[ Technical ] - Users' Review of Lenses for the Four Thirds' Platform

[headfonz]

RAW Conversion Comparison (Lightroom 3 beta), Export to JPEG 100%

Straight RAW conversion, no sharpening, no NR, WB correction
Left Image: ZD50-200+EC14 (70-280mm/f4-5) @ f4.9 (+0.6ev), 1/100 Right Image: ZD90-250 @ f5, 1/60 (+0.3ev)




RAW conversion, sharpen 100, radius 3, detail 25, no NR, WB correction
Left Image: ZD50-200+EC14 (70-280mm/f4-5) @ f4.9 (+0.6ev), 1/100 Right Image: ZD90-250 @ f5, 1/60 (+0.3ev)


user findings & notes

1. the 50-200's image quality suffered significantly with the EC14. resulting image quality is similar to Standard Grade lenses.
2. i found the AF performance of the 50-200 with EC14 to be a little slower. Some of the images with this setup had back-focusing. AF performance on 90-250 on E30 is fast and precise, not near SWD speed.
3. VF image of the 50-200 with EC14 is dimmer than a clean 50-200. VF image with 90-250 is very bright.
4. handling of the 90-250 can be quite cumbersome as zoom and focus rings on the wide lens barrel makes it difficult to turn, esp when shooting handheld. while the focus limiter was useful, i found its position a little too high to reach by touch.
5. weight of the lens is nicely balanced just back of the zoom ring, tripod collar is very stable with no play when locked. the tripod collar twist lock is strangely tiny for such a big lens.
6. the 90-250 is a heavy lens, while it can be used handheld, it is challenging to maintain a steady shooting position beyond a few minutes.

Conclusion and Thoughts
the 90-250 is superb optically and definitely worthy of being the flagship telephoto zoom of the E-system. the operation will take some getting used to and i will use it as a bunch of telephoto f2.8 primes rather than as a zoom lens. images are very sharp and has good contrast. the price, weight and size of the lens will put it out of reach for many non-pro users with the exception of birders. if given the opportunity to go on a photo expedition to the polar regions, safaris or the Galapagos, this will be my choice lens to rent or even purchase. great lens for sports too.

 

[shaoken]

Lens/Make/Model : 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens
Cost when bought : $550 (bought when new nearly 2 yrs back)

Your Thoughts : This lens is a very versatile lens for wildlife photography and also for portraiture photography.

Conclusion : I would recommend this lens for someone who is looking for a budget lens but with a long tele-zoom.

Rating : 8/10 for me. The problem is the slow focusing at times.

 

[headfonz]

Lens/Make/Model : Zuiko Digital 50mm F2 Macro on m4/3a Body with MMF1 adapter
Cost when bought : $650

This is a simple comparison tests of the highly regarded ZD50mm on m4/3s body. All shots are done Aperture priority mode, tripod mounted, center-weighted metering, +/-0 EV, highest quality JPEG, AWB, 2 sec self timer.


GF1 @ F2

E-P2 @ F2

This lens is used as a Control lens to benchmark some lenses that I will test on the m4/3s bodies.

Links to Full Sized Images

On GF1
@ F2 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766516342_azvW5-O-LB
@ F4 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766519150_LcSG2-O-LB
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766522365_Md3pN-O-LB


On E-P2
@ F2 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766565389_LkPWm-O-LB
@ F4 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766568745_EotKy-O-LB
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766571610_5psYj-O-LB

 

[headfonz]

Lens/Make/Model : Zuiko 50mm F1.8 MC on m4/3a Body with MF2 adapter
Cost when bought : $90 (used)

This is a simple comparison tests of the standard OM kit lens on m4/3s bodies. All shots are done Aperture priority mode, tripod mounted, center-weighted metering, +/-0 EV, highest quality JPEG, AWB, 2 sec self timer.


GF1 @ F1.8

E-P2 @ F1.8

User Notes:
1) for a $90 lens, it holds up really well against the ZD50/f2. Ghosting is visible at f1.8 and some softness at the corners.

