Legacy Normal Lens Makes Nice Portrait Lens on Micro 4/3

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/attachments/f57/13513-my-little-girl-forumrunner_20130113_171355.png

 

I love to see shots made with older lenses adapted to Micro 4/3 cameras. This one, by muzza on mu-43.com was made with a Panasonic Lumix GF3 and a Russian Helios 44, which is a 58mm f2 lens. On the smaller sensor of the Micro 4/3 Lumix, it makes a very nice, if slightly long focal length portrait lens, with a fast f2 aperture.

 

I very much like muzza's composition in this shot. The triangle of her left arm is an important element, and is just out of focus enough to be creamy in texture. The pen tip in her right hand is a nice focal point, in addition to her eye. The way her hair falls over her face also reinforces the feeling that she's intensely focused on her work.

 

With the great native Micro 4/3 portrait lenses out there now (for example the Olympus 75mm f1.8), it's easy to neglect those old classic lenses in your closet. Grab one and make a memory, like muzza has here!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

A Shot That I Happen To Like - Portrait Without Catch-Lighted Eyes

 

Dwayne Brooke, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Olympus 75mm f1.8 Lens

iso 3200, f1.8, 1/60 sec

 
I shot an amazing musical performance of the "Greg Ruby Quartet" in Strasburg, Virginia, on October 13. This group of musicians (Greg Ruby, Dwayne Brooke, Nate Leath, Donovan Stokes, and occasional accompanist Jared Pool) is just first rate. I'll be posting a full report sometime soon.
 
But that's not the point. The point is the image above. Shot from quite close up with the Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens, which is an amazingly good lens, this is anything but your conventional shot of a performer. Tightly cropped, with Dwayne's face anchoring one corner, the neck of his guitar and the shadow underneath providing a major dark space and shape, you can even really see Dwayne's eyes. Even so, this picture feels like Dwayne to me. Sublimely accomplished at the guitar, creative as can be.
 
In addition to cropping this tightly (maybe it could even use a little more cropping in the upper right corner?) and converting to black and white, I added some grain effect, which makes the noise of the small Lumix sensor at iso3200 look more like film.
 
I like where my photography is taking me, style-wise.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Using Micro 4/3 for Concert Photos

 

Monograma, by Gary Ayala on mu-43.com

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f88/brea-jazz-festival-ii-34199/

 
Gary Ayala has shared a series of images from the Brea Jazz Festival, all shot with an Olympus OM-D. He used both Lumix 100-300 4-5.6 zoom (as in the shot above) and the Olympus 75mm f1.8 prime lenses.
 
(Click Here) to see Gary's post on mu-43.com. There are more pictures there.
 
I have been using my Panasonic Lumix G3s for live music events for quite some time. Most opt for DSLRs, for the larger sensor and lower noise performance. Overall, I'm quite pleased with the G3, even at high iso settings.
 
Here are a couple of my own results. The first is with the 100-300mm zoom:
 
 

Storyteller Tim O'Brien, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6 at 100mm

iso 1600, f4, 1/100 sec

 
 
And here's one with the Olympus 75mm f1.8 that I just got. This is the first and only show I've shot with it so far.

Acoustic Burgoo at Watermelon Park Festival 2012, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Olympus 75mm f1.8

iso 800, f2.8, 1/100 sec

 
I'm very happy with the Olympus lens so far. But, as I mentioned, I've got a lot more testing to do with it. It is a gorgeous lens, and sharp as a tack.
 
I need to learn how fast I need the shutter to be to handhold it steadily, since it does not have stabilization (that's built into the body with Olympus, so the lenses don't have it). The rule of thumb is to keep your shutter speed faster than 1/ the focal length (equivalent at full frame 35mm). So, in this case, since 75mm on the Micro 4/3 sensor has the same field of view as a 150mm on the full frame sensors, I should keep it faster than 1/150 sec. The shot above is at a slightly slower shutter speed, so I got lucky. That wasn't always the case. I would have been better off increasing the iso to 1600, and getting a 1/200 shutter speed. I didn't want to open the aperture wider, since I wanted all of the band members to be reasonably within the depth of field. In terms of focus and depth of field, I achieved my goal - central focus on Melissa, the singer, and the rest of the band in adequate focus.
 
Lots of fun to be had with the new Micro 4/3 products - that's for sure!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Some Sunrise Shots With the Lumix DMC-G5 by Phrenic on mu-43.com

 

This one was "de-fished," taken with a 7.5mm fisheye.

