Convince me not to buy the 25mm F/1.4

[erikzen]

I see that the Panasonic 25mm F/1.4 lens is now available through B&H. This looks like a fabulous lens to use as your number 1 prime. I recently bought the Zuiko 50mm F/2.0 Macro ED for my E-510. Wow! What a big difference from the kit lenses. It really makes the camera seem like more of a tool than a toy, not that I didn't think the E-510 wasn't a serious camera.

However, I have noticed that it isn't as versatile as I had hoped. 50mm is just too close when you're shooting certain subjects if you don't have enough room to move back. A 25mm would certainly be nice to have in certain situations. On top of that, if a $400 lens is this much fun to use, then an $800 lens must be twice as satisfying!

Besides the fact that the money could probably be used for more practical things, such as going towards my mortgage principal or my kids college fund, why shouldn't I get this lens? (BTW, nobody is starving at my house and the bills are paid.) I've only had the camera a few weeks and as much as I lust after this lens I'm not sure how practical it is. Considering I've barely learned how to use the E-510, is it ridiculous to spend almost twice as much on lenses in the first month of owning the camera than I paid for the original package? (Twice as much includes the 50mm and the 25mm.)

[Atomic2]

i know how you feel, just a month after i bought the 510 with the 2kit lens, i dropped over 800 dollars on a 12-60

is the 25mm 2.8 too slow for you?

well, if you're gonna get rid of the 50mm, send it my way

[erikzen]

is the 25mm 2.8 too slow for you?

That certainly is a cute lens and it's got my eye, but I can only imagine that the Panasonic is going to feel so much better and having a faster lens is always appealing. Both have their uses I imagine. Maybe I should start with that one and then step up to the F/1.4

well, if you're gonna get rid of the 50mm, send it my way

Not quite yet!

One of my problems when I get into a hobby is never being able to let go of anything. My other main hobby (at least in terms of dollars spent) is headphone audio. I have hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in headphone equipment that I don't use. But when it comes time to sell it I get cold feet.

[erikzen]

By the way, the 25mm F/2.8 is hard to find. It seems to be out of stock all over.

[Greg McCary]

If you have been shooting with the kits you should consider the 14-54mm. It is one awesome upgrade. Fast focus, less distortion and built like a tank. I would recommend it before a prime.

[xwingkiller]

what do you know about this sigma 30mm f1.4 lens for $400?

http://www.adorama.com/SG3014OM.html...30mm&item_no=4

[Atomic2]

seriously, dont get it unless you just have an extra 900 laying around, get the 12-60 instead and you will get WAY more out of it

[fx101]

I would buy an olympus camera just for the 25mm f/1.4.... OK maybe not. 25mm with the crop factor just isn't a very useful focal length.

[Atomic2]

I would buy an olympus camera just for the 25mm f/1.4.... OK maybe not. 25mm with the crop factor just isn't a very useful focal length.

isnt it equivalent to 50mm which is standard prime focal length on most SLRs?

[fx101]

isnt it equivalent to 50mm which is standard prime focal length on most SLRs?

Doh! I forgot the Olympus crop factor is 2x. I guess it's a nice portrait range. Honestly, the 73mm I get with my Nikons is a little nicer for portraits though. I guess walking closer to the subject never hurt anybody .