M.Zuiko Lens for Landscape Photography

[irin_tisking]

<p>Hello<br>

I'm planning to get an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II camera soon and need some advice on choosing a lens.<br>

<strong>Some background:</strong> this will be my first proper digital camera. Before this I used 35mm film and medium format cameras, I am not dropping film altogether, just want a digital alternative for day trips as I often go on hikes.<br>

Apart from knowledge of aperture, shutter speed and working in the darkroom, I don't have much techincal knowledge. In the past I would mainly use one lens, a 50mm. This time around, i'd like to get at least two lens, with budgeting I will get one lens at a time. <br>

<strong>Main uses:</strong><br>

1. Landscape photography with some video work. Would prefer one of the weather sealed ones. I am thinking maybe the M.Zuiko ED 14-150MM F4.0-5.6 II for the versatility? but would like to look at something less bulky also.<br>

2.Some portrait photography, a 2.8 aperture would be nice.<br>

in saying that I would rather first get a lens for landscape photography, then one for portrait. Could you please recommend one for each?<br>

<strong>Budget:</strong><br>

$500 max for each lens <br>

(planning to buy as part of bundle here: http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lens_promotion) <br>

Would really appreciate your expert advice!</p>

[irin_tisking]

<p>Also, what about the M.Zuiko 17mm f2.8?</p>

[johnfarrar]

<p>My EM5 landscape kit is the 12/2, Lumix 20/1.7, and 45/1.8. None are weather-sealed. If starting now I'd consider the 12-40/2.8 instead. But the 45/1.8 is so good - and would be good for portraits - that it would be hard to leave.</p>

[elliot1]

<p>You will find that all Olympus (and Panasonic Lumix) lenses are excellent, even the lower priced ones. The primes are exceptional.</p>

<p>A 20mm focal length (40mm FOV) lens may be one you would find useful. The Panasonic f1.7 versions is an excellent lens in every regard and is quite affordable at around $200 used.</p>

<p> </p>

[irin_tisking]

Thanks! I think I'll go for the 12-40 2.8

m.zuiko, it has a kinda of closeness

with the landscape. Also Naoki

Ishikawa used the same lens for some

of his mountaineering in the

Himalayas, though he did use the pro

lens.

[bob_cook]

<p>I have the same experience - almost exclusively medium format for years. I have the 12 - 40 2.8 which I think is exceptional. I have ordered, and will have in hand tomorrow, the 40 - 150 2.8. Neither meets your cost criteria, but may be worth considering. The reason I don't use primes is because I shoot a lot of moving water in mountain streams. Sometimes there is only one vantage point so the zooms are very handy. I also have the Lumix 20mm 1.7 which I use as a walk-around lens on an EM-10. It is also very good. I'm going to be taking a six-week trip through the Canadian Maritime provinces later in the summer, and hope to use all three extensively.</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>for portrait photography, the 45mm f1.8 m.zuiko is just beautiful, for general photography the 20mm f1.7 is also really fantastic. If you want a couple primes to balance it out, those are a great starting point.</p>

[irin_tisking]

<p>Thank you for suggestions! I think ill start of with the 14-42mm (wish I could get the 12-40 2.8 pro). Then maybe get the 45mm f1.8 m for Portraits. This is kinda of topic, but something I've noticed is that some of the sample images for the Olympus OM D cameras have a flat look about them. Is that something to do with switching to film? or the photographers skill? has any one else noticed this?</p>

[irin_tisking]

<p>(sample images seen on google)</p>

[irin_tisking]

<p>Please ignore the above, re the flatness. Found some great looking images on flicker taken with the EM1, and loved the build when seen in store. Will be getting it for my birthday in two weeks time!</p>

[john_narsuitus]

<blockquote>

<p>"...I would rather first get a lens for landscape photography, then one for portrait. Could you please recommend one for each?"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>45mm f/1.8 Olympus lens (portrait)<br /> 20mm f/1.7 Panasonic lens (general subjects)<br /> 14mm f/2.5 Panasonic lens (landscape)</p>

<p> </div>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>I have two of those so far, the 45 and the 20. So amazing. LOVE them.<br /><br />At the wide end, I should get the 14, but honestly, 20 is my sweet spot for so much and I can stop the kit lens down to f5.6 and shoot at 14, so I haven't yet. I wish I'd known about that 20mm length (would have been 40 on full-frame 35mm and about 28 on DX) when I was shooting 35mm. I would have enjoyed life more.</p>

[g_richards]

<p>Although I use various lens for landscape work, I enjoy the Panasonic 25/1.7 lens as well as any of them. It gives a pleasing realistic look and feel to the image. <br>

GR</p>

[cegeiss]

<p>I own an E-M1 with various lenses (my favorite go-to lens is the 12-40mm 1/2.8, which unfortunately you say is out of your price range). If I want to save some bulk I am really happy with the Panasonic 14mm 1/2.5. </p>