Image Source: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYDkB2iBQ7WHlb6G63xv3O94fXWR_mmr40hSlUgxLBM?feat=e%20%20mbedwebsite

 
User phrenic on mu-43.com shared a series of sunrise shots with the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5. Most were shot with a Lumix 14-45mm kit lens. The one above with a fisheye. The image was "de-fished" in post-processing. Wonderful job!
 
(Click Here) to see the rest on mu-43.com
 
I'm glad to start seeing some images from the G5 show up online. I'm holding off on any body upgrades (I use the DMC-G3) until I've had a good look at the GH3, which was just announced last week. More on that later.
 
This is a quick and easy post today, as I'm attending my favorite music festival, Watermelon Park Fest, this weekend. A quick run home got me connected to the internet, but I'm heading back out for another day of fun! Lots of DMC-G3 (including some with my new Olympus 75mm f1.8!) and some Leica M9 images soon to come!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Speculation on the Leica M10 - to be Announced in September?

 

Leica M9

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/

 
Steve Huff has posted his information and speculations on what the much-expected Leica M10 will be like.
 
(Click Here) to read Steve's post.
 
There is also a poll at the bottom of the page. I'll admit that I voted "No," I wouldn't buy the camera described in the text.
 
Why is that? Well, a Leica M with electronic viewfinder (EVF), video capability, and speculated $9k-$10k price won't work for me. I have a great EVF camera in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, getting even better with the DMC-G5 or soon-to-be-announced DMC-GH3. I expect my Leica M to be a rangefinder, as much a part of Leica's once-innovative, now-established design history as possible.
 
One thing I really like about Steve's post - he thinks this will drive the price of used M9s up. Like the smug new homeowner, I have just purchased an M9 at a steal of a price. I am waiting for the Paypal eCheck to clear (another story on its own), and the mail.
 
So, I hope my faithful readers won't mind a new spike of Leica images and stories. I have decided that since Panasonic doesn't have a long history in still photography (or any film camera history), I'll follow their (still existing?) collaboration with Leica for that part of my photography. I have had M9 on the brain for a couple of years now. I'm very excited to get started with it.
 
But don't worry, I am still very engaged in Panasonic cameras. This may just change my timing a little, driven by cost. For example, I did decide to hold off on the Olympus 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 lens, even though I know it's going to be great. While my bank account recovers from the M9 purchase, I'll see if Panasonic has an analogous lens to introduce. I would like the 75mm lens even more if it were from Panasonic, and included OIS, for example.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Rumor - Four New Lenses To Be Announced By Panasonic at Photokina in September - Does This Affect My Olympus 75mm Lens Order?

 

Lumix 35-100 f2.8 X Zoom
Image Source: http://www.43rumors.com/ft3-four-new-m43-from-panasonic/
 
According to a post on 43rumors, Panasonic will announce four new lenses at Photokina in September. The 35-100mm f2.8 news has been out there for a while. This could be a nice lens. I think a tele-zoom at f2.8 would be more interesting to me than the 12-35mm f2.8 turned out to be.
 
(Click Here) to read the original post on 43rumors.
 
Speculation also says that Panasonic is likely to announce a lens that competes with the new Olympus 75mm f1.8. This has me thinking - should I wait and not purchase the Olympus lens?
 
Reasons to NOT purchase the Olympus 75mm:

• Mega OIS (vibration reduction) will likely be included in the Panasonic lens. Since I use Panasonic bodies, and Olympus puts vibration reduction in their bodies, I won't ever get this from an Olympus lens.
• Frankly, I'd rather have a Panasonic lens.
• The Olympus lens is only available in silver.
• I've already been waiting six weeks for my Olympus order to be shipped

Reasons to GO AHEAD and purchase the Olympus 75mm:

• Who knows exactly what Panasonic will announce? I'm convinced 75mm is a great focal length for me. If Panasonic announces a 60mm, that won't be long enough for me.
• Most importantly, when will a new Panasonic lens really be available? Probably 2013. I'm not waiting that long.
• I'm sure the Olympus lens will have wonderful build and image quality.
• I somehow doubt that Panasonic's lens will be f1.8 or faster (but that's just a guess). I want that fast f-stop.
• I'm impatient.

So, I'm going ahead with my Olympus 75mm f1.8 purchase.

