Olympus 4/3 Lenses Questions

[supercelts7]

First, some info:

I am a beginner. I shoot wildlife and mountains mostly.


Why are they so expensive compared to Nikon & Canon fit lenses and is there a cheaper option?
Looking at my signature and the equipment I own; do you think I'd be better selling and starting again?

[kuvahmagh]

In terms of cost you can look at Sigma, they make lenses for the 4/3 mount as opposed to the Olympus branded lenses.

As for selling and starting over again I'm not sure why you would unless you are looking for a specific product that you can't find in the Olympus line up.

[supercelts7]

Originally Posted by kuvahmagh

In terms of cost you can look at Sigma, they make lenses for the 4/3 mount as opposed to the Olympus branded lenses.

As for selling and starting over again I'm not sure why you would unless you are looking for a specific product that you can't find in the Olympus line up.

Was just wondering if having £1200 worth of entry-level gear (with a variety of lenses) was better than having a better quality camera with one good lens.

Ta for the Sigma advice - will look into that.

[kuvahmagh]

Originally Posted by supercelts7

Was just wondering if having £1200 worth of entry-level gear (with a variety of lenses) was better than having a better quality camera with one good lens.

Ta for the Sigma advice - will look into that.

I'm in the same position myself having an E-410, 14-42 Kit and 40-150 Kit. I do a lot of Racing Photography so both these lenses are seriously lacking. The maximum aperture is something like 3.5. I can get excellent results during daylight but for the Night Shooting I enjoy I end up at 1600 ISO which is difficult to recover at times with the noise levels (I refuse to use a Flash for a variety of reasons). I'm looking at getting a Sigma 70-200 2.8, It will cost me $1200 but I like the 4/3 system and the 410 is still a useful body for what I do. So basically, IMO I would stick with your body and the system and look into 3rd party options such as Sigma to overcome areas that the kit lenses are not working for you.

I would also like to point out that Olympus Kit Lenses are not bad at all in terms of Optical Quality, like I said the only reason I am looking at another lens is for the aperture.

[supercelts7]

Originally Posted by kuvahmagh

I'm in the same position myself having an E-410, 14-42 Kit and 40-150 Kit. I do a lot of Racing Photography so both these lenses are seriously lacking. The maximum aperture is something like 3.5. I can get excellent results during daylight but for the Night Shooting I enjoy I end up at 1600 ISO which is difficult to recover at times with the noise levels (I refuse to use a Flash for a variety of reasons). I'm looking at getting a Sigma 70-200 2.8, It will cost me $1200 but I like the 4/3 system and the 410 is still a useful body for what I do. So basically, IMO I would stick with your body and the system and look into 3rd party options such as Sigma to overcome areas that the kit lenses are not working for you.

I would also like to point out that Olympus Kit Lenses are not bad at all in terms of Optical Quality, like I said the only reason I am looking at another lens is for the aperture.

I suppose I do have enough equipment to cover most situations and will probably just stick with my kit.

I also hate using flash, mainly because it annoys the hell out of (and blinds) my subjects, if we are camping and it is pitch-black. And I would love to do more low-light shooting but I'm finding that the shutter won't fire in many low-light situations, in a variety of modes. I know this is almost certainly down to my inexperience with the exposure triangle, so if you know the reason for this, please let me know.

[Raigoki]

i have the same sentiments regarding prices of lens for 4/3... especially for Ultra Wide Angle lens... Zuiko 7-14mm(eq. 14-28mm) compared to 10-20mm(eq.16-32mm) of canon...

IMO, i would not chage system if you're shooting wildlife... (talk about the 2x focal length multiplier of 4/3 system) imagine a sigma 300-800mm fit with olympus. would be equivalent to 600-1600mm... (not sure though if you can still add a 2x teleconverter...)

i would sell my stuff if i'm focusing more on Low light photography/ long exposure.

[supercelts7]

Was window shopping on eBay the other day and I came across a Prinzflex 135mm/f2.8 manual focus lens at........£33!!

Now, like yourselves, I was thinking, "What's wrong with it?" and I wasn't setting my sights to high with regards to quality.

Anyway, the lens arrived this morning and (in my novice opinion), the quality is superior to my Zuiko Digital lenses, albeit that I have to sacrifice AF.

[windrider86]

I do admit the lenses cost a bit more but in my opinion are well worth it.
Selling all your equipment, well thats a decision only you can make but I sure wouldnt.
You can also purchase om lenses. I have gotten several off of Ebay for the tune of say 50 bucks!
I do admit that lower light situations are a bit more challenging but in my opinion it just makes you a better photographer!