The 75 f1.8 is a great portrait length, but the 45 1.8 is a poor substitute for the 45mm f1.2 Pro. The manual focus on the 1.2 plus that extra background blur makes it a better choice than the Nocticron and 45 1.8. It is just a beautiful lens to use. It feels right.
I do not own any of the Olympus pros and the Pana 42.5, but I do own both the Oly 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 and yes they are outrageously amazing portrait lenses that can produce that amazing... Ａｅｓｔｈｅｔｉｃ ... in my portraits. My other favorite lenses, since I am mostly shooting travel photos, are the Pan 12-35mm f/2.8, Pan 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6, and Olympus 9-18mm f/4-5.6. They are my workhorse lenses when I am travelling. Great video!
I have the 75mm 1.8 and when I shoot portraits my 45mm1.8 just sits in the bag. As much as I love that lens the 75 just is something very special and I can't shoot without it.
If you get the chance try the sigma 30 1.4 Stunning lens. Only downside is that it gets a little bit of purple fringing wide open easy to fix in post, but still something you have to keep an eye on. But 340$ for a 1.4 is incredible. Plus a great focal length imo. At 1.4 you can get a nice shallow dof for portraits. But if you step back it's wide enough to work in low light events too. I can shoot in pretty dark venues and the iso is nice and low while still getting everything in focus. And of course it's just a killer bargain. Great alternative to the very expensive 25mm 1.2
Only got 4 lenses, 45f1.8, 40-150f2.8 from Olympus and the 12-60f2.8-4.0 & an early 20mm from Panasonic. Mainly use the zooms and it all fits in a small bag.
Absolutely agree with the 75mm. The focal length makes me use it less often than I wouldve liked. I ended up using the 12-40mm f2.8 90% of the the time. But whenever the situation is right for the 75mm, it shoots breathtaking photos. My only regret was selling my 45mm.
I have skipped so many times the 75mm f/1.8 that it is only one left that I really want. I don't do much portraits, that even 45mm f/1.8 would offer deep enough DOF, but that 75mm offers thr narrow field of view that makes it so nice. But then again i use 40-150mm at 100-150mm at f/2.8-4 for that portrait purpose as it offers what I want. The 75mm is much better than any one below it, and if there aint space then a 45mm does it well. Now you might notice that I don't like shallow DOF as customers don't want that, but they want blurred background and that is why 100-150mm comes to play! You get the blurred background and deeper DOF to fill person face at f/2.8-4 range. The olympus is rumored to release two PRO primes, 17mm and 45mm f/1.2. and both are just like 25mm f/1.2 = thanks but I don't see difference between 1.2 to 1.8 to be worth carry such ones as anyways I need to shoot 2.8-4 for the DOF. I have a dream lens I want to get for portraiture, it is Olympus 150mm f/2, but oh boy ain't that costly! This is for the cases when I need that shallow DOF so only a one eye is in focus. And it is reason I want to see Olympus to release their new master race portrait lens: 100m f/1.8. But it should be less than 999€ actually replace 75mm in line with 799€ tag and drop that 75mm to 599€ tag. Olympus woyld definitely move both lenses to customers far more if the 100mm f/1.8 would be built like black version of 75mm and maybe add a weather sealing (maybe!). The Olympus 7-14mm is drooling lens.... love it. And I think your architecture photos with it are best I have seen anyone to take with it (and I have seen a lot....). This is reason why I would recommend to olympus hire you to show off that lens marketing... I am about to have a portrait shoot in a week and so wish to have that 75mm as it is going to be full body portraits where f/1.8 would be enough to cover person but help to blur background as f/2.8 is just tad too deep for forest locations etc. But definitely going to use 7-14mm for portraits too!
Great video, excellent choice of lenses. I think everyone that still thinks Micro 4/3 can't be used professionally, and full frame is always required, should watch this video and see how capable the system is when used with these fantastic lenses!
I'm just now getting into micro 4/3 after years of lugging my D810...all of these lenses are in my sights. Thanks for the great videos. I catch all of them.
Great video. I agree with you, the 75/1.8 is a gem. I just got the 45/1.2 but sooner or later I will get the 75/1.8 also. The 40 to 150 /2.8 is also excellent lens. And yes 7-14 will be my next big purchase. Just my opinion, when I look at the quality of the PRO lenses and compare them to my "L" series, I don't feel like the OLYMPUS is too expensive ??? I think is quite seasonably priced ??? Am I wrong ??? I printed many of my pictures at 20x30" from my 5Dm4 and E-M1m2 and people can't tell the difference ???? Great Vlog.
For run and gun video, the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 is king. For photography, I switch between the Olympus 12mm, 25mm, and 45mm. The 45mm is my all time favorite lens for most photography so far. I sure would love to get my hands on an Olympus 75mm f1.8 though.
Yep, completely agree, I have them all accept the 45mm f1.8, the 42.5mm Nocticron is just fantastic, and as you say the 75mm is stunning but limited in its use. Thanks for the video!
It is a really great list for a professionals who are really raising money from photography. But it will be also great to see a list for an enthusiasts where photography is just an other hobby with a limited budget. Oly's 45mm fits perfectly due to a price range. But what else by Your opinion? Thank You for a great videos! :)
Amazing video, thanks for sharing your experience with us. For portraits & maybe fashion and life style photography, & lets say you have the budget to buy one lens, would you choose the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 or the Leica 42.5 f/1.2? I know the Olympus is your favorite, but you have options to use different lenses, in my situation I have only 1 lens to choose.
75mm is absolutely flawless lens, I love it, could be a little bit longer sometimes, but otherwise is amazing I also use it for street photography a lot for candid portraits outside.
We’re so different. For my GX8, G9, and G100 I have the Lumix 9mm, Lumix 15mm, 12-35, 35-100, 100-400, Lumix 12-32 I rarely use with G100 or any other.
Great video, good to see you back it's been a while. Your qualification on your lens picks based on your use should be enough said why other lens are left out. I found your comments on the 12-40mm Pro especially helpfull and refreshing for change compared to other reviewers. I keep coming back to your channel for your thorough discription of the lens, how you use it and what you've learn (most offen left out - by other reviewers).
Thanks Karl - to be clear, the 12-40 is awesome - really, it is, but it's just not a focal range I like to dabble to much in unless I have to.... Just a personal preference...
nice video Darren! The only thing is that when you buy the 42.5 then why buy the 75? Both are aimed for portraiture aren't they? Plus... can you pls keep the music off - its very annoying when trying to hear what YOU gotta say! :)
Hi Darren, I have all these lenses accept the 45mm, and I am in two minds which is the best, the Pani 42.5mm or the Oly 75mm, both are just awesome, the Pani can be used in a broader dimension, but still both fantastic. I also have the 300mm F4, which is soooo sharp, and the stabilisation is just breathtaking on my Oly EM1.2. Great video as always, and thanks !
Yep. That probably would have been my list too. Shot with the 75mm 1.8 for an entire afternoon and was blown away by the quality and easy of handling. But it indeed is too specialised for my needs (don't do too many portraits and already own the 45mm 1.8). The 45mm 1.8 is a complete steal. The quality that thing gives for the money is amazing. It is only a bit too small on bigger bodies imho. I think I would have replaced one of the 42.5/45mm lenses with the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 pancake though. It's one of the slowest zooming lenses I've ever owned but the quality and size are so great for street/candid photography.