 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

To Zoom or Not to Zoom - That Is A Question - The New Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 - Is It A Permanent Part of My Kit?

Cooling Off, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 Lens at 31mm

iso 200, f7.1, 1/2500 sec

 
I just spent a long weekend at a music festival with the new Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 Aspheric lens attached to my Panasonic DMC-G3. So what do I think? I'm conflicted to tell the truth.
 
First off - it was very nice to not have to change lenses much. The lens worked very well for shots of the crowd, dancers, vendors, and those types of things. It also did fine with wide shots of the bands. But, let's talk about that for a second. In shooting a full-stage image of a performing band, I needed to stop down at least a little - f4 at least, more likely f5.6. In daylight performances, not an issue at all. After dark, that required a little flash. But the real point is, if I'm using the lens in this way, why does it matter that it has a maximum aperture of f2.8? The answer is, it doesn't matter at all. I could have done just as well with my Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 lens. In fact, I would have had a much more useful focal length range. Yes, it's true that I'd lose the 24mm full frame equivalent field of view of the wide end, but that's not common territory for me anyway.
 
And that brings up another point. As I mentioned previously, the 12-35mm is just a little short of being a great portrait lens.
 
(Click Here) for my intial thoughts on the 12-35mm for candid portraits.
 
Now portraits are where the f2.8 can become important. But, at 35mm maximum focal length, f2.8 just doesn't quite do it.
 
Finally, I've become spoiled by my primes. At "normal" focal length, my Lumix 20mm f1.7 and Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4 lenses are so fast, f2.8 seems a little slow (in light gathering capability). I'm about to become even more spoiled, when my Olympus 75mm f1.8 prime shows up.
 
So, as you can see, I'm pretty far along in talking myself into returning the 12-35mm f2.8.
 
I think I would rather carry two camera bodies, and a couple of extra lenses, rather than accept these tradeoffs. I though that the 12-35mm may be important for event and travel photography for me. This weekend told me that I would be happier with primes at events. For travel, the 14-140mm f4-5.6 is still a great option for well-lit scenes. It has enormous focal length range, too.
 
Just for balance, you may be interested in reading a post on ePhotoZine about the joys of zoom lenses.
 
(Click Here) to read one author's experience of reducing his Nikon DSLR kit size with a super-zoom (Nikkor 28-300mm).
 
Just imagine the benefit this author would get from Micro 4/3 gear. Weight becomes negligible with a single body, single zoom approach.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Oh, Man, I Can't Wait For That Olympus 75mm f1.8 to Arrive!

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f38/olympus-75mm-f1-8-first-thoughts-29556/
 
Member 938mm on mu-43.com has posted their initial thoughts and some results, shooting the new Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens for Micro 4/3 on the new Olympus OM-D.
 
(Click Here) to read the original post on mu-43.com.
 
938mm seems quite pleased with the handling of the lens, and the results speak for themselves.
 
Mine is on order from Amazon, but is not yet shipping in the US.
 
938mm mentions that one challenge with such a fast lens is that to use a wide aperture in bright sunlight, you may need to use a neutral density (ND) filter. This is probably something I will want to do. The filter diameter is 58mm, so I'll have to add another filter to my kit.
 
On the subject of NDs, many people are now purchasing extremely expensive variable ND filters. These allow you to adjust the density and resulting effect of the filter across a wide range of exposures with a twist of the wrist. So far, I have decided to go the less expensive route, sticking with a 3-stop filter for my Lumix lenses. In my opinion, that has not been a difficult compromise. I find that if I need an ND, 3-stops is usually sufficient.
 
Some photographers have complained that 75mm (equivalent to 150mm field of view on full frame) is too long for portraits. I wholeheartedly disagree, especially when you consider that you have to go a little longer on the Micro 4/3 sensor to achieve shallow depth of field. I have always leaned telephoto, so 75mm is going to work great for me.
 
Looking forward to sharing some results with this lens on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, just as soon as it arrives!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

I've Ordered It - My First Olympus Lens. Final Check - Will It Be Compatible With My Panasonic Bodies?

 

Olympus 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 Lens

Image Source: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1622
 

 

I have preordered the new Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens. My understanding and belief is that all of the native Micro 4/3 lenses will exhibit full compatibility with my Panasonic bodies.

