Author Topic: Oly 45/1.8. I think I'm going to like this. (Read 1242 times)

Jman · « **on:** December 01, 2011, 08:15:16 AM »

Got my 45/1.8 today from Norman Camera (awesome service...ordered yesterday afternoon, got shipment notification within 45 minutes and the lens was here at 8:00 this morning.

)

First impressions: I didn't realize how tiny this lens is. it's SMALL. I don't have my Nokton anymore, but I'd say it's about the same size as the Nokton 40/1.4 with the adapter. It might be a smidge longer, but it's quite tiny. MUCH smaller than the Panny 45/2.8 and 25/1.4.

Build is solid, though the focus ring feels cheap. It feels like very thin plastic. Other than that, it's well constructed. The vast majority of the lens is plastic, except for the metal mount and the front ring with the blue stripe, which is metal. Glass looks beautiful.

I've only taken a few test shots around the office, but as anyone who's seen other photos posted with this lens here and in reviews knows, it's a very sharp lens, straight from wide open, and it focuses fast. I'll post a bunch of photos in the lens archive once I've had a chance to shoot with it, but this already seems like such a great little lens!

On my GH2 (taken with my iPhone 4S):

Jman · « **Reply #1 on:** December 01, 2011, 10:29:01 AM »

So I got a chance at lunch to take a few quick shots. Now I KNOW I'm going to like this lens. Very sharp straight from wide open, and at f/2.8-f/4, it's among the sharpest lenses I've ever used. Absolutely tack sharp from the extreme corners in. I don't know if I've ever owned a lens this sharp in the corners.

With this and the Leica 25/1.4, I have two of the best primes I've ever owned (and I've owned some good ones...the Canon 85/1.2L, 100/2.8L IS, Sigma 50/1.4, Canon 100/2). This and the 25/1.4 are right up there with the best of them. Fantastic lens. There is a little longitudinal CA, though it doesn't appear to be too problematic. Bokeh is nice. Not the best I've used, but good, and color response is very natural. Love it. So glad I got this!

delhaye · « **Reply #2 on:** December 01, 2011, 10:45:11 AM »

...there's nothing not to like about this lens.

Enjoy it!!

lisandra · « **Reply #3 on:** December 01, 2011, 10:58:46 AM »

very sharp

Jman · « **Reply #4 on:** December 01, 2011, 01:22:38 PM »

If anyone is interested in a size comparison...here it is next to the Leica 45/2.8 macro, which isn't exactly a huge lens (not that it's extra small either).

corgifan · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2011, 03:27:01 PM »

Very impressive results. I checked and the price isn't bad either. I may have to consider that as a Christmas present for someone special: Me!

Doug

Jman · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2011, 04:55:18 PM »

Ok....so, um...this lens is awesome. Went home and took some snaps of my favorite subject, and while I only had a limited time, while she was eating, since I got home a little late from work, you can at least judge the lens, and WOW. I'm majorlyimpressed. I'm trying to think if this might be the best portrait length lens I've ever owned (and I've owned the 85L, 135L, 100L). It's really incredible considering how small and unassuming the lens is. Crazy. Some samples (not my best work, but what are you going to do). All crops are straight from Lightroom, with only the LR default sharpening (which overcomes the AA filter). Usually I do a pass of unsharp mask after conversion when I'm done with the file, but these are so sharp I don't think it's needed except for print or upon resize.

All of these are wide open at f/1.8:

#1:

#2:

100% crop of above:

#3:

#4:

100% crop of above:

#5:

voyager · « **Reply #7 on:** December 01, 2011, 09:45:25 PM »

That lens is really small, I hadn't noticed before how small it really is.

peterb666 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2011, 12:14:59 AM »

Quote from: voyager on December 01, 2011, 09:45:25 PM

That lens is really small, I hadn't noticed before how small it really is.

It is about the same size as my Schneider 40mm f/1.9 but weighs in a lot less. The Schneider is designed for a 24x24mm frame (Robot Star format 35mm).

lisandra · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2011, 12:31:30 AM »

looks weird on the GH2, but the results cant be argued with, it is sharp. If you want to let go of that 45mm macro for half price ill take it off your hands!!

cosinaphile · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2011, 07:56:27 AM »

without question , this will be the next lens i get for m 4\3......as was said wonderfully sharp , but it also has a wonderful blur, your daughter is a natural
as these great shots further prove , it seems to be the definitive portrait lens

Oly 45/1.8. I think I'm going to like this.