Hi Darren, I use the 12-40 Pro and the 40-150 pro + the 1.4 converter when required. These are paired with and EM1 and these 2 lenses cover everything for me. I would just like to add that the 40-150 Pro lens is fantastic in every way, and is my lens of choice and it spends more time than the other on the camera. This system is quick and slick!
It's one of mine too... The 40-150 lives on my camera, unless I'm specifically shooting a portrait - which I can very easily and effectively do with the 40-150, but I think the images out of the 75 are just prettier...
I just bought a used mint condition Olympus 75mm f 1.8 for much less than full price. This lens makes the photos special for sure. I'm so glad I got it. Thanks for your review.
Personally, I think the explanation of why each lens works for you is key to the whole process. It's all too easy to be tempted by the latest greatest hero lens, but the smart money always goes on the lens that will deliver the photographic results you most need or want. Honourable mention for me goes to the Panasonic Lecia DG 8-18mm. I can't say how this compares to the Oly Pro 7-14mm, but I have no complaints and, crucially for my needs, it will accept system filters without special adaptors, making it a great compact, high quality lens option for travel and landscape.
My first m43 lens was the Oly 45mm and it is still my favourite lens. The other lenses look great, I am not a pro so I can't justify those prices, although I wish :-) Instead of the Oly pro 40-150, I have the Pany 35-100 f4-5.6 which a pro might not be interested in but for the rest of us, I recommend it. It is sharp, compact, a new lens (fast focussing, dual-IS compatible on Pany bodies) and has a reasonable price (about 400).
Thanks for the list Darren. I’ve watched your reviews of the Olympus M. Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 & 75mm f/1.8 and I have added those to my camera bag. Both great lenses and I too highly recommend them. But my bag needs a short focal length lens to compliment the range. I have the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 prime too and it is fairly wide and fast. But I am looking for a wider option. So, the Olympus M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 has caught my eye. Pricey, but I totally trust the name. It has proven to be high quality glass to me so far.
Funny, I actually said, out loud, 75mm lol as he was talking portrait and after making the 45mm his number 5 choice (another good portrait lens), I knew that 75mm was coming up.
Dear Darren, I am glad that you did not list the 12-40 mm F2.8 PRO Zoom, the reason is obvious in MF43, which it is actually an F 5.6 in traditional 35 mm and full frame Photography. I find the 12-100 mm F4 PRO IS Zoom the best overall length, when compared to it for both still and video shooting.
The 45 1.8 and 75 1.8 Oly lenses are offered in a "portrait kit" with hoods and lens cases for as low as $899 (Black Friday / Cyber Monday week pricing) or $999 normal. Combine these with the 7-14 2.8 and either the panasonic or oly ~20-25mm prime option and that pretty much covers everything but ultra telephoto in 4 very sharp lenses. Wish the 75mm and 7-14mm were offered in plastic body options to cut down on weight but I digress.
My favorit m43 lens is M Zuiko 17mm f1:1.8. Light weight, sharp, quick focus and suit the kind pic I take. Seldom use my 75mm, yes its a very good lens but at 150mm focal lenght equivalent to fx its mostly sit on my dry box.
Lol, some of these are so expensive, Thais is why I also buy Nikon apse so I can afford less expensive lenses and still get pro quality shots. Great video Darren
Excellent. I have or have owned four of the five lenses you listed. I had two Olympus 45 1.8 but replaced both with the Panasonic 42.5mm 1.7 due to it being sharpter (at least my copy), is optically stabilized for the tiny Panasonic GM5 body, and a wee bit larger aperture. (I do also own the 42.5mm f1.2 for when I need ultimate portrait and don't mind carrying a heavier lens.)
Hi Darren. I'm happy anyone to have their choice of lenses. A persons' choice of lens does not warrant childish behaviour such as "hey stupid, you forgot this" or any of that sort of rubbish. If I had the choice, I would add the Oly 12-40mm f2.8, as it is a great "all rounder". Again, that would be my choice. Great review, mate. Thank you.
all subjective and personal reference, my fav is the oly 60 2.8. I use it for everything, even landscape, just need to be miles back of the subject lol
hi, darren. yup, got all in your top 5. the two that spring to mind for me are the 7-14mm pro, and the 42.5mm nocticron. the lumix's: 25mm 1.4 and the 42.5mm 1.2. have a different color balance to my eye - slightly warmer than the m.zuikos. also, the pro fisheye is great............sharp enough to crop right into the center third where there's little distortion. very creative lens. regards. j.
I guess this shows how preferences are driven by usage. Most of my photos are street and my all time favourite lens is the Olympus 17mm f1.8 which with its manual focus ring and DoF scale for zone focus users which puts it in a class of its own. It is teh perfect match for my Panasonic GX7. Its very sharp too and will easily take a 300% crop. Which is why I dont use zooms. I have a Lumix 14-140mm zoom, which is in a class of its own as a general lens but, that has largely been replaced by an Olympus 45mm f1.8 which I agree is fantastic. I have no requirement for shallow DoF as I am a hyperfocal junkie, I dont take portraits, which makes MFT the perfect system for me. I do use a Panasonic 25mm f1.7 to complete my bag; I dont need anything else ;-)
Awesome list! I have been using a 25mm Voigtlander f0.95. What do you think about this focal length as it is equivalent to the 50mm in FF? I have been using it a lot for indoor photography of family events and its performance in low light is unbelievable.
The quality is fantastic. In my opinion it is slightly sharper than the Olympus 17mm f1.8 which is an excellent lens. I do use it wide open and the results are awesome, but focusing at 0.95 is a challenge, I solve it by taking more than one shot while slightly varying the focus. In low light, the lens is unbelievable, people don't believe how I shoot without a flash, when they see the photos they absolutely love them, because you capture the ambient lighting and the effect is almost artistic. It is money well spent for me.
Great video. Normally an APS-C user, I was lucky enough to photograph a recent wedding using two of the lenses on your list, plus the 12-40, all of which I was loaned by a friend whose OM 1 was being repaired. The results were every bit as nice to look at as they would have been on one of my larger format cameras. Micro four thirds lens technology seems to be very much ahead of the curve compared to APS-C and FX formats.
great video as always. interesting over lap with the 45/1.8 & 42.5/1.2 but it is understandable. i agree with the 12-40. i love it but do not use it very often. its the 17/1.8 and the 45/1.8 plus the 100-300 ii pani that i run around with. but as we are moving to Turkey the 40-150 plus tc1.4 will be added shortly. again thanks for the videos.
Long time viewer (thank you) first time commenter. Oly 7-14 is my favorite among a half dozen native mft lenses. Purely personal projects much of it art (euphemism for unsalable, lol?) amazing as well when used at near end of focus. Produces amazing footage on GH4-5 on gimbal in it's 10-11 midrange. AND tough, first week I had it it took a 2-3 foot tumble lens first onto concrete, got a ding I could see at a glance (not on glass) and then it completely freaked me out! Autofocus didn't work! One twist of the physical ring (I guess it had jammed) and it was right as rain and has been for over a year. PS fond of my Voigtlander 17.5 f0.95 as well, especially for monopod video work, needs a good variable density filter though.
