Our sample 14-150mm m.Zuiko Micro Four Thirds super zoom lens has arrived. And here are our initial impressions, plus a gallery of 38 sample images taken today, including RAW and JPEG camera files. And also included is a movie clip to demonstrate the improved focus capability of the new lens.
Well, it looks a good quality lens. But from my point of view it negates the advantage of the Pen system in that it renders the combination too big to be pocketable.
Well, it looks a good quality lens. But from my point of view it negates the advantage of the Pen system in that it renders the combination too big to be pocketable.
If pocketability was the only advantage of the Pen system, then why even bother with interchangeable lenses instead of sticking with a fixed prime, like the Leica X1 or the Sigma DP2? The whole point is that you can keep a small lens on the camera for the smallest size, or you can pop a larger lens on it for more performance power, using the same small body you always carry with you. Either way, the entire system is still amazingly small.
For instance, if you carry a pancake prime on your camera all the time you can toss it into your jacket pocket or a small bag, and you could still easily carry a lens like the 14-150mm in another pocket or in the same bag to pop on when you need it. Maybe you want to keep it around to take advantage of your camera's HD video capabilities, or to shoot a mid-range tele shot now and again. That's the advantage of interchangeable lenses.
I don't see how this lens in any way negates the advantage of the Pen system... The key word is "system", as the Pen is a system camera and comes with all the advantages of a system camera. Pocketability is an advantage you can find in any fixed lens compact, for a lot cheaper.
My point is that if I want a lens longer than, say, 50mm, then I'm prepared to carry it separately, and do so. Most of my photography is done using lenses wider than this, so I like to benefit from the compactness of the Pen and its smaller lenses. And video capability is of no interest to me.
I did state it was from my point of view. No way was I suggesting that everyone has the same requirements. Oh, and I didn't say it was the only advantage of the Pen system.
My point is that if I want a lens longer than, say, 50mm, then I'm prepared to carry it separately, and do so.
That's exactly my point too, Stephen. Nobody said you have to keep this lens permanently mounted on your Pen in a camera bag, to make it a worthwhile addition to your system. If you had another pocketable, large-sensored, fixed lens compact, then you wouldn't have that option of carrying a longer lens separately, as you say you're prepared to do. In that way, it doesn't "negate the advantage of the Pen system".
We spent the day at Ely Cathedral for Julia's degree ceremony and I brought the E-P2 (but forgot the VF-2 finder, d'oh) and 14-150, as well as the 9-18. I only used the 9-18 briefly (to get some extra wide shots insid the cathedral) and the 14-150/E-P2 combo was very comfortable. It's much smaller and lighter than any DSLR, even with a standard kit lens. Maybe an Pen with a pancake is just about pocketble, but with any other lens I wouldn't describe it to be pocketable any more. But even with the bigger 14-150 you have a light and non-bulky lens with DSLR image quality.
Sounds as if it's not as bulky as it appears in photos. Maybe a hire one is on the cards?
Forgetting your VF-2? Mine never leaves the camera! Oh, and I find the E-P2 with either 14-42 or micro 9-18 and VF-2 to be just pocketable - if you habitually wear clothing capable of holding a dead rabbit or pheasant, as I do (as long as you remove said animals first).
Sounds as if it's not as bulky as it appears in photos. Maybe a hire one is on the cards?
Forgetting your VF-2? Mine never leaves the camera! Oh, and I find the E-P2 with either 14-42 or micro 9-18 and VF-2 to be just pocketable - if you habitually wear clothing capable of holding a dead rabbit or pheasant, as I do (as long as you remove said animals first).
I can confirm that the 14-150 and the 9-18, as well as the 17mm pancake, will be added to the http://e-group.uk.net/hire list very soon.
I see that the sample gallery for the 14-150 has attracted a fair amount of comment on dpreview. The opinion seems polarised between those that are critical of the results and those that think it's pretty good for an 11x zoom...
Olympus m.Zuiko 14-150mm f/4-5.6 superzoom sample images
) and 14-150, as well as the 9-18. I only used the 9-18 briefly (to get some extra wide shots insid the cathedral) and the 14-150/E-P2 combo was very comfortable. It's much smaller and lighter than any DSLR, even with a standard kit lens. Maybe an Pen with a pancake is just about pocketble, but with any other lens I wouldn't describe it to be pocketable any more. But even with the bigger 14-150 you have a light and non-bulky lens with DSLR image quality.
(as long as you remove said animals first).
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