2) built quality is fantastic, all parts are held together very strongly, focus movements are smooth and aperture clicks are deliberate.

3) at f5.6 onwards, the light levels tends to throw off the AWB. this is observed in all legacy lenses that was used on the 2 m4/3s bodies. The AWB correction in the EP2 is more aggresive than the GF1, and when combined with the default contrast by the EP2's jpeg engine, the WB correction is more 'Off' than the GF1. Wide open, the EP2's AWB is more accurate on the EP2.

Conclusion : This is the lens for my film camera, and at $90...its superb value for money. As a lens for the m4/3s bodies, its a pretty decent alternative for a fast telephoto for portraits and street shooting. a good used copy can be found easily online for a decent price. but if you like your corners sharp...the ZD35/f3.5 and ZD50/f2 are the the better candidates.

Links to Full Sized Images

On GF1
@ F1.8 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766509019_K4by2-O-LB
@ F4 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766519150_LcSG2-O-LB
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766522365_Md3pN-O-LB


On E-P2
@ F1.8 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766578898_v7MgE-O-LB
@ F4
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766574396_WycLe-O-LB

 

[headfonz]

Lens/Make/Model : S.Zuiko 35-70mm F3.5-4.8 Auto-Zoom on m4/3a Body with MF2 adapter
Cost when bought : Loaner lens from Olympus

This is a simple comparison tests of the standard budget OM zoom lens on m4/3s bodies. This is a late release for the OM system and is not considered a true OM lens as it is manufactured by Cosina for Olympus. All shots are done Aperture priority mode, tripod mounted, center-weighted metering, +/-0 EV, highest quality JPEG, AWB, 2 sec self timer.


GF1 @ F3.5

E-P2 @ F3.5

User Notes:
1) Poor performance overall, no surprises here.

2) built quality is decent, but pales in comparison to the 'True' OM50/f1.8 and OM135/f3.5. construction is very much lighter than the 'True' OM lenses.

Conclusion : Nothing much to see here. Hopefully I'll get to try out the very rare OM 35-80/f2.8 in this lifetime, that lens was reportedly to be so good it was rebranded as a Sinar lens for medium format digital photography in the 1990s. perhaps that lens will put some of today's SLR lenses to shame?

Links to Full Sized Images

On GF1
@ F3.5 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/photos/766525989_EbDnw-X3.jpg
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/photos/766556743_YuKXj-X3.jpg


On E-P2
@ F3.5 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/photos/766590048_cceB5-X3.jpg
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/photos/766588003_MV8t3-X3.jpg

 

[headfonz]

Lens/Make/Model : Lumix 20mm/f1.7
Cost when bought : $1190 with GF1

This is a simple comparison tests of the Lumix 20mm on different m4/3s body. All shots are done Aperture priority mode, tripod mounted, center-weighted metering, +/-0 EV, highest quality JPEG, AWB, 2 sec self timer.


GF1 @ F1.7

E-P2 @ F1.7

User notes: Seems that the E-P2 does not correct the lens vignetting as much as the GF1.

Links to Full Sized Images

On GF1
@ F1.7 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766551579_Qqe7D-O-LB
@ F4 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766545162_VWb7C-O-LB
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/m43-Lens-Tests-GF1/10967755_cSjER#766547554_RCFcH-O-LB


On E-P2
@ F1.7 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766580714_b7aAY-O-LB
@ F4 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766582857_mKqiH-O-LB
@ F5.6 http://sociomedia.smugmug.com/Field-Test-and-Reviews/Lens-Tests/EP2/10968499_uD8ih#766585138_jgxsV-O-LB

 

[hope107fm]

Lens/Make/Model: Olympus ZD 9-18mm F4.0-5.6
Price when bought: $790 from Alan Photo (Jan 2010)

Here are three photos taken with the lens, straight from the camera and unprocessed except for resizing.

