Lens Questions and Hello

Hello everyone. Just registered here, after buying an E-PL1 kit with 14-42 lens. I also sprung for the VF2, as I am not a fan of LCDs in bright sun. I almost went for the 20/1.7 right away, but I figured I'd wait a bit and check out the camera and kit lens first.

I'm wondering if someone can point me at a good resource that covers the available lenses for the E-PL1? I suppose most anything works with an adapter(s), but I'd like to keep it as simple as possible. I also just purchased an OM-10 camera for my wife. Are there any old Oly film lenses that are real gems? I assume that no adapters allow AF or aperture control?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Looking forward to getting to know my Oly.

Well it really depends on what type photography you are into. I use the 17mm 2.8 and am very pleased with it. It is small and fast. If you like landscape photography I think you should be looking at the 9-18mm.
Yes the OM glass will work on it but you will need a couple of adapters, OM to 4/3rd and 4/3rd to m4/3rd. Some of the old OM glass is still sought after and used. 24, 28 and 50mm still bring a nice price. Sorry you will have to AF.Check KEH. Just remember your x2 crop factor. 50mm will really be 100mm ect.
Be careful with the VF-2. I have read that it will slip off. If you are out and about with it around your neck keep a close check on it.

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Originally Posted by demiro

Hello everyone. Just registered here, after buying an EPL-1 kit with 14-42 lens. I also sprung for the VF2, as I am not a fan of LCDs in bright sun. I almost went for the 20/1.7 right away, but I figured I'd wait a bit and check out the camera and kit lens first.

I'm wondering if someone can point me at a good resource that covers the available lenses for the EPL-1? I suppose most anything works with an adapter(s), but I'd like to keep it as simple as possible. I also just purchased an OM-10 camera for my wife. Are there any old Oly film lenses that are real gems? I assume that no adapters allow AF or aperture control?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Looking forward to getting to know my Oly.

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Welcome to PR! I am a proud owner of the E-PL1 - and I love this camera. As Greg mentioned there are all kinds of lenses you can use with this camera. I'm giving you a link to B&H. On these 2 pages they have listed the Olympus and Panasonic lenses. As you scroll down the list, look for:

"for Micro 4/3 system" and "for 4/3 (four thirds) system"

You can use either - to use the 4/3 on the M4/3 you need an adaptor. The Panasonic adaptor is about $40 cheaper than Olympus - and they are the exact same. I have the Panny adaptor which works fine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/SL...223+4291296566

This will give you an idea of the lenses you can use made for the M4/3 & 4/3

BTW, the IBIS on the Olympus cameras works with these lenses - regardless of brand which is a real plus!

You will really enjoy this camera. However, be aware there is a big learning curve. I'm a bit "technically challenged" and almost gave up in the beginning! But a little patience works well here.

Welcome!

Liz

Greg and Liz, thank you for the replies. I should have provided a bit more info I suppose. I am a Canon DSLR user. I am downsizing that system, and hope to only use it for sports/fast action. My main focus with E-PL1 is family stuff, be it indoor in marginal light or outdoors at an event. It will be my "convenient to have with me all the time camera", I hope. I like fast primes, thus the idea to go for the 20/1.7. I currently really like my 30/1.4 and 50/1.8 on a 1.6X crop body. So I see the 20 replacing the 30 pretty easily.

Thanks again.



Dean

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Originally Posted by demiro

Greg and Liz, thank you for the replies. I should have provided a bit more info I suppose. I am a Canon DSLR user. I am downsizing that system, and hope to only use it for sports/fast action. My main focus with EPL-1 is family stuff, be it indoor in marginal light or outdoors at an event. It will be my "convenient to have with me all the time camera", I hope. I like fast primes, thus the idea to go for the 20/1.7. I currently really like my 30/1.4 and 50/1.8 on a 1.6X crop body. So I see the 20 replacing the 30 pretty easily.

Thanks again.



Dean

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Dean,

Just to add - I have the E-620 with the 50mm/f2 glued to it. I had to sell my Canon dslrs and lenses after years of using just Canon because I couldn't carry around the weight after a car accident. I thought nothing would compare with my Canon gear.

I have never regretted the decision because the IQ and other features of the E-PL1 are awesome. I too use it as my every day - carry with me all the time camera and I love it! I purchased the E-620 because I wanted the beautiful 50mm/f2 (the Canon 50mm/f1.4 was my all time favorite lens). The 620 is light weight - and I basically only use it for this lens which is awesome too. I use the 40-150mm lens with the E-PL1 as it is also very light weight - and cheap at $100. It is a very nice lens - great for outdoors - sharp with those nice Oly colors.

I'll just add that I have the 20mm/f1.7 and it is an incredible lens. The IBIS works on this lens even though the lens is not stablized itself. It is great in low light - and almost any situation.

Enjoy - and keep us updated.

Liz

Just for your info.

The price has come down nicely from $399 to $328 on the 20mm/f1.7 at B&H. No tax unless you live in NY - and free shipping.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Aspheric.html

Amazon $335 - same deal - if you like Amazon better.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Asph...6627555&sr=8-1

Forgot to say - I have the VF-2. I haven't taken it off of the camera since I got it - it is so bright. I haven't had a problem with it coming off. One time it got stuck on something in my camera bag - and it moved about 1/4 of an inch - but snapped right back in place. I've worn it around my neck without a problem. But like Greg says, just keep an eye on it.

Liz

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Originally Posted by Greg McCary

...Yes the OM glass will work on it but you will need a couple of adapters, OM to 4/3rd and 4/3rd to m4/3rd. Some of the old OM glass is still sought after and used. 24, 28 and 50mm still bring a nice price. Sorry you will have to AF.Check KEH. ...

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I guess this is a dumb question, but for anything other than 4/3 lenses to m4/3 lenses I will need two adapters? No other lenses are directly adaptable to m4/3 format?

Is there any issue with stacking adapters? I'm thinking I will avoid this anyway, but just trying to understand the lay of the land.

Thanks!

I've had the E-PL1 for about a month now. While part of me says that it really doesn't provide value, as it is too big to be truly convenient and cannot capture faster action like my DSLR, a larger part of me is very taken with the fabulous quality I get right OOC shooting in auto mode.

Pretty sure it is a keeper at this point. I'm going to add a 50/1.8 OM lens and the Pany 20/1.7 as well. Seems like a good investment at this point to help further define what my PEN can do.

As an aside, I recently picked up the highly regarded Samsung TL500. A nice P&S with a very fast 1.8 lens. While I like the camera, for a P&S, I felt it really didn't hold a candle to the IQ I see with the Oly. Not that unexpected I suppose, but for me it certainly validated just how big the step up is from a good P&S to micro 4/3s.