Thank you, this is very helpful. Just a bit confusing - in video you mention 17 mm f1.8 as preferred lens, but the link in description is for 7-14mm f.2.8 PRO
Thanks for the recommendations your #1 is a bit too narrow of a field of view for ME, however I can understand why you like it. Definitively going to save up for the 40 - 150 2.8
Today while visiting the local camera store they had a used Olympus 45mm 1.8 for sale half price off a new one so I picked it up . I love it despite having two pro zooms 12-40 and 40-150 for my em5ii I think the 45mm 1.8 is so compact and sharp I can't put it down, was this a lens I could have done without since I already have two lenses that cover this focal range?
I agree - I own all that you mentioned except the Leica - another sleeper lens is the 17 f/1.8 - for the price used, it is an amazing little lens. Great video!
The 17 is a GREAT lens, just not in my personal wheelhouse - focal length wise. Though I am slowly getting used to 35mm lenses - it's taken some time for me, but I am appreciating them more and more...
Love the content and your attitude. I was impressed with your portraits and interiors. Didn't like the music at all... distracting & wimpy. Your selection seems valid for lots of kinds of shooting. For me, I'd have to insist that a lens be black. No matter how good it is,it would just look blah on my black GX8, and maybe future GH9. I just have to be able to look at my equipment and like it.
Regrettably, in late 2020 & moving into 2021, Olympus, certainly in Australia, have been increasing the prices of the Pro primes. Appreciate the 12-40 2.8 wasn't in your top 5, however, it is now widely listed at the Australian versions of B and H, Adorama for about twice the retail price in early 2020. Interesting review, thanks.
Hi Darren, I own several Lumix lenses, 2 "Leica-Lumix" lenses and a Samyang (might be called Rokinon in US). Here is my rank : 1. Lumix Leica 42,5mm f1,2 superb, superb, superb ! construction, image quality, joy of use in AF or Manual focus 2. Lumix Leica 15mm f1,7 by far my most used lens on my G7 it is so versatile and and I love the image quality 3. Lumix 14/140mm the ultimate "travel lens" :) the real swiss army knife only limited by its aperture 4. Lumix 100-300mm very sharp and very light weight (considering the range) 5. Samyang 12 mm f2 a fantastic value for the money Of course, I would not claim theses are the "best micro 4/3 lenses" since I 've only tested few of the (and there are soooo many out there) and can't say I've ever tested an Olympus lens... This is just my Top 5 after 3 years in the Micro 4/3 system :) Thanks for your time and efforts Darren, I love your channel ! keep the good work !! Greetings from Slovakia
Number 3 has maybe less quality than intermediate choices, isn't it? Neumann films and Yuri Palma ( best Gh5 users, in my opinion), have widely used Olympus 7-14mm
Nice! I have 2 of these already. The olympus 45mm and 75mm 1.8 lenses. Would you recommend a Panasonic gx85 as a B cam to my gh4 A cam? ...if youre into video also....
In 2020 my personal choice would be: 1/ Pana 10-25:1.7 2/ Oly 12-100:4 3/ Oly 40-150:2.8 4/ Oly 7-14:2.8 5/ Pana 15:1.7 The 5 others sure be 6/ Oly 75:1.8 7/ Laowa 7.5:2 8/ Zhongyi Mitakon 25:0.95 9/ Oly 17:1.2 10/ Pana 42.5:1.7 Considering specific lenses, the Oly 60:2.8 macro and the Oly fisheye 8:1.8 are incredible, even if I prefer the tiny Rokinon 8.5:3.5 for my personal rare use of fisheye...
I have the 40-150 (which I absolutely love), as well as the 75mm. I whish I could use the 75 more often, its picture quality is amazing, but as you said the 150mm aquivalent is quite limiting. Also the minimal focus distance on it is far away, I find myself taking a step backwards because of it often. The 42,5 looks like it would have a simmilar quality but more flexibility to offer. Why is it "only" your number 2? What does the 75mm do better in your opinion?
More background compression for the portrait style that I like, that, and it's a wee bit sharper, I like the colors a bit better from Olympus glass too - all highly subjective, just my opinion... The 75 to me, is one of the best optics I've ever used on any system - love that thing :-)
Thanks for the quick answer. Seems like I need to force myself more onto the 75, if possbile I need to compare the 42,5 against it in the future. As always I love your videos about the MFT system, one of the best and informative out there.
Budget top 5. For the folks who want some manual and autofocus lenses. Helios 44 /Olympus 45mm/ Sigma 60mm/ Leica Panny 15mm/ Samyang7.5. Covers most bases and less than 1000pounds. Not much you cant achieve with free version of RawTherapee vs 4.2.1234
You're right, we can disagree. You have the Oly 45mm f/1.8, which is fine and a nice lens for portraits and more, but you have the Pany 42.5mm on there too, and that lens beats the Oly 45mm in every way except price and size/weight. So that is interesting. Oly 45mm for most and 42.5 for those wanting top notch and can afford it. Even though you don't need a 17mm in your area, the Oly 17mm f/1.8 is a great lens for all around use. But we can argue all day, and then we wouldn't shoot anything.
Dude you have to check out the Sigma 56mm, it will replace your Panasonic 1.2 and you can buy some extra gear with the money. I am getting ready to move down to Florida soon!
very good, honest opinion but . . . you didn't touch on 50mm equivalent ie 25mm Olympus/Leica etc . . . there again it probably isn't a view that you tend to use
Thank you for the thorough reviews. One thing I wish you had touched on is whether your recommendations change depending on the camera. You like the Olympus lenses but would that still be the case for the Lumix GH-4 considering it relies on the lens’s image stabilization? Perhaps those Olympus lenses would be your first choice for a body that had in-body stabilization but not for one that relies on the lens’s.
Going to have to get the 75mm f1.8 after seeing this (and there are many other strong recommendations for this lens out there) I started with M43 with an Olympus OM D EM1 with a 12-40 Pro lens after being semi professional in film but disappointed with early digital photography. I now use the 7-14mm Olympus Pro f2.8, the 40-150mm f2.8 Olympus Pro and the 60mm f2.8 Olympus Macro as well. I have a Nissin i40 flash and Manfrotto "Befree" carbon fibre tripod. All this as well as extra batteries, filters, cards etc can be so easily carried virtually anywhere. Thanks for your great videos.
Yea.. I hope you enjoying it if you've bought it. I have 75mm f1.8 for 2 years and like Darren said> It's absolutely amazing lens. Super sharp even on wide open. I never regret spending that much money for a single lens. For now it's most pricey lens in my arsenal but also most beautiful lens.
I really enjoy your videos - just thought I'd tell you. A good list - I especially concur with the Olympus 7-14 Pro - in fact it was the lens that made me transfer entirely to m43rds. I do wish it handled flare better but it is awesome for architeture, (or in your case real estate). I suppose the only lens I would add - which relates to me and not others - is the Leica Elmarit 45/2.8 Macro. I now have the 100-400 Leica DG for wildlife but your recommendation of the 50-150 (especially combined with 1.4 teleconverter) makes me think it might be my next lens.