My Thoughts: This ultra-wide angle lens (18 - 36mm in 35mm equivalent) is light (280g)and compact and balances well on the E620 body. It's pretty sharp for the price class and gives good colours as seen from the above unprocessed images. It is a great lens to bring along on a holiday and is marginally bigger than the 40-150mm lens. It also has a metal lens mount.

Conclusion: Although this is a standard-grade lens I feel it delivers more than acceptable image quality and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The tipping point for me is the size and weight for a lens with this wide angle.

Rating: I would give it a 8.5 rating.

 

[Sispecho]

Lens/Make/Model: Olympus Zuiko Digital 14-42 3.5-5.6
Price when bought: It comes with the e620

taken at f4, and i dnt even need to do any sharpening. Pardon the lousy watermark.



My Thoughts: If im not mistaken none has reviewed this lens here. Im gonna give it some due credit.

I brought the e620 out with this lens to a recent shoot, and was amazed at the quality of this lens. Though its olympus' standard (entry level) offering, I dare say the IQ in some circumstance could challenge the Canon 17-40L considering its lightweight, compactness andmost importantly price. From experience, the lens suffers quite a bit from higher contra areas showing some CA, but its nothing too serious. I have never used the Olympus higher grade lenses, but see little reason to upgrade as this lens is definitely a keeper, unless i need the SWD or a faster lens. I have not used many brands extensively, but i can say for its specs, it beats Canon's kit lenses hands down (please dnt flame me its in my opinion the honest truth).

And the lens is SHARP, even wide open, and that puzzles me.

Conclusion: small sharp lens. one of the better built kit lenses, comes with the hood unlike Canon. Af focus could have been a little faster, but hey its too cheap youll be ashamed to have asked for more.

Rating: 9/10 Works to spec and surpassed my expectations but could have had a faster focus...

 

[Goenitz2009]

Lens/Make/Model : 7-14mm f4 Zuiko Digital Lens
Cost when bought : (2nd hand)

My Thoughts : This lens is 14-28mm equivalent on 35mm format and what I felt special about this lens is not the UWA capability that this 7-14 has always been raved about - In fact, I like this lens because of its sharpness and details rendition. After comparing with images taken by the 5D2 / Sigma 12-24 combo really makes me think that Olympus is one of the best lens maker. I only wish Olympus would come out with a higher MP body to fully utilize this lens. The 7-14 ZD always renders beautiful blue skies and is truly the ultimate landscape lens in the Olympus lineup.

Conclusion : This lens alone makes me ditch C for O... Need I say more?

Rating : Get ready to be roasted by your gf/wife for buying such an expensive lens and taking ugly closeup shots of her!~

 

[Goenitz2009]

Lens/Make/Model : 14-35mm f2 Zuiko Digital Lens
Cost when bought : (PM me if you wish to know)

My Thoughts : People often feel the price of this 14-35mm is too ridiculous, and then citing its 'smallish zoom range', 'f2 only (?!) and 'weight' as the main deterrents in not getting it... Well, to think of it, where can we find a 28-70mm equivalent with I.S. (other brands have none), f2 (others have 2.8), full weather-sealing, all in a 900g package (others 24-70 is close to 1kg)? This 14-35 is worth every bits of penny. You can use it with confidence due to the sturdy and robust built. You can say bye to post processing as the images taken with this lens is simply out of the world.

Conclusion: Life is short and if you really come across something really special, just like this 14-35mm, just go grab it. Live without regrets.

Rating : 9/10 - minus 1 because this lens takes a few steps in finding focus in dim conditions. Nevertheless, once it focuses, it never misses. At least on my E-3.

 

[Goenitz2009]

Lens/Make/Model : 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD ZD
Cost when bought : $1300 (2nd hand)

200mm wide-open (forgot to stop down to get more sharpness)

147mm f/4)

200mm f/4.5

My Thoughts : Scaringly sharp wide open at all zoom lengths, beautiful bokeh, 3D output, vibrant colours without overdoing, SWD focussing, can be aided by I.S. (E-3), all in a relatively lighter package than other brands' 100-400 equivalent.

