Author Topic: Considering E-P3, but which bundle to get (lenses)? (Read 1530 times)

ZeroSteve · « **on:** December 07, 2011, 12:33:07 PM »

Hi guys,

I'm looking to replace my Fuji X100 which has been great to me these past 6 months, but I'm starting to get a bit frustrated with the slow autofocus and the lack of focal length options (it's fixed 35mm equiv., FYI). I do have a DSLR which I've been shooting for a few years and I continue to use that, but I need something smaller for the pocket (cargo pants/jacket) and quiet'er than the mirror slap offered by my Nikon

The E-P3 with either VF-2 or VF-3 seems like a good option. I prefer a black E-P3, but it seems VF-3 is only available in silver, so I wonder how that will look...?

Anyway, what bundle should I get? Locally, prices are as follows:

E-P3 with 14-42mm and 40-150mm kit lenses: €1200 ($1600)
E-P3 with 17mm f2.8 pancake: €740 ($990)
E-P3 with 14-42mm kit lens: €799 ($1070)

I'm a bit all over the place in terms of what I'm shooting, to be honest. I'm used to the 23mm f2 (35mm equiv.) on the X100, and when I'm just out and about with my Nikon I'm using the 35mm f1.8 (52mm equiv.), so I'm guessing the 17mm pancake on E-P3 will be nice. On the other hand, it would probably be nice to have 14-42mm available, but I don't know if the lens is generally too slow? I like blurry backgrounds (bokeh) and a fast lens for indoor shooting, so I'm guessing since m4/3 sensors are smaller than APS-C, that I need something really fast on E-P3 to give me as much creamy bokeh as possible.

It's a jungle regarding the adaptors, I think. Not sure when autofocus will work and not etc. I only have one existing lens with an aperture ring on, the Nikon 50mm f1.8, but I'm guessing it'll only work with manual focus on E-P3, since this lens does not have a built-in motor?

Bottom line: Are the kit lenses for E-P3 so much rubbish that I'd want to replace them sooner rather than later anyway, so I might as well just buy the bundle with 17mm pancake so I have something somewhat-fast and small, and then buy an expensive lens later on?

Thanks

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2011, 02:29:47 PM »

1st... Welcome....

Lots of choices here....

as far as Kit lens IQ....
They are good, or very good... I have the 1st version of the Olympus 14-42mm (filter mount rotates with focusing), the IQ is very good from close up to about 25', then best to shoot at f/8. I use it as gerneral lens anyway, and most of my stuff with are within the range I mentioned. (The Panasonic X 14-42 maybe a better Kit option.. it is touted as a higher quality kit lens than past ones)..

as far as the primes....
you have a nice selection also... 12mm, 14mm, 17mm 20mm, 45mm

I personally like the 14mm, 20mm and 14-42 as my native lenses... I may get a 45mm f/1.8, but I have a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FL totally overhauled as my fast portrait lens..
I like the 28mm FOV over the 35mm FOV, and the 40mm FOV over the 50mm FOV...

If you like the 17mm as primary lens (34mm FOV), then the 12mm may a better way to go... BTW, Noktor? will have a 12mm 1.4 I think for under $500.00.. Or an Oly 9mm-18mm zoom down the road as your ultra to normal wide...

I'd say, maybe the 17mm, Oly 14-42, and Panasonic X 45-175.... 35mm, 28-84mm, 90-350mm

BUT, start with the Kit, and or 1 other prime... and get used them, if you need too....

Time will tell what the best lenses will be anyway... you may want the smaller camera for other types of subjects, that you want to retire your Nikon from...

mynameisjonas · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2011, 04:45:22 AM »

The thing with the 17mm is that it focuses slow, even on the E-P3, so you may not notice much improvement over the X100. The 14-42mm focuses lightning quick, but it isn't exactly pocketable, and you can't get much bokeh action with it unless you get really close to your subject.

I would recommend the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7. You can't get it in a kit with the E-P3 of course, but it's by far the best choice for good (great, even) quality in a pocketable package.

count_zero · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2011, 02:06:06 PM »

If you can't get EP-3 body only, then get the 17mm as bundled kit. Wait a week and get the 12-60mm instead of the 14-42mm kit.

peterb666 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2011, 01:56:03 AM »

Quote from: mynameisjonas on December 09, 2011, 04:45:22 AM

The thing with the 17mm is that it focuses slow, even on the E-P3, so you may not notice much improvement over the X100. The 14-42mm focuses lightning quick, but it isn't exactly pocketable, and you can't get much bokeh action with it unless you get really close to your subject.

I would recommend the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7. You can't get it in a kit with the E-P3 of course, but it's by far the best choice for good (great, even) quality in a pocketable package.

Well I have the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and the Olympus E-P3 and the focus on the Panasonic is also slow. In addition, it is also very noisy. If you have to buy ASAP, I would start off with the kit zoom. If you want nice bokeh, add the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 which is a simply gorgeous lens and great for portrait work.

If you can wait, see what happens with the rumoured 12-60mm zoom. It won't be pocketable but if the lens is going to be bundled with the E-P3, then it should be a good bit of kit.

mynameisjonas · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2011, 02:31:49 AM »

Quote from: peterb666 on December 10, 2011, 01:56:03 AM

Well I have the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 and the Olympus E-P3 and the focus on the Panasonic is also slow. In addition, it is also very noisy.

True, but it is quicker than the 17mm, plus it's sharper and more than a stop faster. I just get the feeling that if you're going from an X100 to an E-P3 + 17mm and expecting some kind of improvement, you might be disappointed.

voyager · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2011, 02:57:27 PM »

You definitely won't see an improvement with the 17mm. Or with the E-P3. Are you set on Olympus or would you consider the new Panasonic GX1?

mynameisjonas · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2011, 09:45:57 AM »

Quote from: voyager on December 10, 2011, 02:57:27 PM

You definitely won't see an improvement with the 17mm. Or with the E-P3. Are you set on Olympus or would you consider the new Panasonic GX1?

That depends on which aspect you're looking to improve. ZeroSteve said he was frustrated with the AF and the lack of focal length options. In those areas, the E-P3 is a vast improvement. But yeah, the GX1 is probably an even better choice.

lisandra · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2011, 03:41:40 PM »

Get the ep3 with the 20 mm if you can swing it, and wait for the 12-60 that's coming out this wensday . 2 more days!

cosinaphile · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2011, 03:53:17 PM »

the best i q from a kit zoom for m 43 was from the first panny 14-45.imho.. i use a lot of adapted glass on my ep1....works perfectly in A mode and m mode
i shoot more with the x 100 than with micro 43 these days
i find the iq to be stellar and dont find af worse than my ep1

but that may change when i finally upgrade to an ep3 or gx1 or the rumored pen pro

wecome here

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #10 on:** December 11, 2011, 04:00:56 PM »

Also if IBS VS ILS is a concern, ..... Then Lisandra has a great starter kit.... similar to the X100, kinda not much difference between a 35 and 40 IMO... IBS works with any lens mounted...
But, the GX1 may have better IQ if it is rivals the G3 IQ...

Considering E-P3, but which bundle to get (lenses)?