Sharpness of Olympus 17mm f2.8 vs 25mm f2.8 - Have you used both on the E-PL1?

<p>Based on reviews I read online the 25mm is generally favored over the 17mm when it comes to IQ, I purchased the 25mm and am thrilled with the IQ except I didn't realize it needed an adapter for the E-PL1 (which I already had - it was my own fault for not researching enough). I was looking for a small footprint so there is a bit of disappointment there. I have read numerous comments statinig the IQ is good but not great with the 17mm. I am still contemplating buying this lens because of its size. If you have used both, your comments comparing the two would be appreciated.</p>

<p>I think if you look around a bit more you will find merit in the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 micro 43 lens.</p>

<p>A person on Dpreview Micro 4/3rd's Talk Forum posted a reply that stated the E-PL1 has software that corrects for the Chromatic Abberations and distortion of the 17 2.8 Pancake that greatly improves the performance of the lens. Did anyone here read this elsewhere? I ordered one anyway for the compactness and price. I owned the 25 2.8 which many people trashed. I found it to be a fine lens. I sold it when I decided to move to the Micro World.</p>

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<p>I don't really get comparing 17mm and 25mm lenses for M4/3rds cameras. The 17mm is a wide angle lens and the 25mm is a normal lens.</p>

<p>I wanted a wide angle lens and a viewfinder and got the Oly 17mm. I have an EP-1, and the low light performance is superb. I generally leave the camera set at ISO 800 and the the 17mm f/2.8 lens set at f/5.0, which appears to be its sharpest aperture.</p><div></div>

<p>My first shot with my E-PL1 and 17 2.8 Oly. My take on the 17mm is that it is razor sharp and virtually distortion free. CA not visible to my eyes. This combo is awesome!</p><div></div>

<p>Another shot which is a Panorama processed in Olympus Master 2</p><div></div>

<p>I don't notice chromatic abberation with the 17mm f/2.8 either, though its there:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/OlympusEP1/page23.asp">http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/OlympusEP1/page23.asp</a></p>

<p>Then again, I haven't been enlarging the heck out of images taken with this camera either.</p>

<p>I have noticed image quality deteriorating as you stop down below f/5.0.</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks everyone. I am going to be ordering the lens in the near future. </p>

<p>Elliot, Here are some pics taken at f2.8 with the Oly 17 2.8.</p>

<p>George</p><div></div>

<p>Another 17 2.8 @ f2.8, handheld. Ain't IS grand. The sign lettering when enlarged to 11X14 is very sharp. Good contrast aand color, no sharpening just adjusted brightness.</p><div></div>

<p>Same EXIF as above.</p><div></div>