Wow Darren, the sun sets very quickly in Florida! It's sunny while you talk about lens number 2, and by the time you get to number 3 the sun has set, wtf!!!
I like your list but the lumix 42.5 f1.7 is a lot better than the oly 45mm for me. Generaly speaking I prefer the contrast and colors from the panny over olympus but some like the 7-14 40-150 from olympus are fantastic. Same with the bodies from both brands, the user interface, menu, ergo are better for me on the panasonics. I'm now 100% on m43 system and ot's fantastic.
I to am a pro, I do hotels and resots in Asia. Your top 5 I have the same !!! You and I think the same. I Switch from a Nikon D4s and D810 to Olympus and haven't looked back. My OMD Mk2 is amazing. Thanks for the video, I've enjoyed watching your video's for a long time. John
Hi thanks good video! I wonder if you can explain why in your portrait photos you seem to cut the top off people's heads! is that your style or just the photos that you selected to show us?? thanks 😎
I love the Lumix 42.5 F1.7 with IS - so nicer then the Oly - I also love the Lumix Leica 42.5mm F1.2 - yes the Oly 7-14 F2.8 is super nice - I am happy with my Lumix 35-100mm F1.8 :) smaller and lighter and cheaper but yes not as awesome as the Oly version - and yes I love my Oly 75mm F1.8 - although I do not use it as often as I should
Well you have the best. What about Lumix 35-100 vs Sigma Art 50-100 1.8? Yuri Palma ( in my opinion, one of the best MFT user in the world), on his Gh4 and 5 decided to use SIgma art ( with Speedbooster), so..I'm just curious
Fantastic as usual Darren, thanks. I like your list. I am aiming to save up for the Oly 7-14mm! Currently, I have the Oly 9-18mm for UWA and it's OK but not anywhere as bright nor sharp as the 7-14mm. I agree the Oly 45mm and 75mm are beautiful beautiful lenses... my favourite style of shooting is around the 15-17.5mm bits but for some reason, I don't know why my Panny 15mm f1.7 somehow doesn't feel as sharp as the Oly 45 and 75 lenses. Maybe it doesn't like my Oly EM5 Mk2 body! Anyway, thanks again for another great video! I've never looked back since moving from DSLR to Micro 4/3rds!
thanks for the effort and the sharing. the list is helpful. glad you included both olympus and panasonice. i was wondering if you have an opinion on the sigma art 60mm/2.8? thumbs up.
The 60 is a great lens! I'm not much of a macro shooter and I think that showed in my review of this lens, many photographers thought that review missed the mark...
Thank you for the video Darren. I am planning to upgrade from a compact bridge camera to mirrorless ILC and your summary helped a lot to narrow my search for must-have lenses. On a side note, you remind me of Vince Vaughn from True Detective...
Wow! I should have watched this video before the August 26, 2017 posting! Seems that the M43 format is fine for close-in spaces (i.e., indoor real estate). Why does your 5 top M43 lenses have the 15-40mm gap? Nice review work and nice background music! What is your music source? Thanks!
Hi Darren, given the high price of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro, I am considering the Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II (Four Third, with MMF 3 convertor) to mount on my EM5 Mk II to shot some pictures when traveling with the motobike (mainly to shot the bike and myself haahha), do you think it would be good idea??
That Olympus 75mm truly is a "God" lens, and I hate that phrase. Despite having in my household a FF D800E and top quality lenses as well as a Fuji system too, all of which are wonderful, it is the 75mm that ensures that I will never come out of M43. It's that good.
Couldn't agree with you more! I use Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, etc... The 75mm f/1.8 from Olympus is one of my all time favorites, regardless of system... It really is that good!
Great Darren. Thank you. That 75mm 1.8 does indeed look an excellent choice, for all the reasons you mention. (My Olympus EPL3 was stolen recently, and I've only just replaced the body, but without lens, so I'm looking around. For the moment, via an adapter utilising my Leica M lenses. Great images but all manual of course. Not the best for quick shooting of mobile subjects. Squinting at the screen is not fun.) ... Saving this video for another look. Cheers, from hot'n steamy Central Thailand, where the landscape is magnificent, the food is great, the people are good looking, and the humidity keeps me busy removing fungus from all the lenses filters. Small, medium and large format. Do you have that problem in Florida?
Hey Kevin! I went to Thailand back in 1999 for 10 days, absolutely LOVED IT! Mostly in Bangkok on business. But I loved Thailand, would love to go back someday too! Fungus hasn't been a big problem for me no, but it does get really freaking humid down here...
Fungus: Air conditioned storage is precious, failing that, a humidity safe. It's all about time+darkness+humidity. (Growing mushrooms in the cellar?) I'm currently checking everything before I go away for a month, with each leans I'm not taking stored in it's own zip-lock plastic bag with a small sachet of silica gel. Tedious but a must. Yep, for all it's drawbacks, I now think of Thailand as home. The inspiration is endless. But unless one is happy with converging verticals, a shift lens is a must, on whatever platform. I'm in rural Central Thailand, farmlands and Buddhist temples everywhere. PM me if you ever come back.
The 75 f1.8 is a great portrait length, but the 45 1.8 is a poor substitute for the 45mm f1.2 Pro. The manual focus on the 1.2 plus that extra background blur makes it a better choice than the Nocticron and 45 1.8. It is just a beautiful lens to use. It feels right.
I do not own any of the Olympus pros and the Pana 42.5, but I do own both the Oly 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 and yes they are outrageously amazing portrait lenses that can produce that amazing... Ａｅｓｔｈｅｔｉｃ ... in my portraits.
My other favorite lenses, since I am mostly shooting travel photos, are the Pan 12-35mm f/2.8, Pan 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6, and Olympus 9-18mm f/4-5.6. They are my workhorse lenses when I am travelling.
Great video!
Just to let you know Mr. Miles you have the best video intro in all of youtube! Minimalistic in style and color and exactly what one needs👍🏼
The 75mm is my go to lens for concerts. Fast, small and light. My best rock photography has been with that lens.
I have the 75mm 1.8 and when I shoot portraits my 45mm1.8 just sits in the bag. As much as I love that lens the 75 just is something very special and I can't shoot without it.
If you get the chance try the sigma 30 1.4
Stunning lens. Only downside is that it gets a little bit of purple fringing wide open easy to fix in post, but still something you have to keep an eye on. But 340$ for a 1.4 is incredible. Plus a great focal length imo. At 1.4 you can get a nice shallow dof for portraits. But if you step back it's wide enough to work in low light events too. I can shoot in pretty dark venues and the iso is nice and low while still getting everything in focus. And of course it's just a killer bargain. Great alternative to the very expensive 25mm 1.2
Only got 4 lenses, 45f1.8, 40-150f2.8 from Olympus and the 12-60f2.8-4.0 & an early 20mm from Panasonic. Mainly use the zooms and it all fits in a small bag.
I love my 75mm 1.8 I have done some work doing travel photography with it that are among my favorite shots.
My favorite is the 45mm . Heard about the 75mm havent tried it . I also tried the 7artisans 7.5 fisheye ..amazing quality for the buck for amateurs .
