFT lenses are all Olympus: 8mm f1.8 pro, 12mm f2, 12-40mm f2.8 pro, 14-150mm f4-5.6, 17 f1.8, 25mm f1.8, 45mm f1.8, 60mm f2.8 macro, and 75mm f1.8. They are my favorites mostly because they are the lenses that I happen to own. Each has their niche so rating them is like comparing apples and oranges.
I traded my compact digital cameras for a Lumix GX7, and I'm in the process of trading my Nikon D7100 for a Lumix G85. I'm strictly amateur and I figure I'm more likely to take a lighter system out. A camera is not much good when it's at home. I was happy to see the Panasonic 12-60 F3.5-5.6 as your #1 pick, since I have that one. I'd like the Olympus 17mm F1.8, but it's a bit out of budget. I ordered the Panasonic 20mm F1.7 instead. I've also ordered the Panasonic 14mm F2.5, so I'm happy to see that on your list.
I use the 60/2.8 for portrait shots. It doesn't know that it can also be stopped down :-) 99% of the time I have it set to 2.8, because the sharpness is still sufficient for the GH3 and G5, but the background blur is quite nice.
A tip is the 50mm lens of the pentax110 system. You should only rebuild the adapter, most have a bad bayonet and are translucent. I mounted the original bayonet of the 110 and adjusted the lenses to infinity (you have to loosen a screw and then set the lens to infinity).
Another great value lens is the lumix g 42.5mm f1.7. It’s light, not expensive, very fast for low light and has inbuilt OIS which is a lifesaver when I’m shooting video with a body without stabilisation. I do add a variable nd just to be able to film in bright light, but it has a useful focal reach to get close to a subject.
I’ve never used it but other reviews rate it better than my wonderful little 45mm 1.8 Olympus…so it must be great
I am like you. It is now just over 12 months since I sold most of my Canon pro gear and invested in MFT. Have loved the change. However I can't agree with your favorites. My #1= is the 16, 30, and 56mm f1.4 Sigmas in MFT mount. #2= is the Lumix 12-35 and 35-100mm f2.8's. That is my top 5. Special mentions are the Leica 42.5 f1.2 Nocticron, Leica 12mm f1.4, Laowa 7.5mm f2, and two Olympus lenses - the 60mm f2.8 macro, and the 100-400 f5-6.3 with both teleconverters. Come to think of it - the Olympus 75mm f1.8 needs to get a look in there too.
The 40-150 came in an OMD EM10 mark ii kit. I don't use it often enough then!
Sigma 56mm and 30mm f1.4 make a great prime pairing. Also the Panasonic 14-45mm. Torn between the Panny 20mm f1.7 and Olympus 40-150 f4 next but likely to end up with both at some point!
I have full frame cameras and even a x100v, but m43 is always where I come back. I realize that's its about these Prime lens, which I really love, have outstanding optical quality compared to what you average in the FF and in the APSC world, are tiny, weight nothing, are REALLY cheap and don't box you into a brand system.
I decided after 2 years to sell my x100v which sees no use and keep both my GX9 and my Pen-F which I always go to when I'm up for a walk.
I have a lot of lenses, but my favourite one, for its flexibility is probably the Olympus 25mm f1.8, which I got used, damaged (it was a scam on e-bay) on the front lens, but I love it so much that I sent it for repair and paid for it and never regret how much it ended costing me.
I would also recommend the Olympus 9mm 1:8.0 Fisheye body cap lens. It doesn't have the best image quality and it is a little weird to use, but it is quite cheap about 80 EUR and small enough to have it in your bag all the time.
Great set of lenses.
My personal top 5 lenses are:
5. Opteka 650-1300mm manual telezoom. Great lens at low price. It is rather heavy with 2kg of weight.
4. Olympus zuiko 14-45mm. Great lens at low price.
3. Olympus zuiko 40-150mm. Feels plasticish but great lens. Again a low priced lens with good image quality.
2. Olympus m.zuiko 14-150mm. Great allrounder for a reasonable low price.
1. Olympus m.zuiko 100-400mm.
Best telezoom I ever bought.great performance and great image quality. Lens is and still light and reasonable priced.
Similar tastes . I came over from large Canon full frames and L lenses to Olympus mft. Now EM1 mkiii and selection of lenses . Pro results and light weight and advantages . That Sigma 60 mm is amazing , but it got traded towards my Oly 70 mm f1.8.
As inverted snobbery goes ... the panasonic 45-150 is my favourite walkabout ... an absolute beaut.
It's not cheap, but I usually bring the Pan-Leica 100-400, since it's great for birds and other wildlife. I often bring two bodies with me and oddly enough, the second 13:47 camera most often has the Laowa 4 mm with the sensor set for 2x crop so the image will fill the frame giving the image a more dramatic look.
I cannot fault that selection. I do tend to use more zooms, i do have primes.
For me it has to be the Lumix G X PZ 14-42, because it is a pancake and so small. Not the best but I use it so often I have two of them, usually sitting on a camera.
I did have the GM1 (gone) which came with the 12-32 but preferred the PZ14-42 on it for its greater reach. I also had an Oly 14-42EZ on an E-PL1 - no, clunky, whirr, avoid.
The other lens I have two of is the Lumix 20mm f/1.7. It sits between 17 and 25 and can do both jobs. If we delve into the exif it says it is a Leica.
