• 02-05-2010, 01:35 PM
    SwampNut
    Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Current lens inventory:

    8mm
    25mm
    11-22mm
    14-42 kit lens
    40-150 kit lens
    1.4x teleconverter

    I'm very happy with the 11-22 as my common "walking about lens" and for shooting groups in small spaces. The 14-42 is slow, and sometimes I want/need something in that range that works in low light and focuses quickly. The 12-60 has some fantastic reviews, but it's very expensive. The 14-54 should fill my needs pretty well also. The 12-60 seems like it would mostly overlap the 11-22 so that may become useless.

    I'd love to hear opinions from people who have used these. I just upgraded from the E-510 to the 620, and the budget for more toys is short. I'll be selling the 510 to fund a lens acquisition. Not sure if the stretch to the 12-60 is worth it, or if maybe I should sell the 11-22 and get the 12-60. I do love wide angle shooting and fisheyes. The 7-14 is my fantasy lens but too expensive.
  • 02-05-2010, 05:04 PM
    Greg McCary
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    I just bought a 12-60mm. Other than the extra focal length there really isn't that much difference with it and the 14-54mm. It will focus better in low light but not enough to matter.
    I am with you on this one. Since you have the 11-22mm I would get the 14-54mm. It is a hell of a lens. I think it gives you more bang for the buck than any lens Olympus makes.
    I would love to see some sample pictures with the 11-22.
    Yep I would love to own the 7-14mm. But if I go that wide I have to use my Leica.
  • 02-05-2010, 05:09 PM
    SwampNut
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Greg, that's exactly what I was hoping for, someone who has both. Thanks!

    I'll try to dig up some 11-22 shots. For the most part I've only used it for group snapshots where it gives me lots of coverage without the weirdness of the 8mm.
  • 02-05-2010, 05:12 PM
    Sushigaijin
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    I'd go with the 14-54. If you're looking for something to use "sometimes" and you currently shoot mostly wide with the 11-22, there's really no reason to spend more money. You could get the 70-300, 50/2 or have a good chunk towards a 50-200 with the money saved. You could even sell the 11-22 and the 8mm to fund the 7-14 and still buy the 14-54.

    I've owned both lenses, and both are very nice. BUT, the SWD isn't that much faster than 14-54's motor, and you're basically tossing money at the 12-14mm range. Which you already have (well) covered. The 12-60 is (maybe) marginally sharper, but it does have some pretty funky distortion at the 12mm mark (although it is almost completely gone at 13mm).
  • 02-05-2010, 07:08 PM
    Greg McCary
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Erik is right I can't see much difference in the focusing of the two lenses. But the 12-60mm does perform some what better in low light.The reason I bought the 12-60mm was it was on craigslist at the lowest price I have seen so I jumped at it. I sold a 25mm pancake and my 14-54 to fund it. I figure my next purchase will be the next pro body, and then at least I will have the glass for it.
  • 02-05-2010, 07:58 PM
    Don Kondra
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    I sold my 14-54 to buy the 12-60. It wasn't too long before I purchased another 14-54. I find it marginally sharper in the studio and the focus is more accurate.

    To be fair, I now have a E-30 that can adjust for focus and will get around to it :)

    If the 50-200 was a bit smaller the 12-60 would be gone. I just haven't decided if the extra 6mm is worth the investment, eventually I may sell it to fund a 7-14..

    Cheers, Don
  • 02-05-2010, 08:38 PM
    Sushigaijin
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Having now shot with a BUNCH of ZD lenses, I think the perfect kit (vs. price) is the 7-14, 14-54, 50/2, 50-200. Sure, there are a lot of other great lenses.

    My 12-60 is decidedly sharper than my 14-54 was. I'm sure that sample variance plays a large part in which lens is sharper for what person. To be fair, they are both VERY sharp. I just wish that either of them were f/2.8 lenses - I find the variable aperture frustrating, especially in low light.
  • 02-06-2010, 09:57 AM
    Don Kondra
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    I should clarify, I do agree both lenses Are extremely sharp :)

    Now keep in mind I have not had the E-30 for long but it's higher iso performance has taken care of any reasonable low light issues I had.

    Cheers, Don
  • 02-08-2010, 07:29 AM
    SwampNut
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Quote:

    Having now shot with a BUNCH of ZD lenses, I think the perfect kit (vs. price) is the 7-14, 14-54, 50/2, 50-200. Sure, there are a lot of other great lenses.
    That is a good kit. I've thought about selling the 8mm and 11-22 for the cash to buy a 7-14, but I do love my 8mm a lot. I love fisheyes, what can I say?

    However your list really speaks to me and it's probably something I can work towards.

    I've rented the 7-14 and absolutely loved it.

    Someone on another forum suggested looking at the Sigma 18-50 which has a constant f2.8 aperture. That really sounds attractive, and the price is the same as the 14-54. I would trade the few mm at either end for the aperture, if it's as good in image quality.
  • 02-08-2010, 07:35 AM
    Iguanamom
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Since you have the wide end covered and aren't looking for a leave it on the camera all the time lens, I say the 14-54 is the one to go with. Since I was upgrading from the ancient 14-45 kit lens and had shot a 24mm with film for years, the 12-60 made sense for me. I love it and it rarely comes off the E-30, but I've heard 14-54 users say the same thing.
  • 03-01-2010, 08:37 AM
    SwampNut
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    I decided on the 14-54, which I picked up on eBay in mint condition for $310. Sold the 25mm which I never used, for $190. And sold the kit lens with the E-510 body (I just got the E-620). With the other lenses, this gives me a pretty useful kit, and while not being "the best" in ever category, every one of these lenses is fantastic.
  • 03-01-2010, 02:13 PM
    Greg McCary
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SwampNut
    I decided on the 14-54, which I picked up on eBay in mint condition for $310. Sold the 25mm which I never used, for $190. And sold the kit lens with the E-510 body (I just got the E-620). With the other lenses, this gives me a pretty useful kit, and while not being "the best" in ever category, every one of these lenses is fantastic.

    The 14-54mm is an awesome lens for the money. Probably the best bang for your buck. I am sure you will be very happy. I sold mine to fund the purchase of the 12-60mm and felt I was selling out an old friend. LOL
  • 03-23-2010, 07:56 AM
    SwampNut
    Re: Deciding between the 14-54 and 12-60 lenses
    Just a followup on this... I've only shot with the 14-54 a few times, but I do like it a lot. It works and looks great. I'm generally more of a wide angle shooter, so my 11-22 still gets the most time, but this really rounds out the kit very well.