Absolutely agree with the 75mm. The focal length makes me use it less often than I wouldve liked. I ended up using the 12-40mm f2.8 90% of the the time. But whenever the situation is right for the 75mm, it shoots breathtaking photos. My only regret was selling my 45mm.
I have skipped so many times the 75mm f/1.8 that it is only one left that I really want. I don't do much portraits, that even 45mm f/1.8 would offer deep enough DOF, but that 75mm offers thr narrow field of view that makes it so nice. But then again i use 40-150mm at 100-150mm at f/2.8-4 for that portrait purpose as it offers what I want.
The 75mm is much better than any one below it, and if there aint space then a 45mm does it well.
Now you might notice that I don't like shallow DOF as customers don't want that, but they want blurred background and that is why 100-150mm comes to play! You get the blurred background and deeper DOF to fill person face at f/2.8-4 range.
The olympus is rumored to release two PRO primes, 17mm and 45mm f/1.2. and both are just like 25mm f/1.2 = thanks but I don't see difference between 1.2 to 1.8 to be worth carry such ones as anyways I need to shoot 2.8-4 for the DOF.
I have a dream lens I want to get for portraiture, it is Olympus 150mm f/2, but oh boy ain't that costly! This is for the cases when I need that shallow DOF so only a one eye is in focus.
And it is reason I want to see Olympus to release their new master race portrait lens: 100m f/1.8.
But it should be less than 999€ actually replace 75mm in line with 799€ tag and drop that 75mm to 599€ tag.
Olympus woyld definitely move both lenses to customers far more if the 100mm f/1.8 would be built like black version of 75mm and maybe add a weather sealing (maybe!).
The Olympus 7-14mm is drooling lens.... love it. And I think your architecture photos with it are best I have seen anyone to take with it (and I have seen a lot....).
This is reason why I would recommend to olympus hire you to show off that lens marketing...
I am about to have a portrait shoot in a week and so wish to have that 75mm as it is going to be full body portraits where f/1.8 would be enough to cover person but help to blur background as f/2.8 is just tad too deep for forest locations etc. But definitely going to use 7-14mm for portraits too!
That 75mm oly lens is also good for street photo if you want to be discreet. I used sigma 56mm and love it. Also considering that 75mm..
Great video, excellent choice of lenses. I think everyone that still thinks Micro 4/3 can't be used professionally, and full frame is always required, should watch this video and see how capable the system is when used with these fantastic lenses!
I'm just now getting into micro 4/3 after years of lugging my D810...all of these lenses are in my sights. Thanks for the great videos. I catch all of them.
L...eisure n n ñöSteve
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@ADHD Golf sure, except no Sigma comes in Micro 4/3 mount?!
Great video. I agree with you, the 75/1.8 is a gem. I just got the 45/1.2 but sooner or later I will get the 75/1.8 also. The 40 to 150 /2.8 is also excellent lens. And yes 7-14 will be my next big purchase.
Just my opinion, when I look at the quality of the PRO lenses and compare them to my "L" series, I don't feel like the OLYMPUS is too expensive ??? I think is quite seasonably priced ??? Am I wrong ??? I printed many of my pictures at 20x30" from my 5Dm4 and E-M1m2 and people can't tell the difference ????
Great Vlog.
that 45mm 1.8 is a beast with a olympus camera its no joke but that list is serious Darren
you are The Champion !! . . . . loved your selection of top 5 M43 lenses, done meticulously
For run and gun video, the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 is king. For photography, I switch between the Olympus 12mm, 25mm, and 45mm. The 45mm is my all time favorite lens for most photography so far. I sure would love to get my hands on an Olympus 75mm f1.8 though.
Yep, completely agree, I have them all accept the 45mm f1.8, the 42.5mm Nocticron is just fantastic, and as you say the 75mm is stunning but limited in its use. Thanks for the video!
It is a really great list for a professionals who are really raising money from photography.
But it will be also great to see a list for an enthusiasts where photography is just an other hobby with a limited budget. Oly's 45mm fits perfectly due to a price range. But what else by Your opinion?
Thank You for a great videos! :)
Amazing video, thanks for sharing your experience with us. For portraits & maybe fashion and life style photography, & lets say you have the budget to buy one lens, would you choose the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 or the Leica 42.5 f/1.2? I know the Olympus is your favorite, but you have options to use different lenses, in my situation I have only 1 lens to choose.
75mm is absolutely flawless lens, I love it, could be a little bit longer sometimes, but otherwise is amazing I also use it for street photography a lot for candid portraits outside.
I call my 75mm lens my “Mighty 75” 🙂 Incredibly wonderful lens!
We’re so different. For my GX8, G9, and G100 I have the Lumix 9mm, Lumix 15mm, 12-35, 35-100, 100-400, Lumix 12-32 I rarely use with G100 or any other.
Great video, good to see you back it's been a while. Your qualification on your lens picks based on your use should be enough said why other lens are left out. I found your comments on the 12-40mm Pro especially helpfull and refreshing for change compared to other reviewers. I keep coming back to your channel for your thorough discription of the lens, how you use it and what you've learn (most offen left out - by other reviewers).
Thanks Karl - to be clear, the 12-40 is awesome - really, it is, but it's just not a focal range I like to dabble to much in unless I have to.... Just a personal preference...
nice video Darren! The only thing is that when you buy the 42.5 then why buy the 75? Both are aimed for portraiture aren't they?
Plus... can you pls keep the music off - its very annoying when trying to hear what YOU gotta say! :)
Hi Darren, I have all these lenses accept the 45mm, and I am in two minds which is the best, the Pani 42.5mm or the Oly 75mm, both are just awesome, the Pani can be used in a broader dimension, but still both fantastic. I also have the 300mm F4, which is soooo sharp, and the stabilisation is just breathtaking on my Oly EM1.2. Great video as always, and thanks !
Yep. That probably would have been my list too. Shot with the 75mm 1.8 for an entire afternoon and was blown away by the quality and easy of handling. But it indeed is too specialised for my needs (don't do too many portraits and already own the 45mm 1.8). The 45mm 1.8 is a complete steal. The quality that thing gives for the money is amazing. It is only a bit too small on bigger bodies imho.
I think I would have replaced one of the 42.5/45mm lenses with the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 pancake though. It's one of the slowest zooming lenses I've ever owned but the quality and size are so great for street/candid photography.
Hi Darren,
I use the 12-40 Pro and the 40-150 pro + the 1.4 converter when required. These are paired with and EM1 and these 2 lenses cover everything for me. I would just like to add that the 40-150 Pro lens is fantastic in every way, and is my lens of choice and it spends more time than the other on the camera. This system is quick and slick!
It's one of mine too... The 40-150 lives on my camera, unless I'm specifically shooting a portrait - which I can very easily and effectively do with the 40-150, but I think the images out of the 75 are just prettier...
Great list. Thanks for taking the time to share.
The Panasonic 20mm pancake and the Olympus 45 1.8....The lens that stays on my camera mostly tough is the old 4/3rds 12-60 2.8-4.with the adapter..
I just bought a used mint condition Olympus 75mm f 1.8 for much less than full price. This lens makes the photos special for sure. I'm so glad I got it. Thanks for your review.