I have other lenses but those two are tiny where size and weight are a thing. The others are bigger, better and more expensive even used.
Spot on -- great selection of MFT lenses! That 12-60mm with a GX9 is but $799. I missed the G95 deal at $699, which is now $799. Also great buys in the USA market. I will say, also on my radar is the Fujifilm XE4 with 27mm lens for $1,049. But that would be starting a whole different line up of lenses. As for FF cameras, I do have the Canon RP, which is light and compact ( sort of with the grip on ) and the 50mm lens is but 1.6" in length, so FF these days are not all giant, until you go long-out on lenses or fast lenses, then oh dear, the weight! Does the G95 feel much larger than the GX9? Which is your preference?
My list is very close to yours, the Pan 12-60 kit (on my camera most the time), a Pan 100-300, a Pan 7-14, a Sig 56 f1.4, a Pan 25 f1.7, and an olympus 60mm f2.8 macro.
I did ponder long and hard about the pan 7-14 but I really don’t use it a lot and it is very pricey and a bit ungainly with that large bulbous front element. I do like it though
To please the algorithm: My favourite lenses are the 14-140, Panaleica 25mm f/1.4 (not the first version though, that has no real weather sealing), the PL 100-400 (its stabilisation is just amazing!) although it's the 100-300 II I carry around daily for obvious reasons. I really need the 35-100 f/2.8 as well and I'm pretty sure that thing's going to end up my favourite for many scenarios. Oh and I probably shouldn't forget the Panaleica 12-60 as that's what I bring for shoots instead of the 14-140.
All fabulous lenses. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Brian. I have 4 of them.😅
Having Fun it seems. With the most seen aspects to lenses Iam there also. As for low light there might be more costly lenses are about. In general speaking nice Video and with some brilliant thoughts. Was about as to sell my MFT equipment, but then thought it over and over again. The 2 Lumix G9's will prevail, simple. Greetings from nearby Cologne Germany - Jürgen📷📸📷📸
Hello Jürgen, it’s 35 years since I last visited your beautiful city when I had a detachment to Laarbruch with the RAF. Lasting memories of that amazing cathedral. I must revisit again some day.
60mm macro lens, I shoot a lot of small stuff.
For landscapes, I still prefer TS-E 24 which I use on a Lumix S1R. I'd go with the TS-E 17, if I could easily mount filters to its face, or if my adaptor facilitated filters. This camera for its high resolution option.
For walk-around, I mostly choose any prime to stick on an OM-D E-M1 series camera.
3:15 Instead of the 1.7/25mm, I recommend the 1.7/20mm Pancake from Panasonic. It has a very slow focus, but it is a bit wider and quite small, so I can put my E-M10 with the lens in my jacket pocket. Unfortunately, it's about twice as expensive, so I bought it used.
My favorite lenses that I've shot on three different mirrorless systems are the Tokina 90mm 1:1 macro, Canon FD 80-200mm f4 L and the Canon FD 500mm f4 L. I'm moving from Sony FF to Panasonic Micro 4/3 because my eyesight isn't up to nailing fine focus with action and super shallow DOF anymore and the full range of FF lenses with AF up to 600mm is just too pricey. Thanks for your run down.
My favorit lens for my Olympus MI mark II is Olympus 12-40 mm f2,8. I only have one prime lens Lumix 25 mm f1,7. I only have second hand with is good for me. Thanks for Your information.
Good Video. Mine
20mm 45, mm 45-175mm 15 mm
Thanks - I’ve just bought myself a G3 so looking for different lenses to add to my Bag
Thank you for your support - Brian
Hi Brian. Re my previous messages. Panasonic 45-200mm f4.0-5.6 LUMIX G Vario Micro Four Thirds lens Mk1, being delivered to me tomorrow morning, so hopefully take it out for a play later.
I have the 12-60 but that’s all I have🥲 I‘d like a prime which is better in low light, I guess that would be your other no.1.
12-100mm is my current favorite
12-60mm Olympus was my favorite
My daughter wore it out.
I had the 12-40mm my daughter Barrow it 6 years ago and has made 1000s of photographs
the size of the panisonic 100-400mm is max
How about the 70-300mm Olympus
I like the Pan 7-14 f4 for video
For me it has to be the Panasonic Leica 12-60 and the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm pretty much covers what I need and if there's something like portraits I use the sigma 30mm 1.4.
Great range
If the lil' zoom had a wider aperture, I'd agree 100%.
2:08 #5 O 40-150 sharp + contrast
3:17 #4 PL 25 1.7 50eq; reason unclear
4:06 #3 O 45 1.8 crystal clear + contrast
4:41 #2 PL 40 2.5; really good; reason unclear
Honorable mentions:
7:04 PL 100-300; superb useful; reasons unclear
8:06 PL 12-32 tiny
8:53 Sigma 60 2.8 tight head shots
10:00 #1a & #1b O 17 1.8 & PL 12-60
Probably my number one . Superb b/w at 5.6
How many mounts have this much respect for the kit lenses? Kudos to both Oly and Panasonic for amazing kit lenses and quality entry level primes.
My favorite lens is 12-60 F 2.8 Zuiko, not Lumix! Ad do not forget the Laowa 6mm rectilinear, incredible!
Perhaps today add a Pan 9mm? Whoops…not an older budget lens but seems to have quite a following! Great video!
I REALLY want one. I can see so many uses for one. So yes, I agree with you