Conclusion: Another lens which make me decide to jump to Olympus. Once you have 7-14 and this 50-200, you are set to go; these may be the only 2 lenses you need to cover 14-400mm without putting a dent in your bag as well as your wallet.

Rating : 9.5/10 - Solid all-rounder performer. Good to use for zoo, safari and flower photography, but for birding I'd recommend attaching an EC.

 

[soma]

Lens/Make/Model : 25mm f2.8 pancake lens (regular 4/3 Zuiko Digital Lens)
Cost when bought : Bought as a package with the E-420 (used)

Test image from the 25mm pancake lens :

Olympus E 420 with Pancake lens 25mm f2.8
ISO 800 Monotone Sharpness +2 Contrast +2
Expose +1
Handheld 1/15 @ f2.8


My Thoughts : The setup is light, small & don't cost a bomb. The white balance in low light is not as good as the Sony Nex 5 but for the price of the camera on a second hand market is a steal. It could well replace my film camera for shooting casual B/W.

Conclusion:The camera setup don't get a chance to sit in the dry cabinet like my old D2x setup.

Rating : Although many has complain on the lens quality, i would like to rate this lens a 9 for the size, image quality a 7.5 and price a 9.9

 

[microcosm]

Lens/Make/Model : M.Zuiko 9-18mm ultrawide zoom (micro Four Thirds mount)
Cost when bought : NA

Your Thoughts : Currently there are only two ultra wide zooms for the Micro Four Thirds platform, and the other is the more expensive 7-14mm f4 lens from Panasonic. This one, the 9-18mm is the cheaper brother of the Panasonic, and was released a few months after the 7-14mm for those who do not want the 7-14mm. (Perspective distortion is extreme on the 7-14mm, and not an easy lens to master and control).

Let's focus on the 9-18m.

The 9-18mm is a superb walk about lens because it covers a very useful focal length (based on 135 format, it is 18mm - 36mm, ultra wide to moderate wide). For some photojournalists, 35mm is considered the "standard lens" and not the 50mm because it covers a little more environment when shooting street, and tells the story better.

Distortion is minimum on the 9-18mm, even the perspective distortion. It is much easier to use and compose, and one major benefit is that it focus faster than most m4/3 (Micro Four Thirds) lenses, at least when tested on the E-P1/2/L1. Perspective distortion can be a real pain for those who are not familiar with ultra wide... if you shoot a person on the widest end in portrait mode, and fill the frame, the person will look stretched with a conical head, not very pleasant to look at. And it creates a depth so dramatic, it might end up working against the image. (Though there are loads of benefits when used rightly, like interior architecture photography, making spaces look a lot bigger than it seems).

Weight is another benefit of this lens. Being a "standard grade lens" from Olympus, it is not built to be like a tank with equally tank like materials that make the lens overly heavy. Very very good if you are on a holiday with the family and not wanting to lug a heavy camera set up. This is one of those "one lens for the whole trip" lens. It focuses quite closely in case you want detailed shot of things you see.

Color renders especially well on all Tatsuno (maker of all things Zuiko) ultrawide lens and this lens deliver colors exceptionally well. Blues is always a very very good color on Olympus, and the lens delivers skies that are so amazingly beautiful. Little post processing is needed if the image is exposed correctly. The PEN series cameras, especially the later versions delivers good quality with this lens.

Conclusion : I think anyone who owns a Four Thirds camera and not have a 7-14mm should (MUST!) buy this lens. There aren't any reason why not to own this lens because it is a joy to use, light to carry around, covers a superb focal length that makes sense.

Rating : 8/10 for this lens. (-1) for build quality as I still prefer a well built lens anyway, despite the weight and (-1) for the small aperture which makes it a little tough for handheld nightshooting in low light environment. Otherwise... it is a brilliant little lens.