It's AMAZING - one of my favorite lenses of all time...
Personally, I think the explanation of why each lens works for you is key to the whole process. It's all too easy to be tempted by the latest greatest hero lens, but the smart money always goes on the lens that will deliver the photographic results you most need or want. Honourable mention for me goes to the Panasonic Lecia DG 8-18mm. I can't say how this compares to the Oly Pro 7-14mm, but I have no complaints and, crucially for my needs, it will accept system filters without special adaptors, making it a great compact, high quality lens option for travel and landscape.
That one - the 8-18 - is on my list to test.
My first m43 lens was the Oly 45mm and it is still my favourite lens. The other lenses look great, I am not a pro so I can't justify those prices, although I wish :-) Instead of the Oly pro 40-150, I have the Pany 35-100 f4-5.6 which a pro might not be interested in but for the rest of us, I recommend it. It is sharp, compact, a new lens (fast focussing, dual-IS compatible on Pany bodies) and has a reasonable price (about 400).
Thanks for the list Darren.
I’ve watched your reviews of the Olympus M. Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 & 75mm f/1.8 and I have added those to my camera bag. Both great lenses and I too highly recommend them. But my bag needs a short focal length lens to compliment the range. I have the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 prime too and it is fairly wide and fast. But I am looking for a wider option.
So, the Olympus M. Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 has caught my eye. Pricey, but I totally trust the name. It has proven to be high quality glass to me so far.
I would look at the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 - it's manual focus, but it's pretty good for the money!
i knew you would choose the 75 1.8 as your top pick. Tks vm
Funny, I actually said, out loud, 75mm lol as he was talking portrait and after making the 45mm his number 5 choice (another good portrait lens), I knew that 75mm was coming up.
Dear Darren,
I am glad that you did not list the 12-40 mm F2.8 PRO Zoom, the reason is obvious in MF43, which it is actually an F 5.6 in traditional 35 mm and full frame Photography. I find the 12-100 mm F4 PRO IS Zoom the best overall length, when compared to it for both still and video shooting.
The 45 1.8 and 75 1.8 Oly lenses are offered in a "portrait kit" with hoods and lens cases for as low as $899 (Black Friday / Cyber Monday week pricing) or $999 normal. Combine these with the 7-14 2.8 and either the panasonic or oly ~20-25mm prime option and that pretty much covers everything but ultra telephoto in 4 very sharp lenses. Wish the 75mm and 7-14mm were offered in plastic body options to cut down on weight but I digress.
My favorit m43 lens is M Zuiko 17mm f1:1.8. Light weight, sharp, quick focus and suit the kind pic I take. Seldom use my 75mm, yes its a very good lens but at 150mm focal lenght equivalent to fx its mostly sit on my dry box.
Lol, some of these are so expensive, Thais is why I also buy Nikon apse so I can afford less expensive lenses and still get pro quality shots. Great video Darren
Excellent. I have or have owned four of the five lenses you listed. I had two Olympus 45 1.8 but replaced both with the Panasonic 42.5mm 1.7 due to it being sharpter (at least my copy), is optically stabilized for the tiny Panasonic GM5 body, and a wee bit larger aperture. (I do also own the 42.5mm f1.2 for when I need ultimate portrait and don't mind carrying a heavier lens.)
I agree. 75mm is an awesome lens.
Hi Darren. I'm happy anyone to have their choice of lenses. A persons' choice of lens does not warrant childish behaviour such as "hey stupid, you forgot this" or any of that sort of rubbish. If I had the choice, I would add the Oly 12-40mm f2.8, as it is a great "all rounder". Again, that would be my choice. Great review, mate. Thank you.
all subjective and personal reference, my fav is the oly 60 2.8. I use it for everything, even landscape, just need to be miles back of the subject lol
Darren, you cost me so much money, but all well spent. Thank you for the video
hi, darren. yup, got all in your top 5. the two that spring to mind for me are the 7-14mm pro, and the 42.5mm nocticron. the lumix's: 25mm 1.4 and the 42.5mm 1.2. have a different color balance to my eye - slightly warmer than the m.zuikos. also, the pro fisheye is great............sharp enough to crop right into the center third where there's little distortion. very creative lens. regards. j.
Don't know why you're anticipating criticisms! This is a really useful video for we people who are new to micro four thirds - have a great weekend!
Darren, thank you for sharing!
I got the F2.8 60mm ….. do you know if it’s in the same class as the 75mm ?
I guess this shows how preferences are driven by usage. Most of my photos are street and my all time favourite lens is the Olympus 17mm f1.8 which with its manual focus ring and DoF scale for zone focus users which puts it in a class of its own. It is teh perfect match for my Panasonic GX7. Its very sharp too and will easily take a 300% crop. Which is why I dont use zooms. I have a Lumix 14-140mm zoom, which is in a class of its own as a general lens but, that has largely been replaced by an Olympus 45mm f1.8 which I agree is fantastic. I have no requirement for shallow DoF as I am a hyperfocal junkie, I dont take portraits, which makes MFT the perfect system for me. I do use a Panasonic 25mm f1.7 to complete my bag; I dont need anything else ;-)
"I guess this shows how preferences are driven by usage." -
How about the Sigma 56mm 1.4 vs the Olympus 75mm 1.8 for film?
Awesome list! I have been using a 25mm Voigtlander f0.95. What do you think about this focal length as it is equivalent to the 50mm in FF? I have been using it a lot for indoor photography of family events and its performance in low light is unbelievable.
TheHaz84 what's the quality like? Do you use it wide open?
The quality is fantastic. In my opinion it is slightly sharper than the Olympus 17mm f1.8 which is an excellent lens. I do use it wide open and the results are awesome, but focusing at 0.95 is a challenge, I solve it by taking more than one shot while slightly varying the focus. In low light, the lens is unbelievable, people don't believe how I shoot without a flash, when they see the photos they absolutely love them, because you capture the ambient lighting and the effect is almost artistic. It is money well spent for me.
So if you could only take 1 lens to a portrait shoot, which do you take, the Oly 45/1.8, the Panny 42.5/1.2 or the Oly 75/1.8?
Great video. Normally an APS-C user, I was lucky enough to photograph a recent wedding using two of the lenses on your list, plus the 12-40, all of which I was loaned by a friend whose OM 1 was being repaired. The results were every bit as nice to look at as they would have been on one of my larger format cameras. Micro four thirds lens technology seems to be very much ahead of the curve compared to APS-C and FX formats.
great video as always. interesting over lap with the 45/1.8 & 42.5/1.2 but it is understandable. i agree with the 12-40. i love it but do not use it very often. its the 17/1.8 and the 45/1.8 plus the 100-300 ii pani that i run around with. but as we are moving to Turkey the 40-150 plus tc1.4 will be added shortly. again thanks for the videos.
Long time viewer (thank you) first time commenter. Oly 7-14 is my favorite among a half dozen native mft lenses. Purely personal projects much of it art (euphemism for unsalable, lol?) amazing as well when used at near end of focus. Produces amazing footage on GH4-5 on gimbal in it's 10-11 midrange. AND tough, first week I had it it took a 2-3 foot tumble lens first onto concrete, got a ding I could see at a glance (not on glass) and then it completely freaked me out! Autofocus didn't work! One twist of the physical ring (I guess it had jammed) and it was right as rain and has been for over a year.