 

First, the lens. If you've been following my blog, you'll know that I'm lusting over both this lens and the new Lumix 12-35mm f2.8. I have also posted some examples of images I've recently taken with my Voigtlander 75mm f2.5, which have helped to convince me that 75mm is the best focal length to add to my kit. The improvements of a full stop of extra light gathering (f1.8 is really fast), and autofocus, are enough for me to take the leap.

 

I'm not that far along with the Lumix 12-35.

 

In terms of compatibility, I found a nice reference on the Panasonic website. It shows the compatibility of both native Micro 4/3 and 4/3 lenses, viewfinders, and flash units, to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. Since my workhorse kit is two DMC-G3s, I am convinced that compatibility will be the same. These are very similar cameras.

 

(Click Here) to see the compatibility story for the Lumix DMC-GX1 on Panasonic's site.

 

So, now it's just a matter of waiting for Amazon to ship the 75mm f1.8!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Andy Hendriksen Reports Why He Sold His Nikon DSLR In Favor of the Olympus OM-D

 

Olympus OM-D

Image Source: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/images/product/1583/360/000_000.png

 
Andy Hendriksen has written a full report on why he has made the shift completely away from DSLR to Micro 4/3 equipment.
 
(Click Here) to read Andy's report on The Phoblographer.
 
Andy explains how the advent of the Panasonic DMC-GF1 a few years back immediately drew his attention (and a purchase), but was not enough to convince him to sell his Nikon DSLR. This had to do with two major points: 1) performance of the GF1 itself, particularly low light performance and autofocus speed, and 2) a lack of a complete lens set. That said, Andy indicates that he thoroughly enjoyed the GF1, and took it many places that his DSLR would not have gone.
 
Andy feels that the Olympus OM-D represents the tipping point in performance that allows him to replace his DSLR with Micro 4/3 equipment. Timing is also right for him, as there is now a nearly complete stable of lenses available.
 
Like me, Andy was intrigued by the Fuji XPro1 camera, which is a mirrorless system camera, but not Micro 4/3 format, but decided not to go that way because of some performance points, and because there are less lenses available.
 
Andy settled on the OM-D body and the following lenses: Olympus 12mm f2, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4, and Olympus 45mm f1.8. He sold his Nikon kit. So far, he's very pleased with his decision.
 
I have not gone as far as Andy. My choice of bodies was the DMC-G3, which I am still quite pleased with. I find the autofocus to be very fast, the options myriad and useful, and the low light performance a giant step up from my previous DMC-G1 and GF1. I should say that both the G1 and GF1 are great cameras, but the new generation surpasses them. My lens kit is not far off from Andy's, either. I lean heavily on primes, most notably the Lumix 14mm f2.5, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4, and Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit. I thought the Summilux would not replace the excellent Lumix 20mm f1.7 for me, but it all but has, even though they're quite different lenses.
 
I am planning to add an expensive new lens to my kit, which will be my first Olympus lens - the 75mm f1.8, as soon as it's available.
 
All that said, I am not ready to sell my Nikon D700 DSLR. In fact, last weekend, I shot both kits at a music festival, and each has their merits. They are not interchangeable. I shot the G3s all day long, then switched to Nikon for the evening shows. Part of this was because I have longer lenses in Nikon, and used my 300mm f4 Nikkor quite a lot. Thinking this way, the new 75mm f1.8 from Olympus would have allowed me to leave the much heavier and more obtrusive Nikon kit at home.
 

Jack Pugh of Jake and the Burtones, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3

 
However, any way I look at it, the D700 still significantly outperforms the G3 in image quality, and several other aspects. When I look at some of those images from the D700 over last weekend, the quality is astounding. So, no, my D700 isn't going anywhere.
 

Iron Horse Band, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor 300mm f4 AF-IF

 
I have come to consider my Micro 4/3 kit (DMC-G3 and a few primes) as my new 35mm film equivalent kit. The Nikon D700 is my medium format film equivalent. I fully believe that it provides every bit as much image quality as my medium format film cameras ever did.
 
Don't get me wrong - this is not an advertisement of full satisfaction with the Nikon DSLR. If it were, this blog would not be about Panasonic and Micro 4/3 gear. The Nikon gets a tiny fraction of the use of my G3s, in large part due to weight and size. But, one does not replace the other. I'm not sure it ever will.
 