 

[microcosm]

Lens/Make/Model : Panasonic 45-200mm telezoom (micro Four Thirds mount)
Cost when bought : Product Test Unit, courtesy of uncle Mike.

All images above were shot at longest end (200mm), handheld, shot on Panasonic G1
Processed on Silkypix RAW developer and sharpened in Photoshop.

Your thoughts : A highly portable, long reach lens from Panasonic created for the micro Four Thirds platform. Priced at an incredibly affordable $500 (thereabouts) this is perhaps one of the most useful lens from Panasonic even though there were many reports that this lens is soft and colors aren't that fantastic. I had to push the colors in Silkypix a little to bring out the colors and apply some sharpening in Photoshop to bring out the best in the lens, and well, it can be done.

I am not crazy about Panasonic products especially the MEGA OIS in lens stabilization system. Personally, I think in lens IS is not going to be as good as sensor based in camera IS. I get far better results on Olympus bodies when it comes to IS. And I do suspect that a lot of "softness" in the 45-200mm comes from camera shake rather than the lens being soft wide open. All the samples above were shot wide open at the longest end. Colors are Panasonic G1's body faults. The firmware and processing engine is to blame, but it can be fixed by shooting RAW and processing it in Silkypix or other similar RAW developers software.

Conclusion : Though I am not crazy about this lens (since I am a hardcore 50-200mm SWD user), but if you don't have a long telezoom and you are a micro Four Thirds user, you have not much choice. The lightweight and long reach of this lens means you have to bear in mind camera shake at all times when you are shooting. Don't take the in-lens stabilization for granted because it is not all that effective in my opinion. But this lens can produce decent images. More than decent if you understand this lens well. Shoot it slightly under-exposed, in good light, and held steady, all will be good.

Rating : I will have to give it a 6.
-1 for being too lightweight. Long lenses have to be a little heavy for steady hand holding.
-1 for in lens IS, which is not very effective.
-1 for small aperture. Faster lenses are easier to shoot handheld.
-1 for being crappy in low light. Almost cannot be used.
-1 for its finishing. But this is personal.

+1 for its price and reach.
+ "feel good" knowing Panasonic is serious about building lenses.

 

[trelch]

Lens/Make/Model : M.Zuiko 9-18mm ultrawide zoom (micro Four Thirds mount)
Cost when bought : 2nd Hand

Pictures are all uncrop, and comes straight out of camera. This will give you an idea of what some of the additional focal length can do. All pictures at ISO200, F6.3, 1/400s

9mm

12mm

14mm

18mm

Your Thoughts : This is the lens i wished I had when i was traveling, and missed so many full pictures of famous landscapes, which makes me scout for one. It focuses fast on a bright day, but the only setback is that is is not bright enough for interiors. Much cheaper than the other Ultra Wide, the 7-14mm, i find this lense very useful, and lightweight for travel.

Conclusion : Essential for Travel, especially if you like to capture images of landscape.

Rating : 8/10 for this lens. Lightweight, wide. Some barrel distortion at wide angel, but at least i get the entire landscape.

 

[trelch]

Lens/Make/Model : M.Zuiko 45mm 1.8 (micro Four Thirds mount)
Cost when bought : 2nd Hand

Picture crop for size, and Jpeg straight out of camera. Taken at at ISO200, F5.0, Aperture mode

Your Thoughts : This lens is a very sharp, and very useful to take head and shoulder shots. It gives a sharp subject and a pleasing creamy background when pictures are taken with lens open wide. The build is plastic with a metallic mount, yet doesn't seem flimsy. In silver colour, it goes very well with a silver camera, and is rather small and lightweight. Even though it is very fast to focus, the only setback is that it sometimes misses the focus and you will have to fidget with it to get the shot.

Conclusion : Very useful for protraits.

Rating : 9/10 for this lens. Lightweight, wide and fast and quiet, and relatively affordable. Most of the output from this lens is pleasing.