PS fond of my Voigtlander 17.5 f0.95 as well, especially for monopod video work, needs a good variable density filter though.
Thank you, this is very helpful. Just a bit confusing - in video you mention 17 mm f1.8 as preferred lens, but the link in description is for 7-14mm f.2.8 PRO
Top !!!!!! Thank you for this amazing video !
Thanks for the recommendations your #1 is a bit too narrow of a field of view for ME, however I can understand why you like it. Definitively going to save up for the 40 - 150 2.8
Today while visiting the local camera store they had a used Olympus 45mm 1.8 for sale half price off a new one so I picked it up . I love it despite having two pro zooms 12-40 and 40-150 for my em5ii I think the 45mm 1.8 is so compact and sharp I can't put it down, was this a lens I could have done without since I already have two lenses that cover this focal range?
I agree - I own all that you mentioned except the Leica - another sleeper lens is the 17 f/1.8 - for the price used, it is an amazing little lens. Great video!
The 17 is a GREAT lens, just not in my personal wheelhouse - focal length wise. Though I am slowly getting used to 35mm lenses - it's taken some time for me, but I am appreciating them more and more...
Love the content and your attitude. I was impressed with your portraits and interiors.
Didn't like the music at all... distracting & wimpy.
Your selection seems valid for lots of kinds of shooting. For me, I'd have to insist that a lens be black. No matter how good it is,it would just look blah on my black GX8, and maybe future GH9. I just have to be able to look at my equipment and like it.
Awesome selection!
Regrettably, in late 2020 & moving into 2021, Olympus, certainly in Australia, have been increasing the prices of the Pro primes.
Appreciate the 12-40 2.8 wasn't in your top 5, however, it is now widely listed at the Australian versions of B and H, Adorama for about twice the retail price in early 2020.
Interesting review, thanks.
Thank you for the tips. Really helps me a lot.
Hi Darren, I own several Lumix lenses, 2 "Leica-Lumix" lenses and a Samyang (might be called Rokinon in US). Here is my rank :
1. Lumix Leica 42,5mm f1,2 superb, superb, superb ! construction, image quality, joy of use in AF or Manual focus
2. Lumix Leica 15mm f1,7 by far my most used lens on my G7 it is so versatile and and I love the image quality
3. Lumix 14/140mm the ultimate "travel lens" :) the real swiss army knife only limited by its aperture
4. Lumix 100-300mm very sharp and very light weight (considering the range)
5. Samyang 12 mm f2 a fantastic value for the money
Of course, I would not claim theses are the "best micro 4/3 lenses" since I 've only tested few of the (and there are soooo many out there) and can't say I've ever tested an Olympus lens... This is just my Top 5 after 3 years in the Micro 4/3 system :)
Thanks for your time and efforts Darren, I love your channel ! keep the good work !! Greetings from Slovakia
Number 3 has maybe less quality than intermediate choices, isn't it? Neumann films and Yuri Palma ( best Gh5 users, in my opinion), have widely used Olympus 7-14mm
Nice! I have 2 of these already. The olympus 45mm and 75mm 1.8 lenses. Would you recommend a Panasonic gx85 as a B cam to my gh4 A cam? ...if youre into video also....
Lol, you filmed this at night and then it turned day, and then back to night hilarious
In 2020 my personal choice would be:
1/ Pana 10-25:1.7
2/ Oly 12-100:4
3/ Oly 40-150:2.8
4/ Oly 7-14:2.8
5/ Pana 15:1.7
The 5 others sure be
6/ Oly 75:1.8
7/ Laowa 7.5:2
8/ Zhongyi Mitakon 25:0.95
9/ Oly 17:1.2
10/ Pana 42.5:1.7
Considering specific lenses, the Oly 60:2.8 macro and the Oly fisheye 8:1.8 are incredible, even if I prefer the tiny Rokinon 8.5:3.5 for my personal rare use of fisheye...
I have the 40-150 (which I absolutely love), as well as the 75mm.
I whish I could use the 75 more often, its picture quality is amazing, but as you said the 150mm aquivalent is quite limiting.
Also the minimal focus distance on it is far away, I find myself taking a step backwards because of it often.
The 42,5 looks like it would have a simmilar quality but more flexibility to offer. Why is it "only" your number 2? What does the 75mm do better in your opinion?
More background compression for the portrait style that I like, that, and it's a wee bit sharper, I like the colors a bit better from Olympus glass too - all highly subjective, just my opinion... The 75 to me, is one of the best optics I've ever used on any system - love that thing :-)
Thanks for the quick answer. Seems like I need to force myself more onto the 75, if possbile I need to compare the 42,5 against it in the future.
As always I love your videos about the MFT system, one of the best and informative out there.
Budget top 5. For the folks who want some manual and autofocus lenses. Helios 44 /Olympus 45mm/ Sigma 60mm/ Leica Panny 15mm/ Samyang7.5. Covers most bases and less than 1000pounds. Not much you cant achieve with free version of RawTherapee vs 4.2.1234
You're right, we can disagree. You have the Oly 45mm f/1.8, which is fine and a nice lens for portraits and more, but you have the Pany 42.5mm on there too, and that lens beats the Oly 45mm in every way except price and size/weight. So that is interesting. Oly 45mm for most and 42.5 for those wanting top notch and can afford it. Even though you don't need a 17mm in your area, the Oly 17mm f/1.8 is a great lens for all around use. But we can argue all day, and then we wouldn't shoot anything.
Yessir Tampa!
Dude you have to check out the Sigma 56mm, it will replace your Panasonic 1.2 and you can buy some extra gear with the money. I am getting ready to move down to Florida soon!
Great, I have 2 of your top 5 lenses on this list, 45/75mm F2.8.
very good, honest opinion but . . . you didn't touch on 50mm equivalent ie 25mm Olympus/Leica etc . . . there again it probably isn't a view that you tend to use
Thank you for the thorough reviews. One thing I wish you had touched on is whether your recommendations change depending on the camera. You like the Olympus lenses but would that still be the case for the Lumix GH-4 considering it relies on the lens’s image stabilization? Perhaps those Olympus lenses would be your first choice for a body that had in-body stabilization but not for one that relies on the lens’s.
The whole video I was just waiting for the 75mm 1.8 since I knew it would be in here 😀 Just got my copy this last week and am having fun with it
It's amazing - especially for portraits!
Going to have to get the 75mm f1.8 after seeing this (and there are many other strong recommendations for this lens out there) I started with M43 with an Olympus OM D EM1 with a 12-40 Pro lens after being semi professional in film but disappointed with early digital photography. I now use the 7-14mm Olympus Pro f2.8, the 40-150mm f2.8 Olympus Pro and the 60mm f2.8 Olympus Macro as well. I have a Nissin i40 flash and Manfrotto "Befree" carbon fibre tripod. All this as well as extra batteries, filters, cards etc can be so easily carried virtually anywhere. Thanks for your great videos.
Thanks Chris! Appreciate the kind words, seems like you have quite the Olympus kit there!