This does leave me wondering exactly where to draw the lines of lens selections for Micro 4/3. The case in point is the new Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8. This lens is very expensive, especially for Micro 4/3. I don't know if I'm ready to drop that kind of money on a fast zoom for Micro 4/3, or whether I will stick primarily with the excellent prime lenses I already have, plus the new Olympus 75mm. No question, the primes are great. The zoom could be an excellent solution for travel. I'm not sure where I'm going with this one, but my wallet is warming up in my pocket as I write...
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

ePhotoZine Posts Sample Shots From Olympus 75mm f1.8 on OM-D

 

Olympus 75mm f1.8 on Olympus OM-D, iso 320, f1.8, 1/160 sec

Image Source: http://www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-75mm-m-zuiko-digital-f-1-8-lens-sample-photos-19553?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Ephotozine+%28ePHOTOzine%29

 
 
I am thinking very hard about reasons for and against buying the new Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens for Micro 4/3 cameras (like my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3). Having shot with my Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 lens in Leica Thread Mount on the G3 recently, I'm pretty convinced the focal length is what I need for music photography.
 
(Click Here) to see my concert pics with the G3 and Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 Color-Heliar.
 
Because the new Olympus lens is so fast (in light gathering, f1.8), I wondered if the depth of field at that f-stop would be so shallow as to not be useful for portraits and people pictures. Depth of field is reasonable on my Voigtlander lens at f2.5, but what about f1.8? Well, ePhotoZine's picture above answers that question. It seems to have just the right amount of depth of field at f1.8.
 
It doesn't look good for me talking myself out of the new Olympus lens. :)
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Jordan Steele's Thoughts On The Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 and Olympus 75mm f1.8 Lenses

 

Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 Zoom

Image Source: http://admiringlight.com/blog/thoughts-panasonic-12-35-olympus-75-18/

 
Jordan Steele, who runs the blog Admiring Light, has posted his initial thoughts on the two new lenses on my mind - the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 zoom and the Olympus 75mm f1.8 telephoto.
 
(Click Here) to read Jordan's piece on Admiring Light.
 
First, on the Lumix zoom, Jordan remarks on the common complaints from prospective users: price and lack of shallow depth of field. Keep in mind, none (or nearly none) of these people has had the opportuntiyt to try or even see the lens. Price is what it is. I think $1300 is a lot for a normal range zoom, even at f2.8. However, it's lower than the equivalent from Nikon. Of course, the Nikon lens is designed to cover a full 35mm frame, so there's more glass in the Nikon. Anyway, most people don't get into photography to save money. Second, depth of field. The issue is that with the smaller sensor (compared to 35mm) used in the Micro 4/3 cameras, shallow depth of field requires a wider aperture at any given focal length. In layman's terms, it's harder to get out of focus backgrounds, which is desirable for portraits and other images where you want to focus attention to the foreground subject. Yes, it's true. The Physics don't lie. You can't get the same shallow depth of field at f2.8 that you get on a full-frame lens. However, with the zoom at 35mm focal length (the longest setting), which is what you'll use for portraits much of the time, the depth of field will be plenty shallow in my opinion. In fact, I see an awful lot of portraits where the photographers take shallow depth of field too far - the subject's eyes are in focus, but their nose is not. Too far. Anyway, I understand that it's always good to be able to get shallower depth of field. I'll make that trade for the smaller form factor of Micro 4/3 cameras.
 
Next, the Olympus 75mm f1.8. There will be no problem with shallow depth of field here. At f1.8, it should be very shallow. This is one lens I can't wait to try. I sure wish I could have one this weekend for the music festival I'm planning to attend.
 
These reviews, including mine, from people who have yet to touch the lens, are of very limited value. We can discuss what we can surmise from the specifications (which is actually quite a lot), but we cannot see the more subjective features that are part of loving or hating any lens or camera.
 
I'm still on the fence about the 12-35mm, but fully expect to be able to give a hands-on review and samples from the 75mm f1.8 very soon. As soon as it's available for purchase, that is.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Is 75mm Really A Useful Focal Length for Micro 4/3?

Olympus 75mm f1.8

Image Source: http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/images/product/1622/1622_header.png

I have written that I'm very enthusiastic about the new 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 lens coming soon from Olympus. In fact, at the moment, I'm more excited about this lens than the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, another very promising yet expensive product.

My thought is that the 75mm focal length will add exactly the right field of view to round out my Micro 4/3 kit for shooting live music performances. The super-fast f1.8 aperture will be killer for dark indoor venues.

