Lens Availability?

[JMaher]

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to buy a Panasonic 25 1.4 or an Olympus 45 1.8? I purchased the OM-D very recently and can not seem to find any fast lenses that are actually available at any of the online stores. These 2 seem to get the most favorable comments combined with the OM-D.

The 50-100 is very nice but fast it isn't.

Jim

 

[Hosermage]

I found my PL25 in the B&S forums. Funny, I've had that lens sitting here for 2 weeks while I wait for the OM-D...

 

[Hosermage]

if you don't mind used... Panasonic 25mm f1.4 : For Sale and Wanted Forum: Digital Photography Review

 

[JMaher]

Thanks for the information. I don't mind used and I have purchased here and at FM.

The one you listed is a first time post for the person selling. A first time sale is Ok but a 1st time post seems like a gamble.

Still looking. Thanks again.

Jim

 

[nostatic]

I got the 25 @ digitalrev in HK. Not too much over US price and they are great to deal with. The 45 was available in a local shop but I think a lot have been snapped up. DigitalRev

 

[Moonshine]

the PL 25 1.4 on the OM-D would be a 50mm right?

 

[Hosermage]

the PL 25 1.4 on the OM-D would be a 50mm right?

Correct! Like a 50mm f/2.8.

 

[Moonshine]

Correct! Like a 50mm f/2.8.

oh no! i was excited because i thought it was a fast lens and would render creamy bokeh... 2.8? is that supposed to be fast on m43 system? Don't know much at all about m43... ((

 

[Hosermage]

Well, it is what it is... consider that you can get much closer to your subject, it's still possible:

 

[JMaher]

Correct! Like a 50mm f/2.8.

Maybe I am confused but my understanding of the 25 1.4 is that no matter how you look at it is still a 1.4 lens for light gathering purposes. The 50 2.8 aspect is based on the sensor size and impacts only apparent focal length and depth of field. As a byproduct of the increased depth of field you see less blurring of the background than on a ff body at 1.4.

If any of this is incorrect please feel free to jump in.

Jim

 

[JMaher]

Todd,

Thanks for pointing me to Digital Rev. I have one on order.

Jim

 

[Hosermage]

Maybe I am confused but my understanding of the 25 1.4 is that no matter how you look at it is still a 1.4 lens for light gathering purposes.

Hi Jim,

Funny, I thought (or hoped) the same thing, but I wasn't sure. So I actually took some test shots before I answered Moonshine. I took one shot with the OMD+PL25 at f/1.4, then compared to 3 shots with M9+50Lux at f/1.4, f/2.0, and f/2.8. You can judge it yourself with these images, cropped and exposure adjusted only (ignore the f-stop number in the border for M9, it's not accurate):

 

[httivals]

David - in your examples you're comparing depth of field, not light gathering ability. They're different.

 

[Hosermage]

David - in your examples you're comparing depth of field, not light gathering ability. They're different.

Yes, you're absolutely right. I'm sorry for the confusion.

I shoot mainly aperture-priority, while leaving most other things in auto mode. So to me, aperture is mainly a creative tool to control DOF. I allow the camera to adjust auto-ISO up to 6400, so I doubt if I'll ever need to open aperture for more light. On the other hand, I've purchased a ND filter because I've found f/1.4 to be too bright in the California sun. So again, you're right that for light gathering it's f/1.4, but for DOF, it's f/2.8, which is what I was mainly concerned about.

Thanks.

 

[JMaher]

David,

I may be having a bad day but I can't see what you are trying to show me. It looks as if the Olympus is pulling in more light. I'll try a similar comparison with a Canon lens keeping the ISO, aperture and shutter speed consistent later today.

Jim

 

[JMaher]

Just read the middle post that appeared while I was writing - apparently no need to post additional samples. Definitely the 2x crop does impact depth of field while having no impact on light transmission.

Jim

 

[Moonshine]

Well, it is what it is... consider that you can get much closer to your subject, it's still possible:

fantastic pic! love the bokeh on this lens despite the smaller depth of field. Have you noticed a big difference when you shoot this lens on the EM-5 vs 1.4 on the M9?

 

[Hosermage]

I won't lie, there's definitely more of a 3D pop when shot with the M9+50Lux. On the other hand, I don't think I'd want it to mimic the M9, and I have no complaint about its IQ. Use it for what it's good for, and it's the stuff that's in focus that matter, right?

 

[Moonshine]

i guess its me that wants it to mimic the M9 as i had one and had to sell it a few weeks ago for funds. I'm looking for a less expensive alternative that can give me a similar IQ..
May not be possible but i'm trying! What combination of camera and lens comes close??