Yea.. I hope you enjoying it if you've bought it. I have 75mm f1.8 for 2 years and like Darren said> It's absolutely amazing lens. Super sharp even on wide open. I never regret spending that much money for a single lens. For now it's most pricey lens in my arsenal but also most beautiful lens.
What about the Sigma 30mm F1.4 dc dn?
I really enjoy your videos - just thought I'd tell you. A good list - I especially concur with the Olympus 7-14 Pro - in fact it was the lens that made me transfer entirely to m43rds. I do wish it handled flare better but it is awesome for architeture, (or in your case real estate). I suppose the only lens I would add - which relates to me and not others - is the Leica Elmarit 45/2.8 Macro. I now have the 100-400 Leica DG for wildlife but your recommendation of the 50-150 (especially combined with 1.4 teleconverter) makes me think it might be my next lens.
Thank you very much for the kinds words - yeah the 7-14 PRO is fantastic, totally awesome results!
Thanks! Great round-up!
Wow Darren, the sun sets very quickly in Florida! It's sunny while you talk about lens number 2, and by the time you get to number 3 the sun has set, wtf!!!
I got interrupted 10 mins into shooting, my client wanted to grab dinner so I had to stop, then start again 2 hours later... nice catch :-)
Have you tried the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 lens? It seems like a unicorn wide angle for m43
I like your list but the lumix 42.5 f1.7 is a lot better than the oly 45mm for me. Generaly speaking I prefer the contrast and colors from the panny over olympus but some like the 7-14 40-150 from olympus are fantastic. Same with the bodies from both brands, the user interface, menu, ergo are better for me on the panasonics. I'm now 100% on m43 system and ot's fantastic.
Says 43.5 not 42.5 in the blurb, thanks for the video :-)
I to am a pro, I do hotels and resots in Asia. Your top 5 I have the same !!! You and I think the same. I Switch from a Nikon D4s and D810 to Olympus and haven't looked back.
My OMD Mk2 is amazing. Thanks for the video, I've enjoyed watching your video's for a long time. John
Just curious to know if the Panasonic GH5 ever crossed your thoughts and if it did, why you didn't chose that. I am on the fence between the two.
I look forward to you testing out the new Olympus 17mm f1.2 and 45mm f1.2.
Me too! The 45 is totally in my wheelhouse too!
Hi thanks good video! I wonder if you can explain why in your portrait photos you seem to cut the top off people's heads! is that your style or just the photos that you selected to show us?? thanks 😎
I love the Lumix 42.5 F1.7 with IS - so nicer then the Oly - I also love the Lumix Leica 42.5mm F1.2 - yes the Oly 7-14 F2.8 is super nice - I am happy with my Lumix 35-100mm F1.8 :) smaller and lighter and cheaper but yes not as awesome as the Oly version - and yes I love my Oly 75mm F1.8 - although I do not use it as often as I should
Well you have the best. What about Lumix 35-100 vs Sigma Art 50-100 1.8? Yuri Palma ( in my opinion, one of the best MFT user in the world), on his Gh4 and 5 decided to use SIgma art ( with Speedbooster), so..I'm just curious
Lumix 35-100mm is F2.8 (not F1.8)
I love the Voigtlander 42.5mm F0.95 lens. It is a manual focus low light beast
Fantastic as usual Darren, thanks. I like your list. I am aiming to save up for the Oly 7-14mm! Currently, I have the Oly 9-18mm for UWA and it's OK but not anywhere as bright nor sharp as the 7-14mm. I agree the Oly 45mm and 75mm are beautiful beautiful lenses... my favourite style of shooting is around the 15-17.5mm bits but for some reason, I don't know why my Panny 15mm f1.7 somehow doesn't feel as sharp as the Oly 45 and 75 lenses. Maybe it doesn't like my Oly EM5 Mk2 body! Anyway, thanks again for another great video! I've never looked back since moving from DSLR to Micro 4/3rds!
thanks for the effort and the sharing. the list is helpful. glad you included both olympus and panasonice. i was wondering if you have an opinion on the sigma art 60mm/2.8? thumbs up.
The 60 is a great lens! I'm not much of a macro shooter and I think that showed in my review of this lens, many photographers thought that review missed the mark...
Thank you for the video Darren. I am planning to upgrade from a compact bridge camera to mirrorless ILC and your summary helped a lot to narrow my search for must-have lenses. On a side note, you remind me of Vince Vaughn from True Detective...
So glad I could help! I haven't watched True Detective, but I understand it's awesome!
Wow! I should have watched this video before the August 26, 2017 posting! Seems that the M43 format is fine for close-in spaces (i.e., indoor real estate). Why does your 5 top M43 lenses have the 15-40mm gap? Nice review work and nice background music! What is your music source? Thanks!
Hi Darren, given the high price of Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro, I am considering the Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II (Four Third, with MMF 3 convertor) to mount on my EM5 Mk II to shot some pictures when traveling with the motobike (mainly to shot the bike and myself haahha), do you think it would be good idea??
Nice! So long as you don’t mind a very loud and slow focus motor :-). Then it should be fine.
@@DarrenMiles hahaha, thanks. I think I can deal it 🤣🤣🤣for a 180$ lens, I saw that the image snd optical quality of this lens was so gooddd
thanks a lot for the recommendations
That Olympus 75mm truly is a "God" lens, and I hate that phrase. Despite having in my household a FF D800E and top quality lenses as well as a Fuji system too, all of which are wonderful, it is the 75mm that ensures that I will never come out of M43. It's that good.
Couldn't agree with you more! I use Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, etc... The 75mm f/1.8 from Olympus is one of my all time favorites, regardless of system... It really is that good!
Great video
You need to do a review of the Panasonic 25mm f1.7, the niftyfifty for m4/3
Great Darren. Thank you. That 75mm 1.8 does indeed look an excellent choice, for all the reasons you mention.
(My Olympus EPL3 was stolen recently, and I've only just replaced the body, but without lens, so I'm looking around. For the moment, via an adapter utilising my Leica M lenses. Great images but all manual of course. Not the best for quick shooting of mobile subjects. Squinting at the screen is not fun.) ... Saving this video for another look. Cheers, from hot'n steamy Central Thailand, where the landscape is magnificent, the food is great, the people are good looking, and the humidity keeps me busy removing fungus from all the lenses filters. Small, medium and large format. Do you have that problem in Florida?
Hey Kevin! I went to Thailand back in 1999 for 10 days, absolutely LOVED IT! Mostly in Bangkok on business. But I loved Thailand, would love to go back someday too! Fungus hasn't been a big problem for me no, but it does get really freaking humid down here...
Fungus: Air conditioned storage is precious, failing that, a humidity safe. It's all about time+darkness+humidity. (Growing mushrooms in the cellar?)
I'm currently checking everything before I go away for a month, with each leans I'm not taking stored in it's own zip-lock plastic bag with a small sachet of silica gel. Tedious but a must.
Yep, for all it's drawbacks, I now think of Thailand as home. The inspiration is endless. But unless one is happy with converging verticals, a shift lens is a must, on whatever platform. I'm in rural Central Thailand, farmlands and Buddhist temples everywhere.
PM me if you ever come back.