My 45mm Pana-Leica Macro-Elmarit f2.8 makes a nice short telephoto, but I need more reach. I have been known to carry around a Nikkor 300mm f4, but that's awfully heavy, and can be overkill. So, in order to evaluate whether the 75mm focal length is as good a fit as I suspected, I mounted up my Cosina Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 Color-Heliar lens in Leica thread mount (LTM) on the dual adapters (LTM-Leica M, Leica M-Micro 4/3), and went to a show. This time, it was the Furnace Mountain Band, playing a free concert in Rose Hill Park in Berryville, Virginia.

The Voigtlander lens is a great optic in its own right. It's pretty fast at f2.5, but the extra stop of the Olympus will come in handy. Also, the Voigtlander lens is manual focus - not really an issue, but fast autofocus will be nice.

Here are a couple of shots from the show:

Danny Knicely of Furnace Mountain Band, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Cosina Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 Color-Heliar

Morgan Morrison of Furnace Mountain Band, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Cosina Voigtlander 75mm f2.5 Color-Heliar

My conclusion? Yes, 75mm is a near-perfect focal length for this type of shooting. My enthusiasm for the new Olympus lens as a welcome addition to my Micro 4/3 kit remains very high.

By the way, Furnace Mountain has a great new CD out - "The Road to Berryville."

(Click Here) to support Furnace Mountain and get yourself some excellent music at the same time!

(Click Here) to see more shots from the show at my website (creativeobjective.com)

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 


 

Waiting For The New Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 To Become Available, and Thinking..

Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 X lens

Image Source: shop.panasonic.com

 
 
I am watching daily (obsessively?) for the new Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 zoom lens to become available for purchase. And, the wait is making me think more about it.
 
 
I have always preferred shooting with prime (fixed focal length) lenses. It's been said many times that primes are smaller, lighter, and generally faster than zooms. It is often argued that they produce better image quality. However, I think this is largely a holdover from the past. Lens technology is so good now that a state-of-the-art zoom is extremely capable.
 
(Click Here) to read a current post on mu-43.com where others are discussing their reasoning for wanting or not wanting the new 12-35mm f2.8 zoom.
 
One of the questions in the post above is whether a kit zoom like the 14-42mm lens minimizes the need for a fast zoom like the new 12-35mm. I say emphatically, no. The kit lenses really are the cheapest lenses out there, and don't fall into "state-of-the-art" in my opinion. Their variable, slow f-stop is a showstopper for all but the very best lighting situations.
 
(Click Here) for a post of one of the rare times I have used my kit zoom. I was not displeased with the results, but the lens was certainly limiting in which scenes I could record. For example, inside the mill, it was nearly useless without a tripod.
 
So, since I have a great set of prime lenses, why am I considering the new 12-35mm zoom? Well, to be honest, it's because I get tired of changing lenses in the field. And, especially at events, I do occasionally miss a shot while I'm fumbling to change lenses. This is why I now regularly carry two bodies - two identical Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3s. One is usually attached to a normal lens (Pana-Leica 25mm f1.4 Summilux, most commonly), and the other has either a short telephoto (Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit) or wide angle (Panasonic Lumix 14mm f2.5). I even find myself changing between wide angle and telephoto on the second body more often than I would like.
 
Right now, I am working on two long-term projects - 1) the Civil War Sesquicentenial and 2) local live music. Will this new zoom help me in those?
 
Well, I can honestly say that the 12-35mm f2.8 will be great for the civil war project. The majority of that project involves shooting in daylight, outdoors, and at events where things change reasonably quickly. Sometimes in working around crowds of spectators, or composing carefully to not include modern elements around re-enactors, for example, the flexibility of a zoom would be great. And, back to the example of the mill, I could have gotten by with f2.8 (not the f3.5-5.6 of the kit lens).
 
For shooting live music, I cannot see relying on f2.8 to be fast enough for shooting inside dark bars and music venues. I'm sure I'll stick to my Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4 for that. This is where the other lens I'm waiting on, the Olympus 75mm f1.8, comes in. Many times, I'd like more reach than the 25mm can provide.
 
I also enjoy travel photography a lot. The 12-35mm would be very helpful for that.
 
So, will the new 12-35mm stay on my camera all the time? No. But, I think it will certainly fill a gap for event and travel photography. How's that for rationalizing? :).
 
