Author Topic: Panasonic 45-200mm worth it? (Read 2598 times)

rudegus604 · « **on:** February 18, 2010, 06:04:25 PM »

I've heard mixed reviews about this lens. Anyone have it? Opinions?

I've never used a telephoto before. But this lens is cheap and available readily in my area. Let me know

gareth · « **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2010, 07:01:48 PM »

I have one.
http://e-p1.net/index.php?topic=1324.0

Apart from one or two prime lenses, I always bring two lenses in my hiking trips:
- Olympus MZD ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6
- Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200mm f4.0-5.6 Mega OIS

I personally think that the 45-200 has favorable performance / price ratio. It's not a fast tele lens though. Don't expect it to excel at sports event on a very gloomy day or in an indoor concert. However, it's nice for my purposes:

- Sometimes, I need the perspective to take portrait / head shots

45mm - f/5.0 - 1/200 sec - ISO 200 (-0.3EV)

84mm - f/5.0 - 1/250 sec - ISO 800

- Sometimes I'd need to keep a distance so not to alert the fauna

189mm - f/5.6 - 1/80 sec - ISO 1000 (-0.7EV)

- Sometimes I have to keep a distance from the fauna

200mm - f/5.6 - 1/160 sec - ISO 800 - (-0.3EV)

200mm - f/5.6 - 1/160 sec - ISO 800 - (-0.7EV)

Quote from: rudegus604 on February 18, 2010, 06:04:25 PM

I've never used a telephoto before. But this lens is cheap and available readily in my area. Let me know

Why wait ...

rudegus604 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2010, 07:59:47 PM »

Thanks for not only the insight but the great example pics gareth. They look great. Pretty sharp even at the long end. Very nice.

shtang8 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2010, 09:28:09 PM »

gareth, nice shots. Another lens tempting me.

rudegus604 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2010, 10:10:22 PM »

agreed shtang. its tempting for sure. still on the fence tho.

peterb666 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 19, 2010, 04:09:37 AM »

I have the Panasonic 45-200mm zoom to complement my Olympus 14-42 and Panasonic 20mm lens (and an odd collection of manual lenses).

The Panasonic 45-200mm is good value and a reasonable performer. You do get good bang for buck with moderately quick focusing, good contrast and sharpness.

The lens can be caught out by flare but I would still rate it as fairly well controlled.

The close focus distance is 1m and there is no macro mode. It would have been nice if it could have focussed a bit closer, say 0.5 or 0.6m.

Aperture is fairly standard.

Build quality is as you would expect for the price.

The fly by wire focus ring is quite good once you get use to it. Better than the Olympus 14-42.

If you have a modest budget, the 45-200 is an ideal choice, in fact for the time being, it is the only choice to cover that zoom range.

shtang8 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2010, 10:46:47 PM »

rudegus, where can you get it in Vanc and how much? I am intersted in this one too.
Thanks.

voyager · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2010, 12:06:54 PM »

Your only other option is really the adapted 40-150mm so I would say it's worth buying.

cosinaphile · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2010, 07:33:42 PM »

its a good lens

shtang8 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 24, 2010, 07:56:12 AM »

Yes, it's better than getting the adapter. My next lens for sure. I don't get an OK form my wife though.

Panasonic 45-200mm worth it?