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Pairing the Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit With the Olympus E-M5

 

Image Source: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=41605970

There has been an enormous amount of buzz about the new Olympus E-M5 Micro 4/3 body. It is a very attractive camera, with retro styling sure to appeal to the Olympus film SLR user, and superb image quality.
 
(Click Here) to see the Olympus E-M5 review on dpreview.com
 
I found the following post by Frank B on dpreview's Micro 4/3 forum, pairing the E-M5 with the Pana-Leica 45mm f2.8 Macro-Elmarit:
 
(Click Here) to see the original post and one more macro image.
 
Right now, I'm planning almost the opposite - pairing my Panasonic body (Lumix DMC-G3) with Olympus lenses. In particular, I'm very much looking forward to the new Olympus 75mm f1.8 becoming available for purchase.
 
(Click Here) to see a preview of the Olympus 75mm f1.8 on dpreview.
 
I think that handful of fast glass will be great for my low light concert photography, giving me a combination of more reach than my Pana-Leica 45mm and faster aperture than my Lumix 100-300mm f4-5.6. By the way, the 100-300 works pretty well if the stage lights are bright enough. But, the new Oly lens will do fine in near darkness. C'mon, Olympus, ship those lenses to the US market!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kirk Tuck of Visual Science Lab - Olympus Pen F 150mm f4 on G3 - Well, It Works Quite Well, Thank You!

 

Kirk Tuck's Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Olympus Pen F 150mm f4

Image Source: http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com/2012/05/panasonic-g3-meets-lens-from-another.html

 
Kirk Tuck recently wrote about the experience of using a very nice legacy lens on his Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. This is the 150mm f4 made by Olympus in the 1970s.
 
(Click Here) to read Kirk's post on Visual Science Lab.
 
By the way, if you don't read Kirk's blog regularly, you should. Here's the address:
 

http://visualsciencelab.blogspot.com

 
Kirk's contention is that Olympus is following its own footsteps, introducing new Pen lenses for the Micro 4/3 line that represent equivalents to those of the past. The Pen F lenses were made for the original Olympus Pen system, which was a half-frame 35mm format - the same field of view as Micro 4/3.
 
Kirk also makes the point that without all of today's gadgetry built into the camera, great optics can still produce great results. I agree wholeheartedly. After scanning film for a couple of hours last night, I had a couple of examples that remind me how sweet old glass can be. For example, this is from my Leica Summar 5cm f2 lens from the 1930s:
 
 

Stand-Up Bass Taking a Rest, by Reed A. George

Leica IIIC, Leica Summar 5cm f2

 
The Leica Summar is a very early 35mm rangefinder lens, and is known for "soft" glass, which is easily damaged by cleaning or otherwise. In fact, it took purchasing three different units before I found an undamaged one. But boy, does it have character.
 
I will admit that while I am still in love with many of my old lenses, including attached to the latest Lumix bodies, I for one cannot wait to try out the new Olympus 75mm f1.8.
 
Thanks, Kirk, for sharing your thoughts!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
Notice: As of today, 6/1/12, this lens is only available for pre-order. It is not in stock.
 

It's A Good Week For New Micro 4/3 Lens Announcements - If You Can Afford Them

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/

 
In addition to announcement of the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, which I have been anxiously awaiting (priced at $1,299), this week also brings us pricing on another long-awaited Micro 4/3 lens, the Olympus 75mm f1.8 telephoto. According to dpreview, the Olympus lens will retail for $899.
 
(Click Here) to read about the Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens on dpreview.
 
Each of these lenses has a lot of appeal to me. I have tried the Olympus 45mm f1.8, read the reviews, and seen many great example images. It is a great lens. This new 75mm from Olympus give you significantly more reach, with the equivalent field of view of a 150mm full-frame 35mm format lens, and maintains the super fast f-stop of 1.8. That would be a killer combination for my concert photography.
 
As I've already written, the Lumix 12-35 also offers a lot for the travel photograper.
 
Well, I've been saving up, waiting for both of these lenses. Writing this blog has focused me on my existing Lumix equipment, and I haven't really bought a new lens or body since it started. I did buy the Nissin Di466 flash, but nothing else of consequence has made its way into my bag since January. I did have the brief temptation of (and cancelled order for) the Lumix fisheye converter. I'm glad I held off.
 
I think Olympus is better at actually getting new products to the US market soon after announcement. So, my guess is the 75mm will be available before the 12-35mm Lumix.
 
Exciting days for the expanding native lens set for our Micro